Summit focuses on economic vitality

Sisters' economic engine is beginning to hum along more smoothly, and a group of citizens will gather May 8 to explore how the community can get it tuned up and rumbling into the future.

Sisters Country Economic Vitality Summit - Shaping Sisters: Pioneers on the Frontier of Innovation runs Friday, May 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at FivePine Conference Center. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required; there are a few places left at the table.

"Our goal is 90 to 95 percent Sisters community members - those who want to be part of shaping our future and strengthening our economy," said Caprielle Foote-Lewis, Sisters' economic development manager who is assisting with the event.

The event is being organized by Rural Development Initiatives and is sponsored by the Ford Family Foundation.

Foote-Lewis emphasized that this is not one more "visioning" process. It's really about forging cooperative approaches to building Sisters' economic vitality, leveraging the community's many cultural and natural assets, and overcoming the challenges inherent in operating an economy in a small community in what remains a rural and somewhat off-the-beaten-path area.

"This is not a visioning process," said Foote-Lewis. "We're bringing in outside resources to offer what other communities have done in economically challenging times... The takeaway is that (participants) should feel inspired to get more involved in what they're passionate about. This is a call to action; it's an invitation to be engaged."

In order to make that engagement pay off, there will be follow-up group work facilitated by the organizers and sponsor.

Two keynote speakers will be featured at the summit.

Kyle Sexton, marketing strategist with ChamberThink Strategies in Salem, will present "Follow You Anywhere: The Alignment of Leadership and Marketing."

Bob Cooper, CEcD, director of corporate relations for Landmark Development in Las Vegas, Nevada, will speak on "Embracing Change: Striking the Balance Between Innovation and Tradition."

A panel discussion will cover the "Spirit of Sisters - Culture of Innovation & Authenticity."

There will be a networking lunch and the summit will close with a discussion of "Taking Action Locally & Building Momentum" led by Noelle Colby-Rotell of Rural Development Initiatives. A reception at Three Creeks Brewing Co. is set for 3:15 p.m.

To register, follow the link below (scroll down).

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

• Email: editor@nuggetnews.com
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