Community and Economic Development

The Community and Economic Development program helps communities resolve locally determined problems with objective information and educational assistance. The program also develops community leadership potential and assists communities determine long-range programs of action on such issues as economic development, community services, community planning and visioning, land use, and community resource management.

Community Development

• Agents advise the fair board and Grand Rivers Chamber of Commerce, and work with volunteers to plan and organize events and festivals.  Agents are members of several advisory councils including: Inter-Agency Council, Family First (FRYSC), Family Literacy, Community Early Childhood Council, and the new Community Health Council.

• Extension Homemakers and community members provided gifts for approximately 260 children of limited resource families through Livingston County Christmas For Kids.  Leaders coordinated the program which collected about $3000 worth of toys and $5000 in monetary donations.

• Livingston County Extension provides facilities, guidance, and materials to the Learning Center in Smithland.  The center worked with more than 200 individuals on grade equivalency/adult basic education, family life skills, job skills and family literacy.  Seven individuals earned their GEDs.

• Approximately 125 people met with candidates for county office at an event sponsored by the Livingston County Homemakers and the County Farm Bureau.  Forty three candidates and two state candidates addressed the crowd.  In addition, homemakers raised $300 from a bean dinner served during "meet & greet."