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PRIVATE-PUBLIC COALITION SPRINGFIELD, IL — An Illinois coalition of private and public associations has been formed to promote rural community development. The formation of RURAL PARTNERS — the Illinois Coalition for Rural Community Development — was announced [June 14] at an 11 a.m. ceremony in the Capitol complex. RURAL PARTNERS is co-chaired by Douglas Dougherty, Director of Economic Development for Soyland Power Co., representing the private sector, and Lieutenant Governor George H. Ryan, Chairman of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, representing State Government and the public sector. "The purpose of RURAL PARTNERS is to unite the many associations and organizations throughout Illinois having an interest in rural development," Ryan explained. "RURAL PARTNERS is a most welcome milestone in our efforts to help the people who live in the 76 rural counties of Illinois. "Government can help solve problems, but the best solutions are those that have been developed by local business, agricultural, educational and other leaders ... those having support of the local community," Ryan continued. "When plans and projects have been developed locally — from the bottom up and with strong private sector participation and leadership — it is then that government joins hands to help out," Ryan said. "This will mean the most effective and lasting solutions for rural development. "Several private sector associations have been devoting efforts to help Rural Illinois," Ryan continued, "and I'm pleased that they have agreed to join hands as partners for the benefit of our small towns and rural areas. On behalf of the Rural Affairs Council, we are ready to roll up our sleeves in the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor and work together for a better future for Rural Illinois." Dougherty, whose Soyland Power Cooperative serves nearly 75 percent of Rural Illinois, said, "RURAL PARTNERS will encourage local community development efforts. "All of the members of RURAL PARTNERS have signed a resolution of support to provide through shared interests and resources coordinated leadership and action to achieve community development and economic progress in small towns and rural areas of Illinois," Dougherty continued. "One of our first projects will be to solicit sponsorship for a community development pilot project which will be undertaken in six rural Illinois communities." Illinois Farm Bureau President John White said, "The Farm Bureau has always worked for rural stability and development. We are glad to be a part of a broad-based organization which will join together agricultural, business, educational and other associations with interested government agencies for the benefit of our rural citizens ... especially our young people." Illinois State Chamber of Commerce President Lester Brann said, "The State Chamber of Commerce has long worked for community development, through leadership development seminars and practical actions. We support the formation of RURAL PARTNERS because there is a need for better cooperation among the many associations and local Chambers of Commerce that are devoting effort and resources to improving and developing the Illinois economy. "We do not need another organization for its own sake," Brann continued. "What we do need is a network and a forum to bring together all the talent we can and harness it for a better tomorrow for small town and Rural Illinois." Macornb Mayor Robert Anstine, President of the Illinois Municipal League, said "RURAL PARTNERS will hopefully produce additional employment opportunities for its citizens through reversing all trends of declining population in Rural Illinois counties. With a coordinated effort in rural counties, many will learn of advantages of rural life. "A recent Gallup Survey found that a majority of Americans prefer rural towns to larger cities," Anstine continued. "The cost of housing and labor is lower in July 1989 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 5 rural settings. The key to rural revival is the process of regrouping around strength with leadership." * * * Other association representatives who helped form RURAL PARTNERS went on to indicate that, "RURAL PARTNERS will continue and expand the private and public efforts to bring economic progress and community well being to small towns and rural places in Illinois." Membership in RURAL PARTNERS is available to any association or organization in Illinois having an interest in rural development. For additional information, contact: Douglas Dougherty * * * RURAL PARTNERS' PROPOSED ACTIVITIES 1. Assist in the sponsorship of Rural Community Development Pilot Project. * * * FOUNDING RURAL PARTNERS Central Illinois Public Service Co. Page 6 / Illinois Municipal Review / July 1989 |
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