2010 Field Trips
Year One Field Trip
“The Revitalization of the Quad Cities: From Vision to Reality”
August 11, 9:15 am. (leave Stoney Creek Inn) to 12:00 pm. (arrive back at Stoney Creek)
This field trip takes you to the Butterworth House and Education Center in Moline, one of a group of historic buildings donated to the community by the Deere family. Here you will learn the story of the Quad Cities revitalization. During the 1980s, the Quad Cities economy was down and almost out after a series of major plant closures. But by visioning a new future, taking a comprehensive approach, and collaborating across city and state lines, community leaders turned the situation around. After learning about revitalization efforts, take a bus tour of key riverfront projects, including Bass Street Landing, the Quarter, Sylvan Slough Natural Area, and the planned riverfront campus of Western Illinois University.
Trip Leader: Joy Boruff, Executive Director, Moline Foundation
Year Two Field Trip
“The Power of GIS in Community and Economic Development: Milan, Illinois”
August 11, 9:15 am. (leave Stoney Creek Inn) to 12:00 pm. (arrive back at Stoney Creek)
Geographic Information System (GIS) is emerging as a useful technology in planning and development. The Rock Island County GIS has been described as “Google Earth on Steroids.” Join us for a visit to nearby Milan, IL where GIS is an important tool in putting together ED projects. Learn about low-cost ways to utilize cutting-edge tools. See a demonstration of how Milan has used GIS in projects and then take a bus tour to see projects up close.
Trip Leaders: Steve Siever, Village Administrator; Annette Ernst, Economic Development Director (and CDI Alum)
Year Three Field Trip
“Putting Together A Successful Economic Development Organization: Rock Island, Illinois”
August 11, 9:15 am. (leave Stoney Creek Inn) to 12:00 pm. (arrive back at Stoney Creek)
Collaboration is easy to talk about, but much more difficult to put into practice. Rock Island is putting collaboration into practice through an umbrella organization called Renaissance Rock Island. Learn what Rock Island is doing and how they are organized. Consider how you might use this information to improve your organization back home. Then take a walking tour of the District to see the revitalization of downtown Rock Island.
Tour Leader: Brian Hollenback, President, Renaissance Rock Island
Note: This field trip requires that participants are mobile enough to walk several blocks. If you need a special accommodation due to mobility concerns, please let us know.
