Illinois
COMMENTRY

Leadership—the key to making things happen

During April, when many of us fill out tax forms, it is easy to gripe about wasted tax dollars, government "bureaucrats" and politicians who don't live up to our expectations. It is easy to complain and second-guess. It is hard to be a leader. But it is leadership that makes things happen.

A leader must have a compelling vision, be able to communicate that vision to others and have the commitment and determination to never give up on the vision. Wallace D. "Wally" Furrow, former Illinois state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, has those leadership qualities. Wally recently retired from this post after seven years of distinguished service to the citizens of rural Illinois. Wally had the ability to create a spirit of cooperation, to build a consensus and to form partnerships.

Larry Lovell

Leaders get results. Under Wally's leadership the agency increased its financial assistance to the residents of rural Illinois from $118 million in fiscal year 1995 to more than $214.2 million in fiscal year 1999.

One of the most significant accomplishments of his tenure was the designation of an Empowerment Zone (EZ) for southern Illinois. The Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone (SIDEZ) designation was one of only five granted nationally in fiscal year 1999. This would not have been possible without Wally's enthusiasm, determination and his extensive efforts to gather support from the congressional delegation and others.

Southernmost Illinois is unique in its blend of rich historic heritage, spectacular natural beauty and cultural diversity. Unfortunately, this region also has been plagued with low incomes, high unemployment, a stagnant economy, and an increasing out-migration of its young people.

The Empowerment Zone designation gives the people of Alexander, Pulaski and southern Johnson counties a chance to help themselves. The designation provides seed money, an annual grant of $2 million a year for up to 10 years. It also provides tax credits and preference for securing additional grants for the region.

A coalition of federal, state and local entities is working together to help make Wally's vision a reality. The partnership and the success of the program will depend on the region's ability to leverage these funds and bring more money into the economy. The seven goals of the SIDEZ strategic plan include infrastructure, economic development, tourism development, stronger unity, sense of community, lifelong learning and education, housing and health care.

Several projects have already begun. For example, Wally presented a $35,000 Community Facility grant to the City of Vienna. The old Forman Railroad Depot will be renovated and become the Vienna Museum and Tourist Information Center. The health care goal in the strategic plan received a shot in the arm with a $1 million loan and grant package to fund the Delta Center, Inc., that will provide behavioral health care services.

Wally's skills as a consensus builder helped make this program possible. The process that created SIDEZ was the result of the efforts of a diverse group of concerned citizens. Wally understood that seed money was necessary, but that seed money is only part of the equation. He always stressed that the challenges ahead will require community involvement from local citizens willing to cooperate on a regional basis.

I first met Wally when my cooperative, Southern Illinois Electric, was seeking funding for SouthWater, a $12 million regional water system that provides safe water to communities and rural residents in

Larry Lovell, General Manager/Executive Vice President of Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Dongola, has been employed at the co-op for 27 years, the last 10 as manager. He serves on the Board of Directors at Southern Illinois Power Cooperative and is President of the Illinois Cooperative Workers Compensation Group. In 1995, he served on the NRECA/CFC Joint Member Task Force on Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure.

The opinions and views of guest commentators are their own and may not represent those of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives or the electric co-ops of Illinois.

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southernmost Illinois. From the beginning, Wally was an ardent supporter. He and his colleagues were instrumental in helping us secure the necessary funding to make SouthWater a reality.

Wally's leadership has been instrumental in the formation of several rural water projects across the state. Other examples include grants and loans to Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association for Egyptian Water Company, to EnerStar Power Corp for Clark Edgar Water District, to Shelby Electric Cooperative for Lincoln Prairie Water Company and to Southwestern Electric Cooperative to help fund Fayette Water Company and Bond-Madison Water Company.

Wally has also been involved in loans that have helped create new jobs. A loan to Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative was used to help finance a facility used in the manufacturing of auto parts. Eighty-four families benefited from the new jobs created. Wally also helped see that Fairfield Memorial Hospital, in Wayne-White's area, received development funds. Adams Electric Cooperative received a grant to help with development of an industrial park. And Wabash Telephone Cooperative received a loan that was reloaned to North Wayne County Ambulance Service for the purchase of an ambulance and communications equipment.

There are other areas where Rural Development loan and grant programs have made a real difference. For example, $154 million for rural housing assisted 2,878 rural families purchase or repair their homes, $5.6 million helped fund community facilities in 17 rural towns, $34 million brought safe drinking water to 7,221 people in rural Illinois, and $18.8 million was loaned to rural businesses creating or saving 541 jobs in 1999. Distance learning and telemedicine funding was also made available to fund innovative uses of new telecommunications technologies for education and health care in rural communities.

Wally has a proven track record of service. His lifelong interest in rural Illinois began long before his involvement with Rural Development. He is a Commissioner of the Illinois Rural Bond Bank and an officer of the Illinois Distance Learning Foundation. He is a member of the Woodford County Farm Bureau, the Farmers Union and has been a co-op member of the Corn Belt Energy Corporation for more than 40 years. In Washington D. C. he was presented with the Secretary of Agriculture's Honor Award for his outstanding service to rural Illinois. He is the first recipient of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperative's Rural Leadership Award. He has been honored as Democratic Downstate Man of the Year and was a winner of the John Peter Altgeld Award.

Wally's leadership benefited from his real life experiences and his understanding of what is truly important in life. A farmer and businessman who previously owned Sun Ag, Inc., he is stepping down to spend more time with his family and to pursue a number of new business interests.

Wally and his wife Lorene reside in El Paso, Illinois, and have two grown children. We wish Wally and his family continued success. May they enjoy the bountiful harvest and rich rewards they so richly deserve. May they also serve as an example to all of us. Remember, as individuals we can make a difference in our communities through our leadership, and together we can move mountains. Wally Furrow proved that.

Wally, on behalf of all rural Illinoisans, we thank you for your compelling vision and commitment.

6 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • APRIL 2000