OREGON – The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Pam Schallhorn to Oregon to discuss a very important and timely topic.
Please register in advance for Reversing the Exodus: Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Young Adults in Rural Communities on Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at NorthSide BarbaQ's Event Space, 117 N. 4th St. Oregon.
University of Illinois Extension Specialist Schallhorn will discuss several research-based strategies that communities and employers can implement now to help reverse the trend, including insights into how remote work may provide more opportunities for people to migrate back to rural communities. Based on the new census data (Hill, 2021), 87 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline between 2010 and 2020. Almost every rural county in Illinois has experienced an outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent and unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing.
“There are so many things that are impacted by the outmigration of young adults from rural communities, including school enrollment, availability of quality health care, future leadership, a skilled workforce and business development,” Schallhorn said. “Developing a strategic plan to address outmigration and attract young adults back into rural communities could have a major impact on a community’s future.”
Mayor Ken Williams will also provide us an update on what Oregon's done to help reverse the exodus.
Please RSVP and select your catered dinner and drink options online at oregonil.com or by phone or email 815-732-2100 or chamber.director@oregonil.com
