Regional Summit 2012

Tuesday, October 30

8:30 am Welcome, including continental breakfast

9:20 am Keynote Address

Incubation, CoWork, PopUps, and Playgrounds: The Next Generation of Entrepreneurial Regions

As self-employment in the U.S. increases, attracting and serving entrepreneurs is an increasingly important part of community and economic development.  We will look at emerging trends in entrepreneurial development and showcase how regionalism is critical to creating 21st century jobs and healthy communities.

10:45am Breakout Sessions

Google Presents: “Get Your Business Online”

Want to put your business online, but don’t know how?  Join experts from Google and learn tips for managing your online presence and how to use Apps to grow your online sales.

Communities: Safe Communities; Making a Difference In Your Community

Safe families; safe homes; safe businesses; safe communities - the linchpins for good “quality of life”.  Learn tips and strategies for keeping our families and communities safe.

Rural Economic Drivers – Agriculture

Local food is rapidly becoming a hub of economic activity.  Learn just how much local food is grown in our region and how we can leverage this growing resource to create community based jobs. 

Economic Gardening; Growing Your Local Businesses

Gardening is not all about plants, shovels and potting soil any longer! Learn how local entrepreneurs can create small businesses that bring new wealth and economic growth to a region. 

12:15 pm Luncheon Keynote Address

The Power of Teamwork!  Jet and Cord McCoy, Winners of Television’s “Amazing Race”

2:00 pm Breakout Sessions

Google Presents:  “Maximize Your Business Online” Pt 1

Already have an online presence but need help utilizing its potential? Google will be teaching attendees how to effectively utilize the latest technology and skills to grow their online business.

Communities – Combating Teenage pregnancy

Teen birth impacts communities and economies; hear successful strategies for communities to address teen pregnancy. 

Rural Economic Drivers – The Arts 

They ennoble and inspire us but did you know the Arts generate $135 billion in annual economic activity and support 4.1 million jobs?   Learn how to cultivate the Arts in your community and how to calculate the economic impact of local Arts.       

3:30 pm Breakout Sessions

Google Presents:  “Maximize Your Business Online” Pt 2

Already have an online presence but need help utilizing its potential? Google will be teaching attendees how to effectively utilize the latest technology and skills to grow their online business.

Communities – Putting an End to Generational Poverty

Bridges Out of Poverty gives you the tools, structures, and skills to build a sustainable, healthy community.  Hear how local groups are using the hidden rules of economic class to make a sustainable impact on poverty.Show More

Show Less

Rural Economic Drivers – Tourism 

A major economic driver throughout the world and in your own backyard. Learn to promote our region and communities to bring in new money and create jobs right at home. 

Economic Gardening; Growing Your Local Businesses

Gardening is not all about plants, shovels and potting soil any longer! Learn how local entrepreneurs can create small businesses that bring new wealth and economic growth to a region. 

Communities:  Nuts and Bolts Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization in Your Community

Starting a nonprofit community organization; struggling with IRS regulations? Come learn the nuts and bolts of running a nonprofit organization in your community. 

5:00 pm Networking Reception

Entertainment and Regional Spotlighting

2012 Collaboration Awards Ceremony, Entertainment, Networking, Finger Foods, and Drinks

Wednesday, October 31

Regional Legislators Breakfast

Come have breakfast with regional legislators.  Sit with legislators of your choice to discuss our regional plan and your community needs. 

Communities: Financing Your Efforts

Financial resources and how to access them to finance regional, community, and business plans.  Panel including experts on bank, state, federal, nonprofit, tax increment, and other innovative funding mechanisms.