Choosing the Best Legal Structure for Your 21st Century Small Business
August 8, 2017
Becky Bowen, a community development specialist at NC State Cooperative Extension, is an attorney licensed in North Carolina, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Her presentation will review seven things to consider when choosing a legal structure for a small business as well as examine new economy trends in business structure choices.
The Development of Utility-Scale Solar: Tales of Local Government
July 27, 2017
The solar energy sector now employs more people than the coal energy sector. Cost reductions of technology and project development, ever increasing energy demands, and a groundswell of low-carbon energy demand are factors driving solar energy development. Local governments are on the frontlines of project development siting and permitting. Utility-scale solar projects have implications for land use, environment, and tax revenues. We will explore some stories of how Extension is working to ensure a bright future for this emerging market in Virginia and beyond.
UTILIZING EXTENSION AS A TOOL TO PRESERVE YOUR COMMUNITY’S HOUSING STOCK
June 27, 2017
Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension program will highlight how they collaborated with a USDA Strike Force designated community to develop an affiliate of a national non-profit housing organization to help preserve the community’s affordable housing inventory by providing free home repairs and rehabilitation services for the elderly and disabled citizens.
A COMPREHENSIVE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROGRAM FOR RURAL KENTUCKY
May 31, 2017
We will speak briefly about a new program designed to invigorate approximately 12 downtowns in rural Kentucky. We will highlight the following programs that focus on regionalism, small business development, community design and youth engagement: CEDIK First Impressions program, CEDIK Community and Business Retention Program, KSBDC (Kentucky Small Business Development Center) Small Town Merchant Program, KSBDC and CEDIK GrowKY Program, Youth Engagement in Kentucky Downtowns, The creation of an 8-county Downtown network and mentoring program, Training on community foundation building and sustainability, Downtown marketing and communications using new broadband infrastructure, Community Design program – streetscape and walkability program..
Developmental Evaluation for Cooperative Extension Community Development Programs
April 27, 2017
This webinar introduces Michael Q. Patton’s developmental evaluation approach as a potentially appropriate paradigm for Extension community development programs. Presenters will share how the MFLN uses developmental evaluation and what it might look like in day-to-day evaluation for community development educators.
Show Me the Money - Funding and Financing Community and Economic Development
April 4, 2017
Many communities and regions have great vision and plans, but are unable to bring them to completion due to lack of funding or financing. This webinar will present a comprehensive approach to funding and financing community and economic development in the 21st century, including 8 secrets to success, 12 major funding strategies, and exemplary case studies.
HOW LATINO-OWNED BUSINESSES THRIVE: COMPREHENSIVE FINDINGS FROM LIMITED-ACCESS MICRODATA
March 8, 2017
With Latinos making up an increasing share of the U.S. population, there is a growing need to understand the most important factors related to Latino-owned businesses in general and to their growth specifically. As such, new research takes advantage of the Texas Federal Statistical Research Data Center to investigate which business-owner, business, and regional factors are most associated with Latino-owned business relative to other ethnicities and how those factors impact employment growth. The results of this research have implications economic development programing as it relates to supporting Latino-owned business. We conclude with a discussion of how Extension might adapt to meet the needs of this growing audience.
Documenting Community Outcomes with Surveys: A how-to on designing questions & collecting data
February 6, 2017
One of the easiest ways to get information from community members and program participants is to use a survey. But how do you know if your questions are written correctly? And what's the best way to reach your audience? Join the National Community & Economic Resource Development Indicators Team as we discuss question design and fielding your survey once it's complete. This webinar will focus on designing clear and concise survey questions and a discussion of best practices to follow when fielding your survey.
16th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth: Saint Louis, MO
February 2-4, 2017
The nation’s largest smart growth and sustainability event, the theme for the 2017 conference is “Practical Tools and Innovative Strategies for Creating Great Communities,” underscoring a stronger emphasis on implementation tools and strategies, and new technologies that will help communities NOW! The program will span three full days with post-conference events scheduled for Sunday, February 5. The main program will kick off on Thursday morning, February 2, with a plenary starting at 10:00 am, and continue through Saturday afternoon, closing at 4:00 pm. The schedule includes a dynamic mix of plenaries, breakouts, implementation workshops, focused training sessions, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and coordinated networking activities. It will also feature exciting tours of local model projects in and around the greater St. Louis region.
