Extension Council Conference 2026

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Extension Council Conference on the Road - Connecting to Your Communities

 

 

Finance with Focus

The Iowa Extension Council Association is bringing the Extension Council Conference on the road in 2026. 

Funding is a critical tool to advance our extension mission – providing education to everyday Iowans to improve their lives, businesses, farms, and communities. 

Join us at this mini-conference to… 

  • deepen your understanding of the extension budget,
  • sharpen your financial literacy,
  • and build confidence to discuss funding priorities with the taxpayers in your county.

Each mini-conference will be held from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. including dinner, practical workshop sessions, and time to network with County Services leadership and other council members.

Download a flyer to share with your extension council.

Registration

Register today to save your seat!  The registration fee is $15 per person and partially covers the cost of dinner and materials. The remaining expenses will be supported by IECA annual membership dues.

 

Register Now

Agenda

5:00 | Registration & Meal 

5:45 | Welcome, Setting the Stage

6:00 | The Iowa Economy & County Extension – Dr. Jason Henderson, Vice President for Extension and Outreach 

6:20 | The Extension Levy and an Iowa Legislative Update – Jennifer Vit, IECA Executive Director 

6:45 | Achieving the Extension Mission through Budget Allocation 

  • Calculating Your County’s Fiscal Health – Directors of Field Operations Janet Smith and RaeAnn Gordon; Andrea Welchans, Assistant Vice President for County Services  
  • Fund analysis – Directors of Field Operations Janet Smith and RaeAnn Gordon  
  • Program vs administration costs –  Andrea Welchans, Assistant Vice President for County Services 
  • Stewardship of public dollars – Julie Baumler, IECA Program Assistant

8:00 | Talking with stakeholders about county extension funding – Jennifer Vit, IECA Executive Director and Julie Baumler, IECA Program Assistant

8:30 | Adjourn 
 

Nine Locations Across Iowa

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Map of Iowa with mini-conference locations indicated by stars

February 2 | Garner

Hancock County Extension Office

February 12 | Carroll

Carroll County Extension Office

February 16 | Tipton

Cedar County Extension Office

February 26 | Oakland

Oakland Community Center

March 2 | Spencer

Clay County Extension Office

March 24 | Corydon

Wayne County Extension Office

March 31 | Marshalltown

Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions

April 7 | Oelwein

Events on Frederick

April 14 | Fairfield

Jefferson County Extension Office