Freely Shared, Widely Adapted: First Impressions Turns 35

Описание: Recorded February 18, 2026

Join us as we celebrate 35 years of First Impressions, an innovative program developed by University of Wisconsin Extension in 1991, that has engaged hundreds of communities in the United States and Canada. Designed to help communities see themselves through the eyes of a visitor, First Impressions has been freely shared and widely adapted for fostering local engagement, placemaking, and economic vitality. This webinar will explore the program’s history with University of Wisconsin; highlight the program’s adaption and use with Kansas State and Iowa State Universities; and discuss how its principles inspired a new approach to community improvement with Michigan State University.

Presenters:

Todd Johnson, Land Use and Community Development Outreach Program Manager, University of Wisconsin Extension
-Kristin Runge, Community Economic Development Program Manager, University of Wisconsin Extension
Deborah Kohl, State Specialist and Program Leader Coordinator, Community Vitality, Kansas State University Research and Extension
-Ann Vogelbacher, State Tourism Specialist, Community and Economic Development Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
-Andy Northrop, Extension Educator – Government/Community Vitality/Tourism, Program Lead – FIT and RTA programs, Community, Food, and Environment Institute, Michigan State University Extension

Opinions or points of view expressed in this presentation represent the view of the presenter and does not necessarily represent the official position or policies of North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, USDA NIFA, or Purdue University.