University of Illinois Extension Office serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties recently hired an Economic Development Educator. 

Meet Valerie Belusko, who previously served as a program coordinator with the extension office in Montgomery County. 

Belusko spent nine years in Effingham working with economic development organizations before making her way to Montgomery County. 

Belusko says that she’s concerned that there are not going to be enough new workers to replace retiring ones. 

The good news is that Belusko has seen volunteerism increase in recent years. 

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu/cjmm. Belusko appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.