Regional Workshops

 “Redefining Rural”
April 30-May 1, 2024
Republic, Missouri

 CLICK HERE for the Regional Workshop Speaker Bios
CLICK HERE for the Onsite Presentations

“Redefining Rural”, a 2-day workshop, focused on empowering rural communities with strategic preparedness to ensure that they keep pace with the dynamic nature of modern business.

 Schedule of Events

 Tuesday, April 30^th

12:30 p.m.                   Onsite check-in at Old Towne Event Center
1:00 p.m.                     Welcome from Scott Bialick, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives & NREDA Board Member
1:15-2:15 p.m.            Unity for Prosperity:  Igniting Economic Growth
                                       Presenter:  David Cameron, Republic, MO City Administrator
2:15-2:30 p.m.            Networking Break
2:30-3:30 p.m.            There is No Money Tree:  Find Your Funding
                                       Panelists:
                                       - Matt Moore, Business Program Director, USDA
                                       - Jenna Soendker, Business Program Specialist, USDA
                                       - Lynne Shea, Principal Economic Development Specialist, Associated Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
                                       - Garrett Tyson, Economic Development Specialist, Associated Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
3:30-3:45 p.m.            Networking Break
3:45-4:30 p.m.            Rural Broadband:  Moving at the Speed of Missouri
                                       Presenter:  BJ Tanksley, Director, Missouri Office of Broadband Development
4:45-6:15 p.m.            Networking Reception

Wednesday, May 1^st

8:30-9:15 a.m.            Breakfast at Olde Towne Event Center
9:15-9:30 a.m.            Local Welcome - Pushing a Log-Chain:  Musings of a Farmer's Daughter
                                       Presenter:  Andrea Sitzes, Christian County Market Executive, VP, Arvest Bank
9:30-10:15 a.m.          Brownfield Redevelopment:  Sustainable Revitalization
                                       Presenters: 
                                       - David Doyle, Land Revitalization Coordinator, EPA
                                       - Jacob Rohter, Outreach Coordinator, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
10:15-10:30 a.m.        Networking Break
10:30-11:15 a.m.        Unlocking Opportunity:  The Power of Workforce Housing
                                       Presenter:  Dan Bullock, President, Holtz Companies
11:15-12:15 p.m.        Networking Lunch
12:30 p.m.                    Board Busses for offsite tour
1:00-2:30 p.m.             Offsite Tour – Convoy of Hope (transportation provided)
                                        The Convoy of Hope operates as a humanitarian organization, contributing to
                                        economic development by providing essential resources like food, water and medical
                                        assistance in times of crisis. Their efforts not only alleviate immediate suffering but
                                        also foster long-term stability by addressing fundamental needs, creating a foundation
                                        for economic growth in affected communities.  For more information,
                                        visit https://vimeo.com/convoyofhope/review/901993698/86791da8a8
2:30 p.m.                     Board Busses for return to Old Towne Event Center
                                        (3:00 p.m. anticipated return to event center)

Regional Workshop Location:
Old Towne Event Center
1037 E Twp. St., Republic, MO  65738
Complimentary onsite parking available.

                                      Thank you to our Event Sponsors!