Unique conference design showcases small towns, highlights entrepreneurs, and strengthens capacity

    Collection:
    Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
    Contributers:
    Northrop, Mr. Carey Andrew (author), Jamieson, Mrs. Katherine M. (author), Jones, Parker B. (author), Reilly, Mary A. (author), and Augst, Tyler (author)
    Format:
    Journal Article
    Publication Date:
    2022-06-16
    URL:
    https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.02.12
    Published:
    United States: Clemson University Press
    Location:
    Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 205 Document Number: D12602
    Journal Title:
    Journal of Extension
    Journal Title Details:
    V. 60, Iss. 2
    Subject Term:
    conferences, extension programs, program planning, rural communities, rural community development, networking, entrepreneurship, extension systems research, small communities, program analysis, conference planning, and small businesses
    Notes:
    6pgs, Michigan State University Extension (MSUE)’s annual conference, Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC), has served as a catalyst for entrepreneurial ecosystems across Michigan since 2012. Designed by MSUE for small towns, CEC has gained national interest as evidenced by the adoption of this conference model by four other Extension services. This article outlines the unique conference design, details the partnership between Extension and host communities, and explores conference evaluation data validating the need to continue this programming. Lessons learned and successes to date are provided to ensure readers learn the value this unique conference format has in Extension entrepreneurship programming nationally.

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