Community-Centered Design: How to Empower Residents to Shape the Development of their Communities
January 25, 2017
Community-centered design is a methodology that invites a community to imagine and build places that reflect what matters most to them – both as a community and as individuals. Often in Extension, we conduct assessments as a way to identify community needs and determine solutions for solving community problems. There are various methods to gather that local input and, at times, traditional methods for data collection are too time consuming and are not accessible to many people. This session will introduce a community-centered design approach and the engagement tools to support a more accessible, transparent, and democratic process. Session speakers include Mr. Dan Parham, Co-Founder, CEO of Neighborland and Dr. Michelle Eley, Community & Economic Development Specialist, The Cooperative Extension Program at NC A&T State University.
Considerations in Managing Oil and Gas Development and Forest Resources
December 15, 2016
Rachel Carter of Mississippi State University will be giving an overview of resources for planning for oil and gas development on forestland. She will also discuss what has been learned during our outreach work on the topic in Mississippi and where Extension agents and Landowners can find information on the topic and where they should look to have various questions answered.
National Association of Extension Program Staff Development Professionals (NAEPSDP): Ridgedale, MO
December 6-8, 2016
The NAEPSDP is soliciting proposals for presentations at the 2016 NAEPSDP Annual Conference. The theme for the 2016 conference is “Sustaining Connections: Reaching New Heights Together.” Presentation proposals will be accepted from NAEPSDP members and nonmembers alike for four different tracks and four different session types. Proposals from graduate student research or projects are encouraged. All presentation proposals must be submitted by no later than Friday, August 19, 2016
Igniting the Spark for Community Development: Developing Community Readiness
November 15, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. CT/ 1:00 p.m ET
Often communities struggle with getting their citizenry involved in community betterment. In this session, we will explore the concept of community readiness, and discuss programs and methods that encourage public engagement.
Foundatins of Practice: Understanding Communities Online Course Offers Tools for Community Development
October 6 - November 17, 2016
Understanding Communities and Their Dynamics is a Level 1 introduction for the Foundations of Practice Program. It is appropriate for individuals working with community groups in any subject area. The seven-week series begins October 6, 2016 and concludes November 17, 2016. Each week features a 90-minute webinar focusing on topics including demographics, economic development, strategic planning and power structures. Supplemental resources and online discussion opportunities will be available on the course website. Participants should plan to log in at their convenience during the week to explore these topics further, pose questions, investigate additional resources and visit with colleagues in similar situations
Local & Regional Foods: Connecting Regional Efforts
October 7th, 2016 @ 10:30 a.m CT/ 11:30 a.m ET
The Community Development Academy Explores presents The Arts and Economic Development Workshop. Learn how the arts and culture can add to and diversify traditional community and economic development practices. This workshop will show you how the arts can favorably impact your local and regional economy. Registration now open. .
Exploring Linkages in Food Market Innovations, Food Distribution Research Society Annual Conference: New Orleans, LA
September 30 - October 1, 2016
Hosted by the Food Distribution Research Society, participants can explore a host of topics related to Food Systems work on a host of topics. Explore the agenda and register for this exciting event.
The Arts and Economic Development Workshop: Excelsior Springs, MO
September 26-27, 2016
The Community Development Academy Explores presents The Arts and Economic Development Workshop. Learn how the arts and culture can add to and diversify traditional community and economic development practices. This workshop will show you how the arts can favorably impact your local and regional economy. Registration now open. .
Reinventing Our Communities Conference: Philadelphia, PA
September 21-23, 2016
A transformative economy leverages capital needed to fund innovation and entrepreneurship, whether it is currency, community development investments or human capital. The 2016 Reinventing Our Communities conference, will take a deep look at the key tools required to leverage capital that translates knowledge and ideas into marketable innovations, provides quality education and training, strengthens local business vitality and encourages entrepreneurship. Come and experience conference sessions that will showcase: perspectives from three Federal Reserve presidents on the Fed's role in transforming economies; emerging strategies in community development finance that focus on collaboration; and opportunities for municipalities to compete effectively for funding.
7th National Small Farm Conference: Virginia Beach, VA
September 20-22, 2016
At the conference, through short courses, oral and poster paper presentations, exhibits, success stories and educational tours in and around Virginia Beach you’ll: 1. Learn about innovative advances in research, extension and outreach 2. Network and strengthen existing partnerships with other small farm professionals 3.Take home new ideas that will help to ensure small farmers and ranchers in your region not only survive, but thrive in today’s economy.
