Community and Economic Development
Building Communities
Economic Development ... saw an increased emphasis in the Mason County Extension office. We released news articles highlighting the potential economic benefits of social capital and strategies for improving interagency cooperation.
Perhaps most exciting, we worked with local business (Morton Community Bank), local organizations (Manito Area Regional Economic Development - MARED), Illinois State University, and the Illinois Wind Working to co-sponsor a workshop on Wind Power entitled "Wind Energy 101." The program provided the basic information needed for residents that will soon be exposed to this new source of energy. The meeting attracted both regional and local media, officials from three nearby counties, local leaders, and a total of 150 individuals.
