Schedule of Events

Tuesday, April 24

Small Business Loan Funds and Small Manufacturers: Potential for Partnerships

Across the nation, RLFs are working to help small manufacturers continue to make goods, provide jobs, and contribute to local and regional economies. A study by the Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) found that small manufacturers seek capital for facility expansion, equipment purchase, refinancing and general working capital.

Welcome: Misty Casto, Executive Director, Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (OH)

Speaker: Doug O’Brien, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, USDA

Speaker: Sean Esten, Financial Portfolio Manager, Rhode Island EDC

Speaker: Alan Singer, Lending Director, Franklin County CDC (MA)

Moderator: Erik Pages, President, EntreWorks Consulting (VA)

Innovations in Small Business Lending Programs: Noteworthy Practices

A hallmark of the Economic Development Finance Service (EDFS) is cultivation of a practitioner network that provides an environment for learning – during conferences and events, but also through electronic information sharing and exchange.

Rapid round robin presentations from small business lending programs that are using creative strategies to meet the needs of clients, resulting in job retention and creation, business growth and contributing to regional economic vitality. Group discussion will follow the round robin presentations, with a focus on ways to build programs that streamline operations while also meeting client needs. Participants will be encouraged to participate in a facilitated discussion about ways to overcome barriers and challenges to meeting the needs of small businesses in their regions.

Facilitator: Erik Pages, President, EntreWorks Consulting (VA)

Wednesday, April 25

Access to Capital in Rural Regions and Small Communities/White House Rural Council Study

A research team assembled by RUPRI is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to better understand issues related to capital access in rural America. The project is designed to achieve the following three objectives:

1. To provide USDA with a more detailed understanding of the capital market system in rural America and how it supports business development, job and wealth creation
2. To provide insights into effective models that support innovation within the system to improve rural business outcomes, including job and wealth creation
3. To provide evidence-based policy recommendations that support the creation or scaling of innovations that improve rural business outcomes

Speaker: Erik Pages, President, EntreWorks Consulting (VA)

First Things First: Evaluating Financial Statements and Business Plans

Learn successful tips for evaluating business plans and financial statements, and get an understanding of the red flags that signal potential trouble that can be avoided. This session will benefit those new to the small business lending world and will be a great refresher for those more “seasoned” loan fund managers.

Speaker: Pat Brennen, North Central PA RP&DC

Moderator: Mike Burress, Lincoln Trail ADD (KY)

Working Lunch: Rural Wealth Creation

This session will illustrate how the seven forms of wealth tool is being used to assist business development in rural communities and regions. Yellow Wood Associates has been working with The Ford Foundation on a national initiative to share the concepts with a broad audience; NADO has also been working with The Ford Foundation in targeted areas of the country to test the approaches that regional development organizations are employing with regard to rural wealth creation.

Speaker: Melissa Levy, Senior Associate, Yellow Wood Associates

Moderator: Holly Quinn, Business Loan Specialist, Northeast Nebraska EDD

Going the Distance: Making Sure the Loan Fits the Business

Learn how businesses benefit from strategic and practical loan servicing (before, during, and after the lending decision is made), and the importance of a solid technical assistance plan aimed at meeting their needs.

Speaker: Sean Esten, Financial Portfolio Manager, Rhode Island EDC

Moderator: Jeff Christensen, Business Loan Specialist, Northeast Nebraska EDD

Preparing for a Smooth Audit

This session will offer insights into what auditors are looking for, and how you can prepare your organization to sail through the process. Topics to be covered include considerations for audits while calculating loan loss reserves, making loan confirmations, engaging in management discussions and analysis write-ups, and accrued interest receivables.

Speaker: Carol Jackson, Comptroller, Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council

Moderator: Adam Quinlan, Financial Portfolio Manager, Rhode Island EDC

Tuesday, April 24

Legislative Update: State of Small Business Programs in the Federal Budget

The current battle over deficit reduction continues to dominate the federal decision making process, and encompasses all programs including those that fund your lending programs. The funding decisions being made right now will impact our nation for decades to come. Conference participants will learn about the latest federal legislative and policy developments and the budget and appropriations outlook for the year ahead, with an emphasis on the various small business loan fund programs that you all manage.

Speaker: Deborah Cox, Director of Government Relations and Legislative Affairs, NADO

Moderator: Russ Cowley, President, NADO, and Executive Director, Six County AOG

Helping Businesses Succeed: Technical Assistance Strategies and Programs That Work

This session will provide examples of technical assistance programs and strategies that are being implemented to help businesses not only re-pay their loans, but succeed in their communities.

Speaker: Linda Rossi, Associate State Director, VT Small Business Development Center

Moderator: Paulette Potter, Loan Program Manager, Northern Tier RP&DC (NY)

Federal Program Update

This session is an outstanding opportunity to hear the latest program updates from the funding agencies and to get answers to your program questions.

Speaker: Darcy Carter, District Director, SBA VT

Speaker: Michael DeVillo, Program Analyst, EDA

Speaker: Joshua Hanford, Director, State of Vermont, HUD

Speaker: David Robinson, Business Program Director, USDA Rural Development VT/NH

Speaker: Kyle Wilber, ARC Program Manager, NY State

This event was sponsored, in part, by the U.S. Small Business Administration under a cooperative agreement (# SBAHQ-10-I-0317) with the NADO Research Foundation. SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. All SBA funded projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Additional support was provided by NADO and the NADO Research