Registration and sponsorships available for conference that celebrates rural America and offers growth strategies for cities, counties and regions
Registration and sponsorship slots are filling quickly for Stand Up Rural America, a national economic development summit coming to Somerset-Pulaski County July 26-28 that is expected to draw hundreds of participants from across the country.
The time is now to sign up to be a part of this unique experience, said Chris Girdler, president and CEO of the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA).
“With more than 20 nationally renowned speakers on the agenda and an anticipated 300 attendees from across the U.S., there really isn’t a better opportunity to be a part of something right here in the heart of rural America that has such significant reach,” Girdler said. “We are honored that Stand Up Rural America organizers selected our community after having hosted this event in much larger cities. This summit will have an incredible impact on our area and I can’t stress enough how beneficial it will be to everyone who is involved.”
In its third year, Stand Up Rural America is designed to give participants tangible tools and strategies to help cities, counties and regions grow. The event includes panel discussions, presentations, and a celebration of what makes rural America special. It has previously been hosted in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charleston, West Virginia, and this year will be headquartered at The Center for Rural Development.
Representatives from SPEDA and The Center, in partnership with the City of Somerset, Lake Cumberland Tourism and Pulaski County Government, serve as the host committee for the summit.
Speakers will cover topics ranging from innovative housing solutions to new approaches to agribusiness and how to build a dynamic downtown. AppHarvest CEO Jonathan Webb and Horse Soldier Bourbon COO Scott Neil are just two in a robust lineup of experts who will offer a unique perspective on economic development in rural America.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for interested vendors, associations, state and federal agencies, lenders, utilities and supporters of rural America. They’re offered at many levels and provide multiple exposure, promotion, advertising, branding and networking benefits.
“There has never been an opportunity like this one for our community and state to shine,” Girdler said. “I would love to see a huge contingent of local, regional and Kentucky businesses and organizations as attendees and sponsors at Stand Up Rural America. Let’s show people from across the nation why Somerset, Pulaski County and Kentucky are truly rural American gems.”
For more information about sponsoring, e-mail Girdler at chris@speda.org. To register, visit www.standupruralamerica.com.