SERA-37 Annual Meeting: Nashville, TN
August 25-26, 2016
This conference focused on immigrant integration in new destination areas. It brings together folks from NGOs, service providers, educators, researchers, policymakers, students and others to discuss the research and best practices that are working to help strengthen our communities and empower our community members.
2016 SR-PLN, AEA & ASRED Joint Meeting: Nashville, TN
August 22-26, 2016
Creating New Harmonies: Addressing Regional Opportunities.
Registration for the conference is now open.
Responsive Countryside: The Digital Age and Rural Communities
August 16, 2016@ 10:30am CT/ 11:30pm ET
The digital age is upon us. Its exponential, digital, combinatorial, and disruptive characteristics are ushering in revolutionary changes to our economic and social landscape. While serious privacy and security concerns abound, applications such as e-commerce, telehealth, telework, precision agriculture, and artificial intelligence have the potential to level the playing field between urban and rural communities. A four-step process in which the state Extension Service plays a critical role in helping rural communities transition to, plan for, and prosper in the digital age is showcased.
79th Rural Sociological Society Annual Meeting: Toronto, Canada
August 7-10th, 2016
2016 RSS Annual Meeting Call for Papers, Posters, and Organized Sessions. The theme of the 2016 conference is Understanding Rural Social Class in an Era of Global Challenge and will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 7 - 10 August 2016.
Using Aging-In-Place to Connect At-Risk Youth and Seniors
July 20th, 2016@ 10:00 a.m. CT/ 11:00 a.m. ET
The Innovative Dads Program uses local fathers from churches, who are trained by me and a local Pastor (Gerard Duncan) who is a building maintenance superintendent, to perform repairs to homes in underserved areas of Gainesville, FL. The fathers gain access to elderly residents’ homes in the area because they are trusted due to the Pastor's connections to the neighborhoods. Further, the fathers bring local youth into the homes to observe the upgrades so the youth can learn how to repair homes and also learn the trust and bond being created within their neighborhood by working in elderly folks' homes. This program aims to reduce the number of elderly residents who visit the emergency room due to accidental falls in the home and to reduce the number of youth who otherwise would be out on the local streets looking for something to do after school hours, which typically leads to negative behavior.
2016 NACDEP/ANREP Annual Conference: Burlington, VT
June 26-29, 2016
For the first time, NACDEP and ANREP are teaming up for a Joint Annual Conference June 26-29, 2016 at the Sheraton Hotel in beautiful and vibrant Burlington, Vermont. Between our memberships, we are anticipating over 350 attendees, providing an excellent opportunity to broaden your Extension Network, present and learn from your peers, and learn from an expanded topic menu.
Tourism in Extension: How we Assist Landowners, Communities and the Public at Large Webinar
June 22nd, 2016 11am CT/12pm ET
15th Annual Cambio de Colores (Change of Colors) Conference: Columbia, MO
June 8 – 10, 2016
You should check out this conference focused on immigrant integration in new destination areas. It brings together folks from NGOs, service providers, educators, researchers, policymakers, students and others to discuss the research and best practices that are working to help strengthen our communities and empower our community members.
2016 National Health Outreach Conference: Roanoke, VA
April 5 – 7, 2016Health literacy is emerging as a leading issue affecting U.S. consumers' health. It has been shown to be a stronger predictor of a person's health than age, income, employment status, education level, or race. To best meet the health literacy needs of consumers, Extension educators can use best practice guidelines for improved health communications to develop effective educational materials, which include getting to know the target audience; sending clear, actionable message(s); and using appropriate formatting with meaningful visuals. Extension educators can apply these best practice guidelines to better promote health-related behaviors and communicate science more effectively to consumers.
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Extension Sustainability Summit 2016: Portland, OR
April 5 – 7, 2016Held for the first time in 2013, this popular event promises an exciting two-day Summit addressing sustainability and Cooperative Extension's outreach activities and opportunities. Plus field trips! And all the local foods and sustainably-created fun the Rose City has to offer!
