GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences has agreed to join a network of local governments dedicated to innovation, UF/IFAS Extension Dean Nick Place announced Monday.

UF/IFAS Extension is joining the Alliance for Innovation, a group of local government officials who’ve joined forces to share information and work together in hopes of building stronger communities.

UF/IFAS officials say the move means all IFAS county Extension faculty will have access to emerging trends through alliance publications, case studies, innovation awards and white papers, networking groups, professional development, member forums, conferences, and other professional development.

As part of the agreement, UF/IFAS officials will provide the Alliance with one white paper for year to be distributed through the Alliance network, as well as one topical article each year for the group’s monthly “Transformations” newsletter. Extension faculty will receive membership discounts for conferences, meetings, products and seminars, according to the agreement outlining the partnership.

According to the Alliance for Innovation website, the organization is an “international network of progressive governments and partners” committed to transforming local government by accelerating the development and dissemination of innovations:

“We seek out innovative practices, challenge existing business models, exchange knowledge, and provide products and services that help our members perform at their best. Together with our partners, the International City/County Management Association and Arizona State University, we promote excellence in local government and build a community of practice in local government innovation.”

The organization’s website can be found at: http://transformgov.org/en/home

-30-

Contacts

Writer: Mickie Anderson, 352-273-3566, mickiea@ufl.edu

Source: Nick Place, 352-392-1761, nplace@ufl.edu

0