September 2018
The Value-added Development Center is pleased to announce two new partnerships to advance our work with small town grocery stores.
Center for Engagement and Community Development at Kansas State University. In 2007, the Center launched the Rural Grocery Initiative and has worked with scores of grocers in Kansas and grocery operators across the United States. Through our collaboration with the Center, we will share resources and toolkits, engage in scholarly exchanges, jointly host technical assistance webinars, and collaborate on grocery store case studies.
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. This private economic development agency serves not only the city of Peoria, but also five counties in central Illinois, Logan, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford. The Council has identified four to six towns that have lost their grocery store and are interested in bringing back a grocery outlet. We will coordinate technical assistance with the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council so that these towns can be best served.