Spring 2007

As Agriculture and Manufacturing Come Together, Extension Is Listening
Economic development directors and extension council members joined co-op and elevator managers, ag producers and others to discuss their perceptions of the bioeconomy’s opportunities and challenges. Iowa State University Extension sponsored these discussions throughout the state.

Extension Educates Rural Iowans on Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
Making sense of all the Medicare prescription drug plans in early 2006 could be overwhelming. So Iowa State University Extension provided one-on-one consultations to help Iowans make informed decisions about Part D coverage.

Communities Create Atmosphere for Positive Action
Residents of 23 Iowa communities are circling around a program called Horizons. They’re taking a close look at local poverty and are identifying community strengths and assets that could guide them toward a healthier, more prosperous future. Iowa State University Extension directs the program funded by the Northwest Area Foundation.

Perry Residents Connect with Latino Neighbors -- via Mexico
Residents of Perry have found a way to connect to the new Latino neighbors in their community— go to Mexico. Iowa State University Extension became their guide, helping design and carry out an education-packed itinerary. In 2006, a group of 22 citizens visited Michoacán, Mexico, to better understand their new neighbors.

WE-LEAD for Regional Economic Development
A meaningful partnership for economic development: That’s how Gary Carlson, president and CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describes Iowa State University Extension teaming up with businesses and organizations to create and support the position of executive director of West Liberty Economic Area Development (WE-LEAD).

New Citizens Strengthen Iowa
The process of naturalization can be overwhelming for newcomers to the United States. Iowa State University Extension in Wapello County, in partnership with the New Iowan Center and Indian Hills Community College, is making this process easier for people in the Ottumwa area by offering citizenship classes.

Northeast Iowa Food and Farm Coalition Tackles Health and Fitness
From marketing local crops to promoting health and fitness, the Northeast Iowa Food and Farm (NIFF) Coalition is making its mark in northeast Iowa. Local, state and national organizations have banded together to create the coalition. Iowa State University Extension has been the catalyst as the coalition has developed, finding partners and using research to build on community assets.

Operation: Military Kids Receives Additional Grant
Operation: Military Kids (OMK) has received an additional $106,668 in grant funding. Through this program, Iowa State University Extension provides education, outreach and support to youth of deployed military families. The new grant will benefit the 1,000 military kids in Iowa whose parents’ tours in Iraq have been extended.

Celebrate ISU's 150th throughout Iowa
Iowa State University Extension county groups across the state are joining together to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Iowa State University. County Extension Councils and local ISU Extension staff are planning community service projects, ranging from tree planting to building rehabilitation to community beautification efforts.

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