The following are highlights from the Community and Economic Development Program from 2000-2006.

·Assistance has been given to entrepreneurs who have requested business start-up information.

·Community Profiles have been conducted in several communities throughout Hancock County.

·Grant application assistance has been provided to individuals and organizations.

·Five high school juniors from each of the six school districts in the county participate annually in the Hancock County Youth Leadership Academy.

·Many Hancock County business leaders have participated in the annual Western Illinois Leadership Academy.

·Assistance has been provided to communities who have shown interest in Senior Housing project development.

·More than one hundred participants were involved in the Customer Service Training module.

·Assistance has been provided to business location efforts with available site and building information.

Looking ahead to the future, the following objectives will be focused on:

·Developing a website promoting economic development and tourism in Hancock County

·Networking and collaborating with community organizations to assess needs and respond to these needs

·Providing educational programming opportunities concerning Local Government and Community & Economic Development issues

·Increasing Hancock County's participation in the statewide Looking for Lincoln project

·Facilitating periodic MVP Forums to provide opportunities for Hancock County Mayors and Village Presidents to address current issues and concerns

·Continuing to enhance quality of life in Hancock County by exploring employment and development opportunities