URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s Community and Economic Development team will host a free webinar on April 4, 2019 at Noon (CST) entitled Supporting Communities Before and After Disasters: EDEN and IPWMAN, presented by Carrie McKillip, Chair Elect of Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) and University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development Educator and Ed Markison, President of Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) and McHenry County Maintenance Superintendent.
Supporting Communities Before and After Disasters: EDEN and IPWMAN will consist of an overview of the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), nonprofit Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN), and how these organizations help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. Presenters Carrie McKillip and Ed Markison will discuss information that community leaders need to know about, how to access resources and information, and the benefits of IPWMAN membership.
As severe weather and natural disasters affect every community, state, and territory, Cooperative Extension Services throughout the United States have responded to all types of disasters and their aftermath. The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) was founded in 1993 in response to the floods along the Mississippi River. EDEN Chair Carrie McKillip serves Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Warren counties as UI Extension Community and Economic Development Educator, and has been working with community groups, counties and local officials in disaster planning, education and recovery, ever since the floods of 2008 along the Mississippi River. She has assisted communities with Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning as well as COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters) Development. McKillip also serves as a member of the Illinois VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters).
The Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) was incorporated in 2009 to provide a formal process for public works agencies to request and offer assistance during times of need. From a membership of three agencies, IPWMAN has grown to over 370 member agencies. IPWMAN member agencies have provided over $1.5 million in assistance to its members in the form of personnel, equipment and resources. Discussion will include information about how the organization formed, how to join, and what type of assistance is provided. IPWMAN’s goal is to serve municipalities statewide through what is the most reasonably priced insurance available to ensure resources that can accommodate any stricken community to get back up on its feet. All member agreements are identical.
Ed Markison is the current president of IPWMAN. He is also the Maintenance Superintendent for McHenry County Division of Transportation, responsible for the maintenance and repair for over 525 lane miles of county roadway jurisdiction. Mr. Markison has been very passionate for his 27 years in public service, making the McHenry County Division of Transportation system as safe as possible for the traveling public. In 1991, Mr. Markison went to work full time for the McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) as a Maintenance Worker. In 1994, he became MCDOT’s first ever Vegetation Supervisor. In 2003, Mr. Markison was promoted to Assistant Maintenance Superintendent and in 2014, he was promoted again to Maintenance Superintendent. In 1987, Mr. Markison received a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He also served as a Reservist in the United States Navy for 8 years. McHenry County joined IPWMAN in 2011, since that time Mr. Markison has served as a Regional Director, Vice President and is now the current President of IPWMAN.
There is no cost to attend the webinar; However, REGISTRATION is required at go.illinois.edu/LGE. Contact Zach Kennedy at zkenned2@illinois.edu for more information.
— University of Illinois Extension
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