Register Today!

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

Registration is now open for “Redefining Rural”, a 2-day workshop, presented by the National Rural Economic Developers  Association (NREDA)!  This two-day workshop will focus 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.

Hotel Room Reservations:
You may reserve your hotel room online at the Courtyard by Marriott Springfield Airport by April 3, 2024 by clicking HERE.  Be sure to reserve early to receive the discounted NREDA event rate of $99 per night.  A limited number of rooms at this discounted rate are available for the nights of April 29 and April 30.  The Courtyard hotel is a short drive (less than 15 miles) from the Old Towne Event Center.  You may choose to rent a car, or to Uber/Lyft to/from the venue/hotel. 

Registration Information/Fees:

• Current (2024) NREDA Members:  $75 per person
• Non-members:  $150 per person

 You may register by April 18^th HERE.

Visit https://nreda.memberclicks.net/nreda-membership-application#!/ to join NREDA before you register for this event to secure the free member rate for this event, as well as for the 2024 Annual Conference
AND access to free webinars for current members throughout the year!

Registration Policies:

• Registration fees are per person and include admission to all NREDA functions.
• Please note that registration fees do not include hotel accommodations, airfares or transportation.
• No attendee registration refunds are approved after April 18, 2024, and no refunds are offered for no-shows. Cancellations received on or prior to April 18, 2024 are eligible for a full refund.
• Substitutions are permitted.  Please email [email protected] by April 18, 2024 to substitute a current attendee registration. If substituting a non-member for a member, the difference in rate is due at the time of substitution.

Thank you to our Event Sponsors!