University of Illinois Extension is proud to partner with The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Rock Falls Tourism to offer two learning opportunities: Economic Development Workshops.
For more information and to register, contact the Whiteside Extension Office at 815-632-3611.
The first, “Developing a Creative Economy,” will be presented on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at Champ’s Banquet Venue, 9 E. 3rd Street in Sterling, IL. The event is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Developing the Creative Economy was designed for community leaders and economic development professionals, who want to tap into the creative talent in their communities. The goal is to build viable businesses, adding to household income for the entrepreneur and increasing economic activity in the community.
This program helps community leaders expand economic and entrepreneurial development. It is facilitated by developing a culture that appreciates and supports the creative talents of residents, including those living in low-resource households. Creative entrepreneurs include artists, designers, musicians, boutique retailers, specialty food producers, and other creative enterprises.
The second event, “Five Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Youth in Rural Communities,” will be held Wednesday, May 2, from 11:00 a.m. ro 12:30 p.m. This event is a Lunch and Learn. The cost to attend is $10 for members of the SVACC and $15 for nonmembers. The Lunch and Learn will take place in Room 1H16 at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 Route, 2 Dixon, IL. Youth are leaving rural communities at an alarming rate, yet there is evidence that Millennials have interest in moving to rural areas.
There are specific strategies to use to attract and retain youth in rural communities. In addition to the presentation, there will be a panel of millennial participants who will share their thoughts and ideas about why they decided to return or stayed to live in the Sauk Valley Area.
To register for this program visit go.illinois.edu/RetainingYouth.
Super Summer STEAM Program Focuses on Summer Learning
STEAM up the summer with the University of Illinois Extension Super Summer STEAM program. The six-week program featuring all new, hands-on, interactive learning activities focused on science, technology, engineering, art, agriculture, and math is coming to a location near you! Themes for each weekly session of fun activities are: Super Science, Terrific Technology, Exciting Engineering, Amazing Art, Awesome Agriculture, and Magnificent Math.
2018 Super Summer STEAM begins the week of June 4th and run through the week of July 16th. There will be no classes during the week of 4th of July. The program is offered at the following locations:
• University of Illinois Extension office in Sterling on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Prophetstown Park District in Prophetstown on Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cost to register for this 6-week program is $10 per participant. For more information or to register for Super Summer STEAM, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/clw/ or contact Karla Belzer at 815-632-3611 or by email at kbelzer@illinois.edu ;