May 18, 2018 - âsuccessful citizens and vital rural communitiesâ in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Gold Spo
REGARDS TO RURAL Bridges Between Rural & Urban
Friday-Sunday, May 18-20, 2018 Red Lion Jantzen Beach Portland, OR
Sponsors The Ford Family Foundation www.tfff.org Established in 1957 by Kenneth W. and Hallie E. Ford, The Ford Family Foundation’s mission is
“successful citizens and vital rural communities” in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.
Gold Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Business Oregon www.oregon4biz.com
Pacific Power www.pacificpower.net
As the state’s economic development agency, investing in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy.
Providing safe, reliable electric service to customers in Oregon, Washington, and California.
Meyer Memorial Trust www.mmt.org
SPONSORS
Working with and investing in organizations, communities, ideas, and efforts that contribute to a flourishing and equitable Oregon.
Northwest Area Foundation www.nwaf.org Providing economic opportunity for under-resourced communities.
Oregon Community Foundation www.oregoncf.org Improving lives for all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy.
Silver Sponsors Energy Trust of Oregon www.energytrust.org Helping Oregon residential, business, and nonprofit utility ratepayers use less energy, save on energy costs, and move to renewable resources.
Greater Tacoma Community Foundation www.gtcf.org Supporting a thriving and vibrant Pierce County, Washington.
NW Natural www.nwnatural.com Providing efficient, reliable, and safe energy to customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Banner Bank www.bannerbank.com An established community bank working hard for individuals, businesses, and communities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California.
Network for Oregon Affordable Housing noah-housing.org Championing the preservation and development of affordable housing.
Oregon Rural Development Council www.ruraloregon.com Strengthening rural Oregon through collaboration among partners and rural communities.
Oregon State University Extension Service extension.oregonstate.edu Conveying research-based knowledge in a way that is useful for people to improve their lives, their homes, and their communities.
Ram Jack West www.ramjack.com/eugene Foundation repair services in Marion, Lincoln, Hood River, Columbia, and surrounding Oregon counties.
Samaritan Health Services www.samhealth.org A not-for-profit network of hospitals, clinics, and health services caring for more than 250,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast.
Exhibitors Center for Nonprofit Stewardship
www.nonprofitsteward.org Educating and empowering nonprofit boards in sound financial, administrative, and organizational stewardship.
Business Oregon
www.oregon4biz.com The state’s economic development agency, investing in Oregon businesses, communities, and people.
Oregon Heritage
www.oregon.gov/OPRD/hcd/pages/index.aspx Helping preserve and protect Oregon’s heritage and historic and cultural resources.
Oregon Rural Communities Explorer
oregonexplorer.info Information to help local residents and policymakers make decisions about rural communities.
Oregon State University Extension Service
State of Oregon Employment Department
www.oregon.gov/employ/pages/default.aspx Supporting Business and promoting employment.
extension.oregonstate.edu Conveying research-based knowledge for people to improve their lives, their homes, and their communities.
The Ford Family Foundation
USDA Rural Development
Raffle Sponsors
Maryhill Winery www.maryhillwinery.com
www.tfff.org Serving Oregon and Siskiyou County, California with a mission of “successful citizens and vital rural communities.”
Alder Creek
Arborbrook Vineyards
www.arborbrookwines.com A family-owned winery in Newberg, Oregon, specializing in Pinot noir and Pinot gris.
Portland Trail Blazers
www.nba.com/blazers National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in Portland, Oregon.
Elite Island Resorts Caribbean
www.eliteislandresorts.com Providing the very best of the Caribbean, with a true taste of the charm and flavor of the islands.
Euphoria Chocolate Company
www.euphoriachocolate.com Delighting chocolate lovers in the Pacific Northwest with hand dipped truffles, artisan chocolates, and confectioneries.
Lagunitas Brewing Company
www.lagunitas.com Brewers of fine ales, founded in Lagunitas, California.
Falling Sky Brewing
www.fallingskybrewing.com Serving exceptional beer and food in easy-going, comfortable places in Eugene, Oregon.
Producing wines from Merlot to Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc to Cabernet Sauvignon, in the Columbia River Gorge.
