Hometown Consulting and Compeer Financial Announce Strong Communities Initiative Awardees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Cole McDaniel
President & Principal Consultant
(309) 370-2865, [email protected]
Compeer Financial
Jill Carlson, Public Relations Strategist
[email protected] or (309) 502-2805
Hometown Consulting and Compeer Financial Announce Strong Communities Initiative Awardees
Five Illinois Rural Communities Selected for Unique Opportunity
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis., February 16, 2026 – Hometown Consulting, LLC, in partnership with Compeer Financial, is proud to announce the 2026 Strong Communities Initiative (SCI) awardees. Five Illinois municipalities have been selected to participate in this fully funded, 16-week capacity-building program focused on strengthening local government readiness and support long-term community success.
The following rural communities have been selected as SCI awardees:
- City of Colona, Illinois
- Village of Hanna City, Illinois
- Village of Manito, Illinois
- City of Oregon, Illinois
- Village of Roanoke, Illinois
Communities were selected through a competitive application process based on their commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing economic development readiness, improving grant preparedness, strengthening communication and transparency with residents, and supporting business retention and growth.
“This group of communities represents the kind of leadership and forward-thinking approach the Strong Communities Initiative was designed to support,” said Cole McDaniel, President of Hometown
Consulting, LLC. “Each awardee has demonstrated a clear desire to move from vision to action, and we’re excited to work alongside them in the months ahead.”
“Compeer Financial is proud to partner with communities that are actively investing in their future,” said Leah Thiele, Director of Rural Capital Solutions at Compeer Financial. “These awardees will lead the way in what it means to be a thriving, dynamic rural community in Illinois, and we’re honored to support their continued growth.”
Through the initiative, Hometown Consulting will work closely with each community to evaluate leadership roles, internal communication, staffing capacity and organizational efficiency. The program will also assess each community’s ability to attract, retain and support business development and investment; review policies and procedures related to grant readiness; and strengthen communication practices that promote transparency, accessibility, and public trust.
Each community will receive customized community readiness reports, current conditions reports, strategic action roadmaps, shared best practices and opportunities for peer networking. The program will conclude with an optional regional SCI Capstone Event in June, bringing participating communities together to share insights and outcomes.
Hometown Consulting, LLC is an Illinois-based community and economic development consulting firm that partners with municipalities, counties, and organizations to strengthen local government capacity and promote long-term economic growth.
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving agriculture and rural communities. Through its Rural Vitality programs, Compeer invests in initiatives that strengthen communities, foster opportunity, and promote sustainable rural economies.
The Strong Communities Initiative reflects Compeer Financial’s broader commitment to rural vitality and Hometown Consulting’s mission to strengthen local government capacity across Illinois.
About Compeer Giving
Compeer Giving is Compeer Financial’s robust corporate giving program, focused on philanthropic support for agriculture and rural communities across the upper Midwest. Since 2018, Compeer has distributed nearly $40 million – enhancing agriculture education and workforce, inspiring youth, empowering farmers, nurturing rural communities and equipping rural first responders. The Compeer Giving Board of Trustees is committed to creating a positive impact and supporting the vision for creating a world where agriculture and rural communities are dynamic, collaborative and thriving. More information about Compeer Giving can be found at Compeer.com/giving-back.
About Compeer Financial
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $34.3 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.
Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial’s patronage program.
About Hometown Consulting
Hometown Consulting is a professional community and economic development consulting group that partners with small and mid-sized communities to turn ideas into impact by bringing the tools, expertise, and extra capacity needed to get things done and to strengthen local leadership. With decades of combined experience in municipal administration, strategic planning, economic development, tourism, marketing and more; Hometown Consulting operates as an extension of local teams to help communities clarify goals, implement strategic initiatives, and attract investment. Learn more at Home - Hometown Consulting.
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