Community Development

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Money Smart for Small Business

January 12, 2026 - April 6, 2026

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Fulton

Mason

Peoria

Tazewell

Blog Posts

Scrabble pieces spelling the word Leadership

Community Leadership for Rural Illinois

November 3, 2025

In the realm of community development, discussions about creating leadership opportunities in rural American communities abound. Some advocate for...

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Boost your brand: Marketing for small-business owners

September 3, 2025

Running a small business is no easy feat. With a never-ending to-do list, promotional planning often takes a backseat. Unfortunately, this lack of...

Elmwood gears up for increased tourism with Illinois Extension

August 20, 2025

Elmwood is a small town in west central Peoria County, with a population close to 2,000 people. It has a wealth of cultural arts and natural assets...

IL-EATS provides ‘home-cooked’ goodness for Illinois veterans at The Joseph Center

July 4, 2025

The journey home for some military veterans isn’t without its own battles. The Joseph Center...

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News Releases

Destenie Sullivan moderating discussion panel with three grocery store owners

October 31, 2025

University of Illinois Extension Hosts First Annual Independent Grocer Summit
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development team hosted the first Southern Illinois Food Access Annual Independent Grocer Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at John A. Logan College. The summit welcomed 30 participants,...

October 6, 2025

Stop the exodus of the youngest and brightest talent from rural communities: A community discussion
HAVANA, Ill. - Rural communities have so much to offer, yet the population continues declining across the state. City leaders in Canton, Illinois, have taken action to try to change the trend. Canton community members and all neighboring community members are invited to join the conversation to...

Master Gardeners looking at landscape simulation technology

September 16, 2025

2025 Master Gardener Conference celebrates 50 years of growth, connection  
URBANA, Ill. — Some moments of legacy are written down, others branch off the page beneath the canopy of a shady tree, in the scent of fresh herbs rubbed between fingertips, through butterfly-sculpted glass...

group of college students standing at the front of a classroom

August 26, 2025

Elmwood gears up for increased tourism with Illinois Extension
PEORIA, Ill. - Elmwood is a small town in west central Peoria County, with a population close to 2,000 people. It has a wealth of cultural arts and natural assets that attract tourists. Students in the Sustainability and Rural Tourism course in the University of Illinois Department of Recreation...

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Videos

Community Benefits Program

Your community is not at the whim of renewable energy developers. Companies who want to build in your area are often obligated to partner with you to provide economic and community development benefits. Join this webinar to learn more about these Community Benefits programs and how you can make...