Ann Emken serves as a U of I Extension Educator in community and economic development in Lawrence County. She has B.S. and M.S. degrees from Eastern Illinois University. She is trained in grantwriting, business development incentives, foreign trade, leadership, entrepreneurship, strategic planning and rural revitalization.

She brings knowledge and educational resources from the University of IL to local people; elected officials, decision makers, business owners and community groups to engage them in community and economic development activities that will help strengthen the workforce, provide jobs, and and build the infrastructure needed for the future.

She helped develop Lincolnland Agri-Energy, a farmer owned ethanol plant near Palestine. She established a Grant Resource Center in Crawford and Lawrence counties garnering approximetely $3 million. She co-sponsored "Leadership Crawford County," with the Crawford County Development Association and now works closely with the Lawrence County Industrial Development Council with many economic development goals.

Programs have included: Flood Recovery, GIS Training, Incentives for Golden Rule Insurance/After their Fire, Workforce Development, Grants for Infrastructure, Mentoring New Businesses, a $1.8 Million EDA Infrastructure Grant , a Citizens Advisory Counsel for Chevron and with other Economic Development Professionals in SAIL (Southeastern Alliance in Illinois) and with the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission as a board member.

Ann received a State Team Award in Community & Economic Development with co-worker Larry Wilson in 1990.

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