32nd Annual Statewide Conference in Illinois

The 32^nd annual Illinois statewide rural community and economic development conference will be held virtually this year on February 24 and 25. (See the following announcement) It is a shortened schedule but it contains the usual high-quality speakers that should be of interest to many rural groups beyond Illinois.

For example, Stephen McCusker from Manchester University will talk about experiences with English pubs and implications for CSEs and other ventures in rural areas. Also, several national speakers from Brookings and other places will discuss what a rural policy in the Biden Administration might consider.

The registration fee is only $25 for both days so cost should not be an obstacle. I would appreciate you sending an email blast to Extension personnel and/or other potentially interested groups.

Thanks for helping promote this conference and hope all is going well. BTW, Steve, the Wisconsin Rural Development Summit last week was really well done and we are using some of the data presented.

Agenda [2]
Registration [3]
Speakers [4]
Participants List

Rural Community and Economic Development:

Strategies for a New Normal

The 2021 virtual conference will offer approaches designed to address the current landscape of rural Illinois, while examining the depth of the impact from an ongoing deadly pandemic. Speakers will discuss the ramifications throughout the state that are presently driving healthcare challenges and policy development, as well as highlighting the role that the Illinois Innovation Network will play in moving forward. Small business struggles and survival strategies will be examined, and other sessions include identification of rural funding resources, rural healthcare solutions, filling the void with cooperatives, and a very unique session, “Reducing Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness: Lessons from Community Pubs in UK” will be included this year, as a spillover benefit resulting from the virtual learning experience.

Registration is now OPEN click the link above to register.

32nd Annual Statewide Conference in Illinois

32nd Annual Rural Economic Development Conference

Presented Virtually by

Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University

In conjunction with

Governor’s Rural Affairs Council - Chaired by Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton

and Rural Partners

Agenda [2]

Registration [3]

Speakers [4]

Participants List

Rural Community and Economic Development:

Strategies for a New Normal