CAPACITY BUILDING FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS
During economic downturns, local community officials must modify business
practices in order to weather financial pressures. Many tools used by successful
cities are not mysterious or complicated. These two sessions are organized to
provide participants with tools and strategies they can use when facing a
changing financial environment.
Afternoon Breakout Session: Survival Strategies from the Front Lines
Learn about and discuss the community development strategies that panelists
have employed in the face of economic changes in their regions.
Panelists will address:
 Innovative strategies they have used or plan to employ in their
city/organization to help ensure community and economic vitality.
 Case studies or projects which illustrate innovative strategies.
 Examples that build on community partnerships, including highlights of
public-private partnerships, partnerships with other organizations,
communities, political partnerships, etc.
Our panel of presenters:
Scott Thompson -- Mayor, Rushville, IL
Scott has been Rushville's mayor for two years after having served on the city
council for four years. Since becoming mayor, Scott has worked hard to identify
areas of collaboration between the city and county, is launching a major
downtown revitalization project, has involved citizens by forming citizen
advisory groups, and has managed the city's finances in a manner that put the
city in the best financial shape it's experienced in decades.
Al Luchetti -- U of I Extension, Small Business Development Center
Through his counseling and educational programs with new and existing small
businesses, Al shares first hand their relationships and strategies working with
lending institutions and local governments.
Dane Bragg -- City Manager, Galesburg, IL
Among many economic development initiatives, Dane has started an online City
Manager Blog in Galesburg where he routinely updates residents about the
city’s financial situation and requests their input on plans for sustainability.
Reed Wilson -- Economic Development Director, Ottawa, IL
Just hired into the newly created position of economic development in Ottawa,
Reed is charged with creating jobs and promoting economic growth. He will
describe and share challenges and successes during his first weeks on the job.