The Voice of Rural Illinois
Connecting people and communities with resources
Rural Partners. . .
. . . is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1989
. . . is committed to coordinate private/public leadership for community and economic
development throughout rural Illinois
. . . embraces a comprehensive approach to rural development
. . . maintains collaborative relationship with:
• the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, USDA Rural Development, Illinois
Institute for Rural Affairs, IL. Dept. of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity and other strategic groups
• private sector businesses and organizations, and
• local, state and federal agencies actively involved in rural community
and economic development
. . . convenes annual spring and fall conferences providing access to innovative rural
development strategies and networking opportunities
. . . was designated the Illinois Rural Development Council through a "Memorandum of
Understanding" between Illinois' Governor Edgar and the National Rural Development
Partnership (NRDP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
. . . is one of 39 State Rural Development Councils associated with the NRDP and is able
to provide direct input into national policy, procedures, and regulations.
