UACES Facebook Breakthrough Solutions conference to focus on what smart communities do to stand out
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Breakthrough Solutions conference to focus on what smart communities do to stand out

By U of A System Division of Agriculture
May 27, 2016

 Fast Facts:

  • Breakthrough Solutions conference & workshops scheduled for June 7-8
  • Information designed to help communities attract new residents and businesses

(303 words) 

LITTLE ROCK — Community and regional leaders and organizers will have the opportunity to learn how to more effectively attract tourists, retirees, families, entrepreneurs and businesses to their areas at the 2016 Breakthrough Solutions conference and pre-conference workshop, July 7-8 in Little Rock. 

“The purpose of the conference is to provide community and regional leaders with insights, tools, and solutions they can use to stand out from the crowd, leading to communities to becoming more vibrant, sustainable, and resilient,” said Mark Peterson, professor of community and economic development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. 

Attendees will have the chance to discover opportunities in eight critical issue areas and hear about exciting community projects from across the state. 

The conference is scheduled to take place July 8 at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service headquarters, 2301 South University, in Little Rock.  In addition to the conference, two half-day pre-conference workshops will be held July 7, addressing two critical community economic development issues, both of which can help communities stand out from the crowd:

  • “Creating a Talent Pipeline for Your Community or Region” will provide a strategic approach to workforce development and a valuable tool for community leaders to address the most critical issues and greatest opportunities for developing a skilled, motivated work force.  The Talent Pipeline will be used for two pilot communities, with workforce providers adding key insights into the process.
  • “Funding and Financing Community and Economic Development” will provide a

comprehensive approach to funding and financing the most important projects and initiatives within communities, with an opportunity to learn from several successful projects funded in Arkansas and other states.  Participating communities will have an opportunity to make a pitch for funding their projects. 

To learn more about the conference, contact Mark Peterson at 501-671-2253, or by email at mpeterson@uada.edu.

  

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 

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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu

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