Our Staff

Jenny Garner

Extension Educator, Community Development

University of Illinois Extension
321 W 2nd Avenue
Milan, IL 61264
Phone: 309-756-9978
FAX: 309-756-9987
jsgarnr@illinois.edu

Jenny Garner provides leadership in participatory community and organizational planning; marketing concepts and research; team building and collaboration; and leadership development. She also provides technical assistance and facilitation services. Her curriculum offerings include customer service; vision to action sessions; community matters/design studios; survey development and analysis; creating entrepreneurial communities; and social networking for businesses.

Garner received a bachelor of arts degree in communications and humanities from Augustana College, Rock Island IL and M.A. in business administration and marketing from St. Ambrose University, Davenport IA. Garner comes to Extension with 25 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and business development. She is the Community Development Educator for University of Illinois Extension, serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark counties.

In addition to providing programming, Garner also works cooperatively with community organizations. She serves on the Workforce Development Committee for the Quad Cities, the Upper Mississippi River Planning Committee, the Illinois Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, the Mercer County Human Services Council, the United Way of the Quad Cities Marketing Committee, Aledo Main Street, and PR Network of the Quad Cities. Included among her awards and recognitions are the 2005 Davey Award for "The Ambulance" television spot for a regional blood center; Staff of the Year Award and Presidential Citation from Palmer Chiropractic College; and top fundraising volunteer for US Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign.

Professional affiliations include Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development Professionals, American Marketing Association, and Illinois Development Council. She received professional finance certification in economic development from the National Development Council.