University News
IIRA Business Retention and Attraction Workshop Dec. 11 in Neoga, IL
December 3, 2014
MACOMB/NEOGA, IL – The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University will offer a free business retention and attraction workshop next week in Neoga (IL). The workshop, which will feature a panel of community economic developers, is set from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Neoga Municipal Building (located at 533 E. Chestnut St.).
According to IIRA's Rural Economic Technical Assistance Center (RETAC) Program Manager Robin Hanna, developer Scott Stinson of Central Realty will present, "Attracting Retail and Commercial Businesses: A Developer's Perspective."
"Scott has worked on numerous projects throughout the Midwest in rural communities and has successfully worked with many types of retailers including grocery, discount and farm stores," Hanna said. "Central Realty currently handles six shopping centers in Illinois and has recently completed transactions with Big R Stores, Dollar General and Shoe Sensation."
The panel will also feature Tyler Hanners, a regional manager at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Hanners will present, "Location One Information System (LOIS) and Other Community Marketing Resources and Tools Communities Can Use to Promote Themselves to Potential Businesses and Residents."
Hanna will also join the panel of community developers and present, "Retaining Your Community's Existing Businesses," which will offer strategies that communities can implement to strengthen and retain existing businesses.
A light meal will be provided to attendees at no cost. Space is limited, so interested individuals should confirm attendance by contacting RETAC at (800) 526-9943 or via email to RW-Hanna@wiu.edu.
The workshop is sponsored by RETAC and by IIRA's MAPPING the Future of Your Community program.
For more information, contact Hanna at (309) 298-2372 or via email at RW-Hanna@wiu.edu. Learn more about the IIRA at www.iira.org.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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