Blog Keywords | Illinois Extension

Spending locally first ensures roads are safe for travel in winter.

What does it take to keep our roads clear . . . and how do we pay for it?

January 14, 2022

In Illinois, we’re familiar with the phrase “A winter weather advisory is in effect for your region.” Snow has blanketed the state from north to south and more snow is predicted. Winter storms can bring bitterly cold temperatures, heavy snow, and icy roads. We rely on...

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winter effects on power grid reduced with power grid meter

Perfect storm crashes Texas power grid; Can it happen here?

March 4, 2021

The massive mid-February 2021 winter storm brought dangerous cold, snow and ice to a large portion of the country. The effects were felt from southeast Texas to northern Ohio as the storm lifted from the Gulf Coast to the Ohio Valley. “This brutal winter weather, and our ability to withstand it,...

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Same storm, different boat

November 25, 2020

In an August 2020 article, Johns Hopkins Medicine addressed coronavirus fatigue, or “burnout”, as a...

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Housing strategies for economic development in Central Illinois

November 7, 2020

Morton Economic Development Council and Morton Chamber of Commerce identified “the advancement of its economic development efforts” and the “creation of a livable community for all” as key priorities, and subsequently...

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In a word, resilient

April 16, 2020

Life has been doling out lemons to our small, locally owned businesses, so they are busy making lemonade. While social distancing, they are thinking outside the box, engaging through social media, transitioning to online shopping, and identifying new ways to interact with their customers. They are...

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Financial first aid for small business: SBA Disaster Assistance

March 19, 2020

Many small business owners, especially those required to close, are wondering how to finance their businesses during these difficult times. This series, Financial First Aid, will provide accurate and credible information for small business owners attempting to...

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Vacancies In Business Districts

February 26, 2020

A word list to cover all challenges that local economies face would be an interesting group exercise. I have recently focused on topics like building vacancies, business closures and recovery from disasters. Please see these and other articles on our...

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Banding Together for your Local Economy

February 4, 2020

Working and living in small towns makes business closures personal for community leaders. Whether the reason is owner retirement, changing trends or international competition, closures stick with us. Communities suffer each loss in tax revenue, jobs, leadership and morale. To address the voids,...

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Community Resiliency