Mucho Gusto Mexican Kitchen www.westrauntconcepts.com/welcome-mucho-gusto Fast casual Mexican restaurant specializing in personalized meals in Eugene and Medford, Oregon.
Red Lion Hotels www.redlion.com
Providing full-service lodging and catering to travelers from all walks of life.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival www.osfashland.org
Major theatre arts organization offering a diversity of plays, events, and activities in Ashland, Oregon,
Skamania Lodge
www.destinationhotels.com/skamania A Destination Hotel located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in the town of Stevenson, Washington.
Society 43
www.society43.com Officially licensed sunglasses designed with community in mind.
Turtle Totems by Jane Scotti Creating paintings, spirit beads, and split loom necklaces.
Valley River Inn
www.valleyriverinn.com Historic hotel on the riverfront in Eugene, Oregon.
EXHIBITORS/SPONSORS
www.aldercreek.com Kayak, canoe, and stand up paddle store and paddling school located in Portland, Oregon.
www.rd.usda.gov Helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
At A Glance Agenda FRIDAY 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
TRACK
Private: WealthWorks National Hub Meeting
ROOM Multnomah
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m Pre-Session: Shift Happens: The BOLD Question Behind Rural Problems We All Face, Presented by Becky McCray
Clackamas & Clark
Philanthropy Pre-Session: Building Prosperity for Rural People and Places: Finding Your Foundation’s Niche
Washington
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
AGENDA
Bridges Between Rural & Urban Networking Reception, Hosted by The Ford Family Foundation
Clackamas, Clark, Washington
SATURDAY 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
TRACK
ROOM
Hacking the System: Simplicity on the Far Side of Complexity
Plenary
East Salon: Grand Ballroom
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Networking Break - Exhibitors Gallery
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. A Watershed Moment Cascading Forward: Economic and Ecologic Approaches to Water Management in the Northwest Roadmap for Building Community Networks: Presented by a Network of Rural Community Builders Creative Community Capital: Four Ways to Secure Funding and Build Your Economy An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: What Is It? How Do You Build One? Embracing Tomorrow’s Workforce: How Rural Communities Can Prepare Their Workforce for Tomorrow’s Jobs
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Multnomah
Rural Leadership Networks
Clackamas
Resources for Rural Communities
Clark
Revitalizing Rural Economies
Washington
Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Timberline
Bridging Together Networking Lunch - East Salon: Grand Ballroom
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Bring on the Broadband: Infrastructure in Rural What Is This Community Building Thing? Transforming Rural Economies with the WealthWorks Approach: Stories from the Field Participación de la Comunidad (Community Participation) Opportunities to Invest in Rural: The Rebirth of Traditional Rural-Based Sectors
Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Multnomah Rural Leadership Networks Clackamas Revitalizing Rural Economies Clark Rural Leadership Networks Revitalizing Rural Economies
Washington Timberline
SATURDAY CONTINUED TRACK 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Networking Break - East Salon: Grand Ballroom
ROOM
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Rural Economic Diversification and Innovation: The New Growth Sectors Bridging Rural and Urban? Efforts to Connect Across Real and Perceived Divides, Geographic and Otherwise Rural Development Through Land Stewardship Align to Thrive: Philanthropy and Rural Prosperity Navigating the Challenges of Rural Housing
Revitalizing Rural Economies
Multnomah
Rural Leadership Networks
Clackamas
Revitalizing Rural Economies Clark Resources for Rural Communities Washington Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Timberline
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Raffle Drawing - East Salon: Grand Ballroom
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Dinner & Celebration - East Salon: Grand Ballroom
SUNDAY 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
TRACK ROOM Rural Priorities Networking Breakfast - East Salon: Grand Ballroom
9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Break
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Multnomah Revitalizing Rural Economies Clackamas Rural Leadership Networks Rural Leadership Networks
Clark Timberline
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Private Meeting: WealthWorks National Peer to Peer
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Washington
Break
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Bold Rural Leadership, One Tiny Step at a Time
Download the Free App Download the Regards to Rural app from iTunes or Google Play to keep conference details at your fingertips.
Plenary
East Salon: Grand Ballroom
Treasures From Around the Rural Pacific Northwest Raffle Visit the raffle table and enter for your chance to win fabulous prizes. Must be present to win. Special thanks to our raffle donors for their generous contributions.