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National eXtension Conference: San Antonio, TX
March 22-25, 2016Our 2016 National eXtension Conference is about issues, innovation, and impact—both within the Cooperative Extension System and within eXtension itself. In 2015, we began a quest to reinvent eXtension to focus on innovation and professional development and how to bring them together to accelerate Extension professionals’ impact in the communities they serve. Together with our Fellows, Innovation Project awardees and leaders of unique user communities, we created a new initiative—i-Three—to provide more support for Extension professionals seeking professional growth. As much workshop as conference, our 2016 National eXtension Conference showcases the knowledge, energy, and commitment to innovation of Extension professionals system wide.
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12th Annual Tri-State Diversity Conference : Hebron, KY
February 18 – 19, 2016The Tri-State Diversity Conference is hosted by four land grant universities from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. It is designed for administrators, faculty, and staff from Cooperative Extension, research, and academic programs; private and public university representatives; K-12 educators; community outreach leaders; health and social services professionals; employers and supervisors; human resource staff; elected and appointed officials; and all others wanting to expand diversity efforts and increase cultural understanding in their communities and workplaces.
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New Partners for Smart Growth: Portland, Oregon
February 11-13, 2016The New Partners Conference is heading back to the West Coast – Portland – after stops in America’s Heartland, the Rockies and the Chesapeake Bay over the past three years. The nation’s largest smart growth and sustainability event, the theme for New Partners 2016 is “Practical Tools and Innovative Strategies for Creating Great Communities, “underscoring this year’s stronger emphasis on implementation. The program will feature tools, strategies, focused training and new technologies that will help communities NOW. Registration deadline is January 21, 2016.
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EXTENSION CLIMATE SCIENCE CONFERENCE: BOZEMAN, MONTANA
December 8-10, 2015The 2015 Extension Climate Science Conference will be December 8-10, 2015 in Bozeman, MT at the Montana State University Student Union Building (SUB). You'll learn about: Climate Science Basics, Montana and Regional Climate Trends, Stakeholder Perspectives, Tools and Resources for Extension Programming, Effective Communication Techniques, and Program-focused Discussions and Opportunities to Collaborate. Please join out list for updates: extensionclimatescience@montana.edu
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Strategies for Investing in Rural America
Tuesday, April 14 from 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM ETRural America has many competitive economic advantages derived from its unique land, location, resource, and knowledge assets. The 2015 Jon Brandt Public Policy Forum will discuss economic opportunities afforded by the synergies among rural innovation, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure that contribute to more productive rural economies. The Forum will explore choices that can boost the kind of growth in rural America that will support U.S. economic vitality and competitiveness.
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National Extension Energy Summit 2015
April 7 – 10, 2015
The National Extension Energy Summit (NEES) 2015 is an opportunity for Extension professionals to share experiences and information, learn from successes and challenges, and build new partnerships for energy programs. The Summit will bring together expertise from Extension supporting various areas: sustainable and renewable energy, home and farm energy efficiency, biomass energy programs, and other exciting energy area.
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SET Multi-State Conferences
March 23-24, 2015 in Roanoke, VA and April 27-28, 2015 in Oklahoma City, OKSince its inception, over 50 regions in 28 states have walked through the steps of regional planning using the Stronger Economies Together (SET) process. This year, regional teams and coaches are invited to come together to learn from each other’s work, navigate paths through common challenges, and explore new opportunities. A half-day pre-session is offered to SET coaches to provide time for sharing, skill-building, and networking together. Then a full-day of engaging workshops and interactive sessions designed for regional teams arm participants with new skills, tools, and connections to strengthen their regional work..
Joint Council of Extension Professionals Leadership Conference 2015
February 11–12, 2015
This year our nationally known keynote speaker is David Horsager. His work has been featured in prominent publications such as Fast Company, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. He is a producer, professor, business strategist and National Best-Selling author of The Trust Edge.
New Partners for Smart Growth Conference
January 29–31, 2015
A significant factor in this event’s tremendous success is its appeal to so many different disciplines. The conference will draw a national audience of local elected officials and city and county staff; state and federal agency leaders; professionals in planning, transportation, public health, landscape architecture, architecture, public works, parks and recreation, and crime prevention; realtors, developers, builders and bankers; advocates for equity and environmental justice, youth, older adults, and walking and biking; labor representatives; school leaders and staff; environmentalists; and all others committed to building safer, healthier and more livable communities everywhere. January 5, 2015 is registration deadline.
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Easy as PIE Webinar Series: January—Public opinion of genetically modified food
January 28, 2015
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