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Partnering with Iowans for a better future The time was right for Iowa State University Extension in 2003 – right for celebrating the 100th anniversary of the state’s first Extension activity and for creating a roadmap for the future. A futuring committee, appointed by Vice Provost for Extension Stan Johnson and composed of Extension staff and clients, developed a vision for Extension’s future. They outlined ways to direct Extension resources where they are most needed and will have the most impact. Johnson, who introduced a plan to implement the committee’s report, said “We in Extension need to orient our goals with what the citizens have identified as their vision of Iowa in the future. This will take us in a direction different than the past. It will require new thinking – making ourselves even better.” The plan aligns Extension with the thinking Iowans expressed in several recent reports — Iowa 2010: The State of Our Future, Healthy Iowans 2010 and Grow Iowa Values — and positions Extension to work together with Iowa citizens on goals and strategies that will shape and revitalize the state’s future. ISU Extension, founded in Iowa traditions and values, provides Iowans with resources that are creating a new look and new way of life for Iowa. As shown in the following examples, Extension continually is answering the question, How does each program add value to the future of Iowa and improve Iowans’ quality of life? Cutting-edge programs are vital to citizens The Community Vitality Center, created by ISU Extension and College of Agriculture, Positively Iowa and 20 state leaders, is encouraging growth and development in rural Iowa communities like Burlington. “ Our grant from the Community Vitality Center has allowed us to assist five new entrepreneurs,” said Don Buzzingham, Des Moines County Extension education director. “It also is funding community forums and workshops on entrepreneurship and the creation of a localized business start-up resource.” Bob Olson, Winnebago Industries vice president of manufacturing, credits LEAN enterprise training offered by ISU Extension through the Iowa Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the area community college for his company’s position in the recreational vehicle industry. LEAN helps companies eliminate waste so they can produce more with less. “ We lead the industry in key indicators … because we have embraced the LEAN principles,” Olson said. “Applying LEAN has allowed us to keep factories in Iowa, even with low workforce numbers. The trickle down effect is that all the service functions also have stayed in the state.” |
Annual Report Edition homepage The Extension Connection is a quarterly publication of Iowa State University Extension. Send a message: Nondiscrimination statement and information disclosures Last update: January 2004 ________________________________ Also see |
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President Gregory Geoffroy, second from right, and others tour Winnebago
Industries, Charles City. 