AGENDA
The Future of Rural Farms, Ranches, & Businesses Reservation Capitalism: Economic Development in Indian Country Leading Across Our Political Divides Catalytic Community Building: Assessment and Action!
Floor Plan
Lobby Level – Upper Level GRAND BALLROOM
East
Salon 2
Salon 1
West
East
Business Ctr Front Desk
Cafe
West
JB’s Nightclub
Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill
Hayden
Salon 4
Sales
Salon 3
Exhibitors Gallery
Main Entrance
Hall to Guest Rooms
FLOOR PLAN
Hall to Guest Rooms
Lower Level
Timberline
Washington
Clark
MT. ST. HELENS BALLROOM Clackamas
White Stag Pendleton
Multnomah
GUEST ROOMS
Jantzen
Offices
Plenaries, Meals, Exhibitors Gallery, Raffle Pre-Sessions, Reception, Session Rooms
Track Descriptions
Resources for Rural Communities
Revitalizing Rural Economies The Pacific Northwest includes 85 diverse rural counties, and each is challenged by radical change in population and consumer preferences, technology, global markets, and infrastructure. Still, in many rural places business is flourishing. In these instances, traditional industry is restructuring and new industry emerging, bridging rural assets and urban markets to generate greater wealth for all. This track will take you inside a range of business models and success stories. You’ll learn about the benefits and barriers to operating in rural, the strategies to keep and grow these industries, and how community leaders can help.
Rural Leadership Networks
Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities The Northwest stands at a momentous and significant historical precipice, and rural demands that our priorities and interests be at the forefront of state and regional discussions and decisions as we shape our region’s future. With economic growth, opportunity, and wealth continuing to concentrate in urban places, and as we move further into to an automated world, the future of rural hinges on several key factors that we aim to explore over the course of this track. Attendees will engage in conversations with rural and urban business, social, and political leaders on how to grow innovation, restore investments, and build toward priorities that result in increased rural vitality. In an era of rapid and often disruptive change, we aim to focus conversations and efforts around key topics including broadband, workforce development, the housing crisis, water resources, and the future of farms and ranches. With Portland and Vancouver as our backdrop, we will work with our urban friends to discuss key policy leverage points, identify opportunities for strategic investments, and build the business case for the new rural economy.
Special Thanks to the Following Regards to Rural Donors Advance Cabinet Designs Cosmos Creations www.advancecabinetdesigns.com www.cosmoscreations.com
Copper West Properties www.copperwest.com
Dutch Bros Coffee www.dutchbros.com
Association of Oregon Counties www.oregoncounties.org
Fuller Foods www.fullerfoods.com
Maury Forman www.mauryforum.com
Celilo Restaurant and Bar www.celilorestaurant.com
TRACKS
Every day, rural community leaders use skills to engage broader participation, bridge perceived differences, and foster connection to move to action on complex community issues. Participants of this track will engage interactively in sessions that will build upon their leadership skills to catalyze change in their communities, build community networks to facilitate connection, communicate across political differences, and engage all the voices in their communities that are essential to the discussions and decision-making. This track will give attendees the knowledge and tools to strengthen the skills, connectedness, and voices of people in rural places and increase the understanding of what it takes to bring us together and get things done.
Rural communities face a complex set of unique challenges including youth outmigration, declining populations, and loss of jobs and economic opportunities. They face these issues in geographic isolation, with less connectivity, fewer per capita financial resources, and less political voice and influence. Participants who attend the Rural Resources track will explore innovative ways of garnering multiple forms of resources to support the issues, projects, and organizations that mean the most to them.
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. • Multnomah
Private: WealthWorks National Hub Meeting 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Clackamas & Clark
FRIDAY
Pre-Session with Becky McCray: Shift Happens: The BOLD Question Behind Rural Problems We All Face What are our common challenges in rural communities? Is it the loss of young people? Lack of volunteers? No funding? Missing out on opportunities? Downtown is dying? Now, what are the real challenges underlying all of those? What if we missed a major shift that affects all of these? There’s one underlying factor that leads to the loss of young people, lack of volunteers, our dying downtowns, and all the rest: we’re too closed to new ideas. We’re trying to navigate our way into the future using the same old procedures that we inherited from the past. Young people feel shut out, so they move. New volunteers feel marginalized and forced into existing structures, so they stay home. Complex problems force us to build ever more complicated organizations and structures to face them. Do you see a pattern? Together in one afternoon, we’re going to use this insight to reshape the future of our towns into being open to new ideas, prosperous, moving forward, and Idea Friendly. Becky McCray is a rural and small town business expert who delivers practical steps you can put into action right away to shape the future of your town.
