United States  

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.

Stay safe, healthy, and productive but always test negative…..

Norm