October 18, 2006
Economic and community development educators honored
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Indiana Extension Educator Association honored several Purdue University economic and community development Extension educators on Tuesday (Oct. 17) during Purdue Extension's annual conference banquet.Valynnda Slack of Whitley County received the Innovator Award for her organization of a public forum to discuss road repairs and upkeep. The forum brought together community members, county council members, commissioners and local media, to focus on education and building consensus on the roads. The group also discussed a wheel tax proposal and made recommendations for changes to it, leading to the passage of a modified proposal to collect money for road repair and maintenance.
The Junior Award was given to Jimmy Bricker of Fountain County for his development and implementation of a countywide survey on economic development. Bricker compiled the results with additional comments and provided them to local officials for use in making decisions on issues important to county residents. These issues included land-use planning, work force development, attraction and retention of businesses, health services, and educational opportunities.
Jon Cain from Hendricks County received the Senior Award for his formation of the Planning with Power Committee. It involved community members, local officials and business developers in updating policies regarding development needs and natural resources. The adopted changes helped aid in the preservation of the county's natural resources upon the development of new subdivisions. Cain also has been involved in state land-use issues, water quality initiatives and specialty crop programs.
Writer: Becki Francis, (765)496-1050, rfrancis@purdue.edu
Source: David Petritz, Purdue Extension director, (765)494-8489, dpetritz@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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