Visit the Bridging Rural & Urban Activity & Share Your Thoughts
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Washington
Pre-Session for Philanthropic Organizations: Building Prosperity for Rural People and Places: Finding Your Foundation’s Niche Attendees of this three-hour session will gain useful principles for investing in rural, based on the work of seasoned practitioners; get clearer on what qualifies as a “prosperity outcome” in rural; explore a process for finding your foundation’s niche; and learn how innovative foundations have successfully acted to improve rural outcomes and engage in dialogue. Presented by Deborah Markley, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, and Janet Topolsky, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Community Strategies Group 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. • Clackamas, Clark, Washington
Bridges Between Rural & Urban Networking Reception Join us for conversation and networking over heavy hor d’oeuvres and a hosted bar, for those who RSVP’d. Hosted by The Ford Family Foundation
Visit the Exhibitors Gallery The Exhibitors Gallery will be open throughout the conference. Regards to Rural exhibitors have important information, resources, and news to share with you. Take a moment at each table to visit with organizations engaged in and supporting rural communities in the Pacific Northwest.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. • East Salon: Grand Ballroom
Hacking the System: Simplicity on the Far Side of Complexity Plenary
Join Steve Brown, the Bald Futurist, rural and small town business expert and author Becky McCray, and RDI’s Executive Director Heidi Khokhar as they open the conference and get us thinking about the major technologies that will shape our future, the opportunities and shifts that need to be made, and the unique ways in which these shifts will impact rural and urban differently. It seems like the future is coming at us exponentially faster; we’ll talk about how we might spend the next two days discovering solutions to help us outpace the problems, and tools and strategies to help rural keep pace with the opportunities.
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. • Exhibitors Gallery
Networking Break Grab a snack, connect with others, explore the Exhibitors Gallery, and peruse the raffle prizes. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. • Multnomah
A Watershed Moment Cascading Forward: Economic and Ecologic Approaches to Water Management in the Northwest Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Track
While many parts of the Northwestern U.S. enjoy a reputation for plentiful water resources, many regions are now near, or at full, appropriation and live yearround with water shortages. Additionally, historical water allocations, growth, aging infrastructure, urbanization, and new regulatory frameworks, combined with changing climate conditions, are creating new water demands. Together, these factors present unique opportunities for large-scale, long-term
Panelists: Mark Owens, Harney County Commissioner; Meta Loftsgaarden, Director, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; Tom Byler, Director, OWRD; Ken Helm, State Representative, District 34 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. • Clackamas
Roadmap for Building Community Networks: Presented by a Network of Rural Community Builders Rural Leadership Networks Track
Take the scenic route and explore the ins and outs of rural community networks. A team of networkers will serve as your guides as they share their experiences in building community networks to facilitate connection, communication, and their community’s capacity to work together more effectively. You will come away from this session with a deeper connection to other rural community network builders, a clearer understanding of community network building processes, and key lessons learned from a variety of rural networks. This session is presented as part of a Learning Exchange journey hosted by the Ford Institute for Community Building. Presenters: Megan Fehrman, A Greater Applegate; Brooke Nuckles Gentekos, A Greater Applegate; Megan Peterson, Siskiyou Revitalization Network; Della Harp, Umpqua Connects; Christine Turvey, Umpqua STEAM Hub; Lindsey B. Gillette, Illinois Valley Network and Roadmap Co-Coordinator; Roi Crouch, CommUNITY Consulting Coach and Roadmap Co-Coordinator
SATURDAY
Presenters: Steve Brown, the Bald Futurist; Becky McCray, Rural and Small Town Business Expert and Author; Heidi Khokhar, Executive Director, Rural Development Initiatives
regional water supply initiatives. Unfortunately, state and federal policies afford little access or opportunity to implement new ideas, or they add regulatory hurdles that make it more difficult for regions to implement solutions. In this session, participants will discuss how to break through this logjam by fostering collaboratively designed, place-based, stakeholder-supported water management plans. Using sound ecological, economic, and sociological data, communities are demonstrating that finding common ground on water management that benefits both people and nature is not only possible, but as we wrestle with the realities of living with water scarcity, it is essential.
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. • Clark
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. • Timberline
Creative Community Capital: Four Ways to Secure Funding and Build Your Economy
Embracing Tomorrow’s Workforce: How Rural Communities Can Prepare Their Workforce for Tomorrow’s Jobs
Resources for Rural Communities Track
SATURDAY
New finance tools, from Kickstarter to new federal laws, have opened up new opportunities for economic impact. Institutions like banks and CDFIs are creating new kinds of partnerships, local governments are using these tools to fund public projects, incubators are growing new kinds of funds, and leading nonprofits are finding ways to fund affordable housing. As citizens begin to participate more and more in the economic engines of our local economies, they bring value and expertise. Learn more about how to bring these financial innovations to life, increase citizen engagement, and better serve under-resourced cities, towns, and communities. Panelists: Chris Miller, Economic Development & DDA Coordinator, City of Adrian, Michigan; Janice Shade, Milk Money, Vermont; Louisa Schibli, Milk Money, Vermont; Amy Pearl, Founder/CEO, Hatch Innovation/Hatch Oregon; Lisa Dawson, Executive Director, Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD); Judy Goodman, Founder, BGOOD Bars, Joseph, Oregon; Brian Beckon, Attorney, Cutting Edge Counsel
Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Track
In the face of rapid automation and technological changes, our economic realities are being upended by the minute. Rural occupations are in transition across all industry sectors and basic questions remain as to whether our workforce and employers are prepared to seize job opportunities of the future. This session will feature a realistic assessment of how globalization and technological changes will impact the rural Northwest and how communities can best position their workforce and employers for future success. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from interactive discussions with innovative rural communities, industry leaders, and community colleges who are on the cutting edge of creating the next generation workforce, with a focus on tangible initiatives and resources for communities of all shapes and sizes.
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. • Washington
Panelists: Dr. Roberto Gutierrez, President, Klamath Community College; Melissa Brandao, Founder and CEO, HerdDogg; Heather Ficht, Executive Director, East Cascades Workforce Investment Board; Heather Stafford, Director of Adult Education, Siskiyou County Office of Education; Wally Corwin, JELD-WEN
An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: What Is It? How Do You Build One?
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. • East Salon: Grand Ballroom
Revitalizing Rural Economies Track
Bridging Together Networking Lunch
This session will explore the components of an entrepreneurial ecosystem and give participants the opportunity to complete an ecosystem assessment of their own community to better understand local strengths. Janet Soto Rodriguez will address challenges and opportunities in Oregon. Deb Markley will define the parts of an ecosystem and highlight the important role that “community” plays in its success. We will then hear stories from communities at various points on their journey to building a thriving ecosystem.
Regards to Rural brings together rural community leaders—experts in the work of building communities—together with regional and national experts in the dynamic areas of community leadership, economic development, and policy. Take advantage of this unstructured networking time to enjoy lunch and connect with each other.
Presenters: Deborah Markley, Center for Rural Entrepreneurship; Janet Soto Rodriguez, Business Oregon
Thanks to Our Sponsors for Their Generous Support!
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. • Multnomah
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. • Clark
Bring on the Broadband: Infrastructure in Rural
Transforming Rural Economies with the WealthWorks Approach: Stories from the Field
Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Track
Rural broadband access and utilization is garnering considerable local and national attention, yet many communities find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide. This session will take a closer look at how investing in local capacity is often the key ingredient to increasing broadband access. Learn how successful Pacific Northwest communities have built and sustained capacity to narrow the gap and engage with policy makers and local leaders in developing on-the-ground strategies that puts the Northwest on the path to digital inclusion.
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. • Clackamas
What Is This Community Building Thing? Rural Leadership Networks Track
Community building is happening every day in many places. Why is it so popular and what is community building, really? Why is it valuable? What are the essential elements? What does it look like in real life? How can we do it with efficiency, integrity, and impact? Please join staff from the Ford Institute for Community Building (FICB) and rural community builders to explore these questions together and learn about ways in which FICB is supporting individuals and groups in their community building work and how we might be able to support you in yours. Presenters: Roque Barros, Director, Ford Institute for Community Building; Max Gimbel, Associate Director, Ford Institute for Community Building; Amazing Rural Community Builders
The WealthWorks approach to economic development recognizes the potential for urban and rural areas to work together to create sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities. Many regions around the country are succeeding in transforming economies and growing local businesses by fostering greater linkages between cities and rural places. This session will highlight two such stories, and will engage the audience in a couple of simple exercises to demonstrate basic principles of the WealthWorks approach. Be prepared to get out of your seat! Presenters: Amy Hause, Economic Vitality Consultant, Rural Development Initiatives; Michelle Martin, Director of Community and Economic Development, NeighborWorks Umpqua; Leslie Schaller, Director of Programs, Appalachian Center for Economic Networks 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. • Washington
Participación de la Comunidad (Community Participation) Rural Leadership Networks Track
The Latino population in Oregon has experienced a rise from 275,314 in 2000 to 497,133 in 2017, a 44.6% increase. With the rising number of Latinos, the nonprofit sector is working hard to catch up to fill gaps in services provided by a wide array of organizations. This session will explore RDI’s ongoing endeavor of its equity, diversity, and inclusion journey by sharing our experience, learning, and successes, from our board’s initial proposition to engage in this organizational change, to the current program adaptation efforts that promote more culturally responsible programming for the Latino sectors of our communities. Presenters: Christian J. Vazquez Rivera, Bilingual Program Manager, Rural Development Initiatives; Maria A. Verano, Bilingual Program Coordinator, Rural Development Initiatives; Gustavo Morales, Executive Director, EUVALCREE
SATURDAY
Panelists: Joseph Franell, Advisory Council Chair, Oregon Broadband, and CEO, Eastern Oregon Telecom; Carrie Pipinich, Program Manager, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District; Betty Buckley, Executive Director, Washington Independent Telecommunications Association; Andrea Alexander, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Energy & Telecommunications; The Honorable Representative Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, Washington; The Honorable Representative Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, Oregon; Mario Villanueva, Executive Director, Partners for Rural Washington
Revitalizing Rural Economies Track
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. • Timberline
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Clackamas
Opportunities to Invest in Rural: The Rebirth of Traditional Rural-Based Sectors
Bridging Rural and Urban? Efforts to Connect Across Real and Perceived Divides, Geographic and Otherwise
Revitalizing Rural Economies Track
Traditional natural resource-based companies continue to play a vital role in rural economies. In this session you will learn from rural business owners and managers who are champions of change in sectors from wood products to agriculture. They’ll share insights about business opportunities and challenges, rural-urban economic connections, and how rural community and government leaders can optimize business success. Panelists: Tyler Freres, Vice-President, Freres Lumber; Angelina Skowronski, General Manager, Fishpeople Seafood Market at Garibaldi Landing; Cory Carmen, Owner, Carmen Ranch; Bruce Nissen, CEO, LDB Beverage
SATURDAY
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Exhibitors Gallery
Networking Break Grab a snack, connect with others, explore the Exhibitors Gallery, and peruse the raffle prizes. The Exhibitors Gallery will be open throughout the conference. Take a moment at each table to visit with organizations engaged in and supporting rural communities in the Pacific Northwest. 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Multnomah
Rural Economic Diversification and Innovation: The New Growth Sectors Revitalizing Rural Economies Track
This session features stories of rural CEOs and managers who are leading innovation and economic expansion. Each will provide insight to what makes rural an attractive locale, opportunities for growth, and ideas for how rural communities should prepare for and embrace the changes ahead. Panelists: Jenny Taylor, Director of Infrastructure, Insitu, Inc.; Ray Doering, Director, Corporate Communication, Coquille Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO); Orion Falvey, Co-Owner, Orchid Health; Tim Fry, President, 468 Communications
Rural Leadership Networks Track
This session will provide a snapshot of four current efforts to connect Oregonians across geographic and other divides. The main questions we will explore are: (1) Why try to get people talking across differences and divides? (2) How can we create conditions that make it possible to bridge across differences? (3) Who are the people that ought to be talking more with one another (and how to get them in rooms together)? (4) What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for this sort of work going forward? The intention with this session is to say just enough about each of these efforts to create grounds for robust conversation among participants. Presenters: Mariana Lindsay, Urban Rural Project Coordinator, American Leadership Forum; Adam Davis, Executive Director, Oregon Humanities; Robin Teater, Executive Director, Healthy Democracy 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Clark
Rural Development Through Land Stewardship Revitalizing Rural Economies Track
Forests play an essential social, economic, and ecological role in the Pacific Northwest. The region has also been a national leader in pioneering collaborative, community-based solutions to contentious natural resource management challenges. This session will focus on how communities can engage in collaborative forestry discussions, specifically how local communities can benefit from public land stewardship and restoration. Participants will hear from state, federal, nonprofit, and community leaders who are leading innovative approaches that support thriving local communities through forest stewardship. Panelists: Nils Christoffersen, Executive Director, Wallowa Resources; Susan Jane Brown, Member, Blue Mountains Forest Partners & Staff Attorney, Western Environmental Law Center; Maia Enzer, Planning & Public Engagement Advisor, US Forest Service; Phil Chang, Federal Forest Restoration Lead, Oregon Department of Forestry; Karen Hardigg, Director, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Washington
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Align to Thrive: Philanthropy and Rural Prosperity
Personal Break
Resources for Rural Communities Track
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. • East Salon: Grand Ballroom
Do any foundations want to play a role in rural economic development? (Isn’t that someone else’s job?) Why or why not? If they do care about it, what roles might they play in improving economic outcomes for rural people, places, and economies? How can my rural concerns align with theirs? This session will explore these questions in ways that help community leaders better understand their potential to forge a partnership with philanthropy. We’ll share stories, strategies and tactics that rural community and economic development organizations are using to partner with foundations to help foster and strengthen rural families, businesses, communities, and economic sectors. Presenters: Janet Topolsky, Executive Director, Community Strategies Group, The Aspen Institute; Deborah Markley, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Center for Rural Entrepreneurship
Did you purchase raffle tickets at the conference? Be sure to join us promptly at 5:30 for the raffle drawing as you must be present to win. Special thanks to our generous raffle donors for their wonderful contributions. 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. • East Salon: Grand Ballroom
Dinner & Celebration After an inspiring day, enjoy a meal with engaging messages, special updates, and wonderful company.
Spread the Rural Love!
Navigating the Challenges of Rural Housing Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Track
The minimum wage in Oregon is a hot topic. The Oregon Legislature is working to pass a phased-in higher minimum wage over several years. Nonprofits will be affected by changes to the minimum wage and this discussion is geared to help nonprofits understand the opportunities and challenges involved, and how changes to the minimum wage may affect your nonprofit’s staff, services, or business model. The session will begin with an overview of the issue and a summary of the positions, opportunities, and concerns raised by nonprofit leaders. This will be followed by a discussion with the gathered leaders to hear different perspectives and approaches nonprofits are taking on the minimum wage issue. Panelists: Marty Miller, Director, Office of Rural and Farmworker Housing; Kim Herman, Executive Director, Washington State Housing Finance Commission; Shawn Irvine, Economic Development Director, City of Independence; Dwight Unti, President, Tokola Properties Inc.; Kim Travis, Housing Integrator, Oregon Housing and Community Services
Visit the Exhibitors Gallery to get your t-shirt today for only $15.
Rural Development Initiatives
RDI strengthens rural people, places, and economies in the Pacific Northwest. www.rdiinc.org
SATURDAY
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Timberline
Raffle Drawing: Treasures from Around the Rural Pacific Northwest
Sunday 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. • East Salon: Grand Ballroom
Rural Priorities Networking Breakfast Interested in discussing your priorities with others who share them? You’re invited to participate in table discussions focused on a range of rural priorities. Sign up to host a topic of interest before Sunday morning, and different rural priorities will be featured at each table. Start your day off with a delicious assortment of breakfast foods, and join a conversation to explore the interconnectivity of each of our priorities and what that means for the future.
Reservation Capitalism: Economic Development in Indian Country Revitalizing Rural Economies Track
We will examine tools that tribes and Indians can use to help them in the important struggle to reach a level of economic prosperity that sustains their lives, families, communities, and cultures, and enables them to better exercise self-determination, selfsufficiency, and self-governance. Presenter: Robert Miller, Author of Reservation “Capitalism”: Economic Development in Indian Country 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. • Clark
9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Leading Across Our Political Divides
Head Downstairs for Breakout Sessions
Rural Leadership Networks Track
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. • Multnomah SUNDAY
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. • Clackamas
The Future of Rural Farms, Ranches, & Businesses Elevating Rural Voices & Priorities Track
The average age of an Oregon farmer is 60 years old, and in the next two decades, over 10 million acres (or 64%) of Oregon’s agricultural land will change hands. Additionally, the price of farmland is rising, fewer skilled next-generation farmers are prepared to take over, and non-farm uses and fragmentation of farmland are challenging Oregon’s treasured agricultural heritage. This session will take a deep dive into the issues, challenges, and implications of this massive transfer of land ownership and how one Pacific Northwest State is keeping working lands in active production. Join farmers, ranchers, and policy makers in a discussion of how recent legislation is working to create tools and resources for rural communities and engage in solutionsoriented conversations on future strategies. Panelists: Oregon Senator Bill Hansell; Mark Bennett, County Commissioner, Baker County, Oregon; Nellie McAdams, Farm Preservation Program Director, Rogue Farm Corps; Diana Tourney, Adviser and Instructor, Clackamas Small Business Development Center; Jared Gardner, Nehalem River Ranch
Are you hungry for ways to impact the painful divide that has developed between Reds and Blues? Join us in exploring differences across the political divide. Crossing this divide will enable you to work together to solve problems you face in your community, and create many opportunities to enrich your community To change your relationships with “others,” you will practice skills to improve communication and deepen understanding. By the end of the workshop, you will feel more comfortable talking with people on the opposite side of the political divide in your community. Presenter: Heidi Venture, Heidi Venture Consulting 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. • Timberline
Catalytic Community Building: Assessment and Action! Rural Leadership Networks Track
cat·a·lyst: an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action Join us for a deep dive into the heart of catalytic community building for organizations. Whether a nonprofit, civic entity, coalition, small business, or neighborhood improvement project, you’ve got catalytic potential. The Ford Institute for Community Building convened a learning exchange last fall to unpack the characteristics and practices that make an
organization truly catalytic, rather than simply effective. We are ready to explore them with you! In addition to learning the 14 key practices of organizations that are building community and catalyzing change, participants will: Explore why these practices matter, and what opportunities and challenges they present; Receive an organizational self-assessment tool and develop an initial assessment of your organization’s strengths and growing edges; Initiate a plan for action to deepen your catalytic potential; Gain facilitation tips for engaging your team; Connect with resources and opportunities in 2018 to support your next steps.
Private: WealthWorks National Peer to Peer 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Head Upstairs for Closing Plenary 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • East Salon: Grand Ballroom
Bold Rural Leadership, One Tiny Step at a Time Plenary
What are the great, bold, and even risky-feeling ideas we’ve heard throughout the conference? What are the tiny steps we each can implement in our communities today in order to make an impact and move toward a greater shift for the future? Presenters: Heidi Khokhar, Executive Director, Rural Development Initiatives; Becky McCray, Rural and Small Town Business Expert and Author; Janet Soto Rodriguez, Entrepreneurship Strategist, Business Oregon
SUNDAY
Panelists: Lola Jones, Executive Director, Samaritan House; Toby Winn, Executive Director, Neighbors for Kids; Maria Caballero Rubio, Executive Director, Centro Cultural de Washington County; Gustavo Morales, Executive Director, EUVALCREE; Eric Johnston, Executive Director, Todos Juntos; Harv Schubothe, Executive Director, Greater Bandon Association; Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Director of Development and Communications, Centro Cultural de Washington County; Amy Carlson, Organizational Development Consultant
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Washington
www.rdiinc.org Rural Development Initiatives strengthens rural people, places, and economies in the Pacific Northwest.