Conference Programs 2009-2010
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As we build a number of web-based tools on this web site, we recognize the need for training. And what better way to train folks on how to use web-based tools than the web itself? This series has been a big success over the past five years and we hope to improve on that record in 2009-2010 by bringing in some additional presenters and topics. "Leave the Driving to Us"..... The Building Communities educational series will be offered via live, interactive Web programs which are accessed by the user with a simple web browser and a speakerphone. Using WisLine audio and browser-based software, participants can meet, interact, learn, and collaborate with others from the comfort of their office or home. These sessions are available to anyone who has a phone connection and computer with an Internet connection (requires 2 lines). We'll send you simple instructions for joining the session. Register by Clicking Here (Seats are limited!) Wisline Web Training Sessions Scheduled for The registration fee is $50 per program/$300 for the series per site (You can invite as many people as you would like to participate at your site). Programs will be held on the third Tuesday of the month from 11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. (Central Time) from November 2009 - June 2010. Community Development in a Difficult Economy … Readying for the Rebound November 17, 2009 – The U.S. Economy Today and the Post-Recession Prognosis Economist Lorin Kusmin, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture [invited] Professor Russ Kashian, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Fiscal and Economic Research Center [invited] The U.S. economy moved into a recession in late 2007, led by declines in housing and financial services, yet nonmetro areas witnessed increased farm-related incomes. As the recession deepened, both metro and nonmetro areas were hit with severe unemployment and a contraction of the manufacturing, retail, and other sectors. Hear from “Rural America At A Glance” primary author and economic researcher Lorin Kusmin about the conditions that led to our current economic conditions and the outlook for a post-recession recovery offered by economist Russ Kashian. Power Point Full Page Slide January 19, 2010 – Broadband and E-Commerce: Putting the “E” in Community and Business Community Development Specialist Andy Lewis, University of Wisconsin-Extension Center for Community & Economic Development Historically communities developed along important waterways, then roads and highways. Why? Access to markets. Where is the nearest on-ramp to the world-market—the Internet (and how many lanes does it have and what is the speed limit)? Successful businesses in the next years will be those that tap into this huge potential. Successful communities will be those that bring this essential infrastructure to their community. Learn about why broadband matters and how to foster a vibrant community area network as well as some of the opportunities and barriers to achieving a high level of connectivity. February 16, 2010 – Retaining and Attracting People as an Economic Development Strategy Community Development Educator Will Andresen, University of Wisconsin-Extension Iron County Did you know that according to Live First, Work Second author Rebecca Ryan 3 out of 4 Americans respond that a cool city is more important than a good job? But that doesn’t represent us, right? Michigan’s Cool Cities Survey found nearly 7 in 10 recent college graduates agreed as did almost 75% of young people Iron Co. Wisconsin (pop. 6,197) and Gogebic Co. Michigan (pop. 16,043). Learn why a focus on retaining and attracting young professionals may be one of the most important community building strategies you employ—and why being a “cool city” may be even more important in your community than Seattle or St. Paul.
March 16, 2010 – Housing and Other Critical Sectors: Assessing and Building Our Economy Community Development Specialist Matt Kures, University of Wisconsin-Extension Center for Community & Economic Development and Economics Associate Professor Russ Kashian, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Fiscal and Economic Research Center We’ve all read the terrible statistics about the housing crisis, plant closing and job losses, and the declining tax base. But what do we really know about our community and how it is performing? How have things truly changed over time and how do they compare to similar markets? Perhaps of even more importance, what lessons can we learn from these assessments and how can we use them to make our communities stronger? Learn about practical tools you can use to measure your community’s economic performance and how to use this information to help shape policies to grow the economy.
April 20, 2010 – Rebuilding Downtown and Niche Small Businesses Business Development Specialist Bill Ryan, University of Wisconsin-Extension Center for Community & Economic Development and Small Business Specialist JD Milburn, Wisconsin Main Street Program Downtowns and neighborhood shopping districts are more than simply places to do business. They are part of the cultural fabric of our communities. But how can they compete in this “big is better” marketplace? Learn about the importance of locally owned small business to the economy and how to rebuild these business districts by making these businesses more profitable.
May 18, 2010 – Matching Customers and Businesses: How to Understand and Capitalize on the Market Community & Business Development Specialist Bill Pinkovitz, University of Wisconsin-Extension Center for Community & Economic Development Why do some businesses survive and others don’t? How come we can’t shop in our area for all of the things we need? Often there is a miss-match between the needs and wants of customers and the availability of the goods and services offered by local businesses. But we don’t have to guess or leave this to chance! Using readily available data, we can learn a lot about the local market and help existing businesses expand to meet opportunities and recruit in others to fill the voids. Power Point Full Page Slide Discussion Questions June 15, 2010 – Engaging the Community to Develop Sustainably Community Development Specialist Randy Stoecker, University of Wisconsin-Extension Center for Community & Economic Development and Community Development Specialist Jerry Hembd, University of Wisconsin-Superior/Extension Northern Center for Community & Economic Development Is there any way to rebuild our local economy and better prepare for the inevitable economic downturns ahead? How do we chart a new course for our community that represents the interests of all its members? We’ll discuss the essential approaches to building a consensus for the community’s future growth and development—and we’ll focus on an approach that holds greater promise for lasting, positive economic development. Power Point Full Page Slide |
