Community & Economic Development
Strong Communities
The final "Extension" cord provides a powerful networking connection for dedicated leaders to access as they develop their vision for the future. These resources and tools are designed to establish STRONG COMMUNITIES within the Ford-Iroquois Unit. Community growth and development began with an objective look at the strengths and opportunities for enhancement in four area Community Swap programs (Paxton, Watseka, Gibson City, and Onarga). Elected officials, local organizations, and volunteers in these communities have worked diligently to accomplish even more for their citizenry. Similar results are expected in the near future when Gilman participates in their community swap experience.
September was Disaster Preparedness month. A simple disaster quiz was distributed to over 100 families in the Unit to create awareness prior to a major disaster or emergency situation.
Hope is not a workable plan for emergencies. Gibson City has developed a close working relationship with Ford-Iroquois Extension staff for their newly established Gibson City Emergency Response Team (GCERT). Community education through face-to-face presentations, fact sheets, and web based disaster resources are a key focus in this on-going effort.
Are You Prepared? That was the question under consideration by 90 members of the Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce, Lion's Club, and Rotary Club during the PowerPoint presentations by the same name. Topics included the importance of being prepared, how to become prepared at home and the office, and who to contact for emergency assistance.
Fifty-one local residents, business owners, and community leaders attended the town meeting for the Onarga Community Swap report from the Bethany Illinois Team. Many strengths were identified along with some suggestions to enhance the community further.
The Grow Gilman Committee has established new avenues for communication between 36 members of the community including elected officials, the chamber of commerce, other retailers, school officials, area organizations, and interested individuals. A five-part series of roundtable discussions and strategic planning sessions have established three priority goals for consideration. A steering committee (5 - 7) has been identified to move forward with these issues.
Ten elected officials representing both county boards, municipal, and township positions took time from their busy schedules to attend this year's Local Government Education programs. Continuing education credits were available for county board members who attended one or more of these teleconferences. Topics included: orientation for newly elected county board members, legal issues; economic development in Illinois, entrepreneurial communities, business retention and expansion; and TIF districts.
Twenty-five high school seniors who were enrolled in an individualized (work) cooperative education class at Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School increased their customer service skills and developed a greater awareness of interesting tourist sites in the area during Hospitality training. These young people learned that as front-line employees, their attitudes and behavior often determine if visitors have a positive experience and might plan a return visit to thiscommunity in the future.
