IIRA to host Conference at Holiday Inn City Centre
02/24/2010
IIRA to host "New Approaches for New Times" at Holiday Inn City Centre
PEORIA, IL - The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs will be hosting the 21st Annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference, "New Approaches for New Times," March 3-4, 2010 at the Holiday Inn City Centre in Peoria. The event is open to the public, and participants may either register online at www.iira.org or at the door.
The event will bring together local professionals to discuss innovative strategies for meeting the needs of rural areas. Governor Pat Quinn will begin the day's presentations with "Rural Illinois in the Post-Recession Era" Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Other keynote speakers include Kim Huston, author of "Small Town Sexy," Terry Whipple of Juneau County EDC and Will Lambe of the University of North Carolina. Sessions on Wednesday and Thursday will include entrepreneurism strategies, marketing local assets and tourism.
Director of the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs Christopher D. Merrett said that now, more than ever, rural areas must be an important concentration in the state of Illinois.
"Given the challenges of the past year, community and economic
development practitioners must look for new strategies in addressing the needs
of rural areas," Merrett said on iira.org. "At the same time, local governments must continue to deliver services, maintain infrastructure, and position themselves to compete in the global marketplace."
The PACVB represents an eight county region including Bureau, Fulton, Marshall, Mason, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. The organization's mission is to promote the Peoria Area as a destination for visitors and contribute to the economic growth of the communities they represent.
For more information please contact Karen Poncin at (309) 298-2622 or by e-mail at k-poncin@wiu.edu.
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The IIRA 21st Annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference will create an economic impact of $24,700 - $37,810 and 190 room nights for the Peoria Area. There will be approximately 200 attendees.
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