Annual forum offers venue for exchange of ideas to strengthen rural Arizona and foster economic growthGlobe AZ (June 28, 2014) – The 8th Annual Arizona Rural Policy Forum will be held at the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center in Miami, Arizona, during August 7 through 8, 2014. This annual forum, hosted by the Arizona Rural Development Council (AZRDC), a program of the Local First Arizona Foundation (LFAF), will connect rural economic development professionals, nonprofits, community leaders, business owners, and other rural stakeholders who are interested in sustaining rural communities.
“Our goal will be to hear strategies from national experts as well as learn about success stories around Arizona that will give our rural leaders the tools, resources and relationships they need to face current challenges,” said Kimber Lanning, Director of the AZRDC and LFAF. “We are looking forward to a dynamic event to further drive economic development in rural Arizona.”
The 2014 Rural Policy Forum will provide an opportunity for skill-building, networking, building relationships and educating each other about the needs and services in rural Arizona. Activities include capacity-building sessions, receptions, workshops, and keynote presentations receptions and grant maker one on ones. Here, grant makers host tables where rural nonprofits have the opportunity to describe their organization’s mission and present a project for the host to consider for potential future funding.
Breakout sessions and workshops will focus on a variety of important topics pertaining to rural economic development. Topics include alternative energy, education and research, tourism and agri-tourism, main streets, crowd funding, workforce housing development and funding, healthcare, marketing and branding, and technology. Forum attendees will have the opportunity to join many of these workshops throughout the two-day conference. A continuously updated agenda can be found at .
Registration for the 2014 Rural Policy Forum is now open. Early bird registration is $99 and has been extended to July 15. Registration includes attendance at the two-day conference, four meals, and many opportunities to network with stakeholders from around Arizona. Attendees can find more information and register here: .
Sponsors of the 8th Annual Rural Policy Forum include the Marley Foundation, Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation, The Arizona Community Foundation, APS, AMIGOS, and Resolution Copper.
About the Arizona Rural Development Council
The Arizona Rural Development Council (AZDRC) is Arizona’s official, federally-recognized State Rural Development Council in the National Rural Development Partnership. AZDRC’s mission is to equip communities with resources to advance rural Arizona while honoring their heritage in a changing world. In May of 2013, the Rural Development Council merged with, and became a program of, the Local First Arizona Foundation.
About the Local First Arizona Foundation
The Local First Arizona Foundation (LFAF) is a non-profit sister organization of Local First Arizona, a statewide non-profit organization working to strengthen communities and local economies through growing, supporting, and celebrating locally owned businesses throughout the state of Arizona. LFAF’s mission is to catalyze the community to leverage the resources, opportunities, and information needed to build sustainable local economies throughout Arizona, resulting in a high quality of life for all.