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Emphasis - July 29

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-979813.mp3

Macomb, IL – Rich Egger's guest is Suzan Nash, who is Executive Director of the Western Illinois Regional Council. This summer she is celebrating 30 years in that position.

Nash started out at the WIRC as an intern, and then worked there for a couple years before taking the leadership role in 1981.

Nash said funding was especially tight during her first couple years as executive director. A couple times the organization was unable to make payroll.

Late in 1982 the WIRC became a Community Action Agency, which boosted state funding and helped stabilize the finances. But Nash said there was a huge learning curve for her and the WIRC staff because the designation meant adding social service programs to the regional planning services that were already provided.

Today the WIRC has a larger staff than it did 30 years ago and is also helped out by volunteers. Nash said the demand for the WIRC's services continues to grow.