University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

August 25, 2006

Nebraska Rural Institute highlights research in rural community development

The 2006 Nebraska Rural Institute Sept. 19-21 in Ainsworth will highlight research in rural community development and give participants advice on keeping rural ties strong. The theme is "Ride into the Sandhills... Rich in Natural Resources, Business and Rural Hospitality."

Guest speaker Peter Kenyon of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. (Initiatives for the Development of Enterprising Action and Strategies) in Australia will offer participants new ideas for advancement in rural communities. Kenyon has worked with over 1,000 communities to encourage residents to invest in their own ideas and resources.

"The institute presents timely topics that are innovative and beneficial to rural Nebraskans," said Bob Stowell, an attorney from Ord who has attended the institute in the past and strongly encourages past and new participants to attend. "It is an awesome opportunity for rural citizens to gather and network."

Featured research presentations include The Economic Impact of Wal-Mart on the Economic Growth of Nebraska Counties, by Azzeddine Azzam, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln agricultural economist; Improving Local Retail Markets, by Diane Vigna from UNL's Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design; and Doing Business in North Central Nebraska, by Eric Thompson of the NU Bureau of Business Research.

Investing in rural youth also will be featured during the institute. Sessions will include a panel of area youth who have worked to strengthen community development, a presentation on encouraging youth to be active citizens and a panel of young entrepreneurs who have returned to work in their rural communities. A community and youth partnership exhibit also will be on display to demonstrate how youth can become engaged in the community.

"Rural Nebraskans need to become more active towards the future and raise hope for all rural businesses and the opportunities they have to offer local youth," Stowell said. "Education used to mean kids didn't return to their rural communities. Today, value is added from education upon their return."

Many mobile workshops are planned for this year's institute. Topics include creating sustainable bio-based businesses in rural areas with a tour of the Nebraska Public Power District's Wind Energy Farm, using existing natural resources for economic development at Smith Falls State Park and the Valentine Wildlife Refuge and a community business tour with stops at innovative businesses and manufacturing companies along Highway 20.

Registration for the entire conference is $200 if paid before Sept. 8 and $275 after. Daily rates for Sept. 19 and 20 are $75 before Sept. 8 and $100 after. Sept. 21 registration is $60 before Sept. 8 and $80 after. Partial day rates are available upon request. Registration costs include two meals Sept. 19 and 21 and three meals Sept. 20. Extra meals can be purchased for spouses or guests. Group rates for lodging are available at the Comfort Inn or Super 8 Motel in Ainsworth.

Information for full or partial scholarships is available upon request.

To register or for more information visit the program Web site or contact Charlotte Narjes at (402) 472-1724 or e-mail cnarjes@unl.edu. Registration can be completed online or sent to UNL Center for Applied Rural Innovation, ATTN: Rural Institute, 58 Filley Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0947.

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Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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