WebinarsUPCOMING WEBINARSWebinars are a member-benefit to current NREDA members, and $25 for non-members. Upcoming Webinars: "Rural Opportunity Zones 2.0 — Unlocking Private Capital for Community Transformation" Thursday, March 19, 2026
Rural communities face unique challenges in attracting private investment, yet they possess distinctive assets that make them ideal candidates for the enhanced Opportunity Zone program. This webinar, presented by Michael O’Mara, Partner at Ascension OZ Advisors, explores how the permanent extension of Opportunity Zones under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates unprecedented opportunities for rural economic development. Drawing from the new legislative framework and emerging best practices, this webinar will demonstrate how the enhanced rural benefits, including a 30% basis step-up and reduced substantial improvement thresholds, can catalyze investment in communities that were historically overlooked in OZ 1.0. Participants will discover how strategic census tract selection creates a multiplier effect—attracting patient capital, supporting workforce housing development, and building community wealth that extends far beyond individual projects. From understanding the July 2026 designation timeline to positioning your community for Qualified Rural Opportunity Fund investment, this session provides practical tools for economic developers, CDFIs, and local leaders seeking to harness OZ 2.0's rural-focused incentives and connect underserved areas to the capital markets. ON-DEMAND WEBINARSBelow are recent NREDA webinars. As an NREDA member, you can log-in and view all past webinar recordings. Click here to view these recordings.
"Success in a Small Town: Proven Marketing Strategies that Drive Rural Growth" "Economic Development Strategies that Transform Counties"
Thursday, December 4, 2025
"Revitalizing Rural America: Empowering Downtown Entrepreneurs Through Strategic Development" "Overcoming Childcare Barriers: Solutions for Economic Development" "Beyond the Factory Floor: Rethinking Rural Workforce Through the Lens of Retail" "Rural Advocacy Strategies: Winning with Practical Tactics from the Inside" "Key Partnerships and KPI for Rural Economic Development" "What Salary Surveys Mean for your Next Professional Step" "Economic Development Essentials" "Making Your Rural Advocacy Voice Heard" "Workforce Housing" "How Amazon Hub and Rural America are Collaborating" "Tell Your Local Story" Webinar Featuring the Daytripper
Commitment to Community
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
"Empowering Retail Retention and Recruitment in Your Community"
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
We want to hear from you! NREDA encourages you to submit your proposed session topics/presentations to be considered for a future Member Webinar or Annual Conference! Sessions should be educational and a benefit to NREDA members. In-person sessions that are interactive are always well-received, and webinar and in-person panels that offer various perspectives are desirable!
Did you miss a webinar? NREDA Members may access the webinar recordings by logging into your member account on the website and visiting https://nreda.memberclicks.net/webinar-recordings. (Be sure to login first and make sure your membership is current, as this page can only be viewed and accessed by current members.)
Justin Sommer, Economic Development DIrector, Preble County Economic Development Partnership |
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