Over the past few weeks, the Illinois Valley has shown once again what’s possible when neighbors, partners, and organizations come together with purpose.
From our Strategic Plan Community Meeting to the 2025 Community Connections Expo & Emergency Preparedness Fair, your participation has helped chart the course for a stronger, more connected valley.

Building the Future Together – Strategic Plan Community Meeting

In late September, community members joined us for a potluck-style evening at Lorna Byrne Middle School to review the results of the valley-wide Strategic Plan survey.
Together, we discussed the themes and priorities that will guide the Illinois Valley’s next decade — Rural Skills & Workforce Development, Local Business Success, Lifelong Learning, Engaged Community, Community Development & Beautification, Nature Stewardship, and a Healthy, Safe Community for All.

Your voices, ideas, and experiences are shaping real, actionable goals that will inform IVCanDO’s partnerships and investments moving forward.
We’re grateful to everyone who attended, shared ideas in the breakout groups, and offered insight into what matters most for our valley’s future.

A full summary of the meeting and next steps will be shared this fall — so stay tuned!

Celebrating Connection – 2025 Community Connections Expo

Just two weeks later, we gathered again at Lorna Byrne Middle School — this time to celebrate the partnerships that make those priorities possible.

The 2025 Community Connections Expo & Emergency Preparedness Fair brought together more than 35 community organizations offering resources, activities, and local programs that support health, safety, education, business, and resilience in the Illinois Valley.
Lots of community members attended, enjoying giveaways, conversations, and free lunch from C & L Antojitos Mexicanos, with special thanks to Josephine County Farm Collective and I.V. Wellness Resources for leading this year’s giveaways and preparedness activities.

This event truly reflected the spirit of People · Place · Prosperity — a living example of how the Illinois Valley thrives through collaboration.

With Gratitude

A heartfelt thank-you to our event sponsors and partners whose support made these gatherings possible:
Taylor’s Sausage, Rogue Workforce Partnership, Four Way Community Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, Josephine County Farm Collective, and Illinois Valley Wellness Resources.

And thank you to every community member who attended, volunteered, and shared ideas — your participation strengthens the connections that make this valley such a special place to live and work.

Together, we’re building a shared vision for the future — one that honors our people, uplifts our place, and grows lasting prosperity for all.

Stay Connected:
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@iv_can_do) for updates, or visit ivcdo.org to learn more about upcoming programs, partnership opportunities, and next steps for the Illinois Valley Strategic Plan.