Amanda Cole has been with University of Illinois Extension since January of 2005. She serves as an Extension Educator in community and economic development for Montgomery County. She holds a bachelor of arts in business (2002) and a master's of business administration (2004) from Eastern Illinois University.

Her professional development training has included attending Years 1 through 3, and the Advanced Level of the Midwest Community Development Institute from 2005 through 2008. She has attended both the 2009 and 2010 Annual Conference of the Illinois Development Council and the International Economic Development Council's 2010 "How You Build It Conference."

Within Montgomery County, Amanda works with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), a local non-4 profit, who works "To Build a Brighter Future for Montgomery County." In that role she assists communities in securing grant funds that have totaled over $520,000.00 and helps in administering the Montgomery County Revolving Loan Fund. In addition, to working with the MCEDC, Amanda provides one-on-one counseling for those interested in starting small businesses, working with local units of governments on long-range planning and is currently working with the Montgomery County Planning Commission in the development of a Comprehensive Plan for Montgomery County.

Previous work experience includes C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation as an Outreach Housing Counselor and the former American Express Financial Advisors as a financial advisor. She has previously served on the Montgomery County FEMA board from January 2006 through June 2009, and is currently a member of the Illinois Association of the Community Development Professionals, Extension Partners of Illinois and Illinois Development Council.

Program Offerings

Leadership Academy

Tele-Institute, Local Government Education Programs

"Night of Networking"

"The Business of Small Business" Small Business Owners Seminar

"How to Write a Business Plan" Seminar

"Customer's First, Service is Key" Customer Service Training

Poverty Simulation

Budgeting Classes

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