In this report...

University of Illinois Extension is a busy place! Each month, this brief newsletter will highlight the accomplishments of one of the Ogle County Extension program areas. We encourage your comments and questions. This month, we are providing information about our Community & Economic Development programs. Feel free to contact Vicky Broos, County Director, with any questions at broos@uiuc.edu.

Since 1982, University of Illinois Extension has provided programming for local government officials. Our audio-conferencing system allows officials to participate in statewide programs without leaving the county. And, while they are called local government trainings, the public is certainly welcome to attend.

Programs are offered in the fall and spring, generally 5-6 times each year. Presenters include representatives of state agencies, Extension staff, and community leaders knowledgeable about the issues and challenges faced by local officials.

The Fall 2006 series focused on newly elected officials with the first session addressing the Open Meetings Act and parliamentary procedure; and the second session focusing on working with the media, financial management, and conflict of interest and ethics.

The Spring 2007 series began on January 25 with "Economic Development in Illinois." Three more programs are scheduled yet this spring:

February 22–Entrepreneurial Communities

March 29–Business Retention & Expansion

April 26–TIF Districts

All programs are held by teleconference from 3-5 p.m. at the Farm Bureau building in Oregon. Call 815/732-2191 for more information.

In 2005, the Illinois Association of County Board Members & Commissioners in collaborative partnership with University of Illinois Extension established the Certified County Officials program to strengthen the skills and leadership capacity of county government officials.

The CCO program is the first certified training program available to elected and appointed county officials in Illinois. Participants who earn 24 credit hours will be awarded the designation of Certified County Official. The certification only applies for elected and appointed county officials. Currently in Ogle County, there are seven individuals working toward certification.

Credits are awarded on an hour-by-hour basis for training attended. Credit hours must be pre-approved by the IACBMC and Extension. Possibilities for attaining credits include:

·Local Government Tele-Institute Trainings

·IACBMC Conferences and Seminars

·CCO Workshops–held in Ogle County or elsewhere in Illinois

·Institute for Excellence in County Governance

Through the Extension office, Ogle County communities may request a variety of services to enhance communities and augment economies. Local governments, community organizations, schools and service providers have benefited from the expertise of Extension professionals and University research. Extension can help with:

·Strategic & comprehensive planning for governments and organizations;

·Facilitation of transition and other organizational processes;

·Data collection and analysis for decisionmaking;

·Survey development, administration and analysis;

·Business retention and expansion;

·Customer service training;

·Meeting management;

·Retail in your community.

We are pleased to launch the new U of I Extension website -- Local Government Information and Education Network (LGIEN). The website provides a variety of programs and materials for local government officials in Illinois.

The site can be seen at:
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/lgien/