NEW OREGON TRAILS – THE FORUM

Final Dates Set - November 15 & 16

Partners across rural Oregon have been discussing how to blaze New Oregon Trails – new paths to economic prosperity for rural citizens, business and industry for a long time.  The need for action and results has never been more poignant then now.

On November 15 & 16 The Oregon Consortium and Oregon Workforce Alliance, along with the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, Umpqua Community College and many others will sponsor New Oregon Trails – The Forum.  The next step in our New Oregon Trails efforts which launched in May of 2009.  Since that time Oregon's Community Colleges and the rural workforce system have worked together to bring more than $5 million to rural communities, colleges and programs.  We plan to build on this success and define our next steps in August.

Join us as we explore what’s working, discover new public and private sector resources for economic stimulus, and develop a collaborative work plan that will help move ALL of rural Oregon forward. 

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Opening Session with Commissioner Cam Preus - Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development;

"There Ain't No Tooth Fairy" - Caleb Pollard, Director for VAlley County Economic Development - Nebraska;

"Whatever It Was ... It Isn't Anymore" - Neil Doty, National Rural Development Professional - North Dakota;

"Regional Economic Impact - Where Do we Go from Here" - Bill Fashing and Kris Latimer;

Discussion with representatives of Oregon State University Rural Studies Program and Ford Family Foundation;

Presentation / Panel with representatatives of the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network - CAT Project;

Katie Schwab - VP for Public Finance, Wedbush Securities;

More still in development....

 This event, will build on the successes to date and consider significant research, data, targeted economic sectors for growth, and national perspectives as we continue to outline and devise new trails to prosperity.  This forum will present an opportunity to find common efforts where resources (time, money and expertise) can be leveraged in order to gain the greatest potential returns. 

Like us on Facebook or visit www.tocowa.org for regular updates.

If you have immediate questions, concerns or would like to be a contributing partner please call Kris Latimer – CEO The Oregon Consortium & Oregon Workforce Alliance at 541.928.0241 x219 or kris@tocowa.org.