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The 12th Annual Illinois Leadership Conference: Understand . . .Imagine . . .Create! Hosted by the University of Illinois Extension

As part of the ongoing service we provide for our valued economic development clients, we'd like to tell you about two events coming up soon in Illinois that we feel could be meaningful to your economic development efforts. We are proud sponsors and participants of these events and look forward to seeing you there. The cost of attending these events could be a TIF eligible expense! So, please contact Steve Kline or Dan Walker at The Economic Development Group, Ltd. (Ph:309-664-7777) to find out more.

Who should come?
The conference is designed for anyone in a leadership position such as local public officials or anyone serving on a Village Board, a City Council, a board of directors, volunteers working on community projects or with committees, or anyone trying to manage and lead more effectively.

To learn more about turning ideas into action in your community or your organization, attend the 12th Annual Illinois Leadership Conference at Jumer's Chateau Hotel in Bloomington, on June 9. The conference will feature several nationally known speakers, including Bliss Browne, who founded Imagine Chicago and has worked around the globe to help community members develop and implement innovative civic projects; Tim Miles, who will give the keynote luncheon talk entitled, "Managing Change from the Inside Out;" and Connie Pirtle, nationally known for her work in managing volunteers. In addition to exploring the ideas-into-action theme, conference topics include recognizing and managing generational differences, enhancing your local library's community connections, developing and managing a volunteer base, and alternative energy options in Illinois. This year, the conference features dozens of learning stations which will provide opportunities for participants to explore successful strategies and effective programs for community and organizational improvement. The Economic Development Group, Ltd. will be providing a learning station for "Using TIF Tools in Your Community"!

What is the cost?
Cost of the conference is $75, and includes refreshment breaks, lunch, and all materials. Scholarships and CEUs are available. Participation is limited, so register early (see below).

2010 Midwest Community Development Institute Hosted by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Western Illinois University

Who should come?
The conference is designed for community leaders interested in training that will help your community better use TIF and other community and economic development tools.

The 2010 Midwest CDI will be better than ever! Okay, that's an overused phrase...but in this case we're pretty certain it's true. The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) has taken five years of comments and suggestions into consideration and has come up with a new approach and schedule that is expected to make the Midwest CDI a better learning experience and a better fit with your busy work schedule.

Second, the IIRA has adjusted CDI to make it more like a school and less like a conference. The sequence of sessions has been rearranged so that the topics follow one another more naturally. Class Directors will be more engaged with participants in teaching, reviewing, and discussing how to apply the new knowledge. More time for reflection and discussion has been added to the schedule to make the ideas come alive.

Third, field trips will be more closely tied with class sessions with a specific focus depending on the year. To spend more time on active learning and less on travel, all field trips will be held in the Quad Cities.

Some things will not change. The CDI has an excellent line-up of trainers, including favorites such as Jack Vincent, Robert Pittman, and Joy Boruff. Of course, Steve Kline and Dan Walker will again be training Year One Participants on "Financing and Negotiating a Private Investment Project".

The Midwest CDI will be held at the Stoney Creek Inn in Moline, Illinois which is a welcoming, comfortable site for the CDI gathering. Furthermore, the Quad Cities area, and Moline in particular, are interesting examples of community economic revitalization. They also have many attractions, including interesting museums and entertainment options.

We hope to see you in Bloomington on June 9th for the 12th Annual Illinois Leadership Conference and in August for the Midwest Community Development Institute in Moline!! For more information, schedules and registration forms about these events, please give us a call and see the links below.