Who should attend: Ford Institute Leadership Program graduates and their guests (within the region - see below) interested in improving economic vitality in their community.  No previous experience in economic development is required. 

Content will target general knowledge and is not aimed at individuals with a high level of economic development experience or background.  The experienced and experts are encouraged to attend if interested in sharing expertise and networking. 

Ideally participants will attend a regional forum with several people from one community to work as a team during and after the event for increased community vitality.

Ford Institute hubs listed here may not include all named places within the hub or region:

There are no registraton fee's for Ford Institute graduates and their guests except time and travel.

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.  

Lodging: Upon request, The Ford Institute will make reservations and cover the cost of hotel rooms for those traveling more than two hours one way.  (see registration form).  There are a limited number of rooms available on a first come first serve basis.  Sharing a room when appropriate is encouraged. 

Economic Vitality Forum 2011
Draft Agenda

Starting or Expanding a Buy Local Campaign
Presented by: Jeff Milchen, American Independent Business Alliance
Buy Local or Think Local campaigns are taking off in many communities, big and small, across the country. Learn from a national expert on how to design and implement an effective "Buy Local" campaign and how to organize for success, build a culture of support, build a powerful collective brand, why policy matters, and how to fund your work.

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Community
Presented by: Maury Forman, WA State Department of Commerce
Oregon is a small business state - 86% of businesses in Oregon have 5 or fewer employees.  Learn how to develop and support entrepreneurs in your community and understand the benefits of entrepreneurship as an economic development strategy.  This interactive workshop focuses on building local capacity and programs to support local entrepreneurs.

Clean Economy Opportunities in Rural Communities
Presented by: Cylvia Hayes - Rural Development Initiatives
Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects are mushrooming in rural regions. Some communities are generating significant revenue from these projects, while some are struggling with the related impacts on the local environment and social fabric. In this interactive session we will discuss the many issues communities must address when developing clean energy projects.   You will hear about new resources being made available by the government and non-profit sectors and RDI’s new West Coast Clean Economy Collaborative.

 
Jeff Milchen
Jeff Milchen is a national leader in helping communities build vital local economies based on independent locally-owned businesses and create ongoing opportunities for entrepreneurs. He co-founded the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), which provides tools, templates and personal guidance to help groups develop effective "Buy Independent/Buy Local" campaigns," group purchasing and marketing initiatives, pro-local policies and more.

More than 100 communities have launched local organizations based on the Independent Business Alliance® model Milchen pioneered in 1998. These Alliances play a crucial role in creating and maintaining opportunities for entrepreneurs in communities of all sizes, ideologies and economic conditions.

Milchen is a prominent advocate for independent business as a writer and speaker. His commentaries and how-to articles have appeared in dozens of publications including The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Inc. Magazine and The Ecologist. He has facilitated trainings for more than 70 communities and organizations, helping spark pro-local organizing across North America in communities of all sizes and circumstances.
You can contact Jeff at: jeff@amiba.net

Maury Forman, Ph.D.
Maury Forman was recently appointed the Rural Development Specialist for the Washington State Department of Commerce. His focus is to assist rural communities in their efforts to grow and improve jobs. He has had almost 20 years experience in economic development including the Managing Director for the Washington State Department of Commerce. He was and was voted into the Inland Northwest Partners Hall of Fame for his work with rural communities. He was the winner of the American Economic Development Councils Preston Award for outstanding contributions in educational advancement, The US Small Business Administration’s Vision 2000 Award and the ROI Research Institute Award for Innovation in Adult Education.

He is a popular speaker and is a well-known educator and humorist. Dr. Forman is also one of the bestselling authors in the country on economic development, having written practical books for the practitioner, including Learning to Lead, The Washington Entrepreneurs Guide, Community Wisdom, the Ten Commandments of Economic Development and the 25 Immutable Rules of Successful Tourism.
You can contact Maury at: maury.forman@commerce.wa.gov

Cylvia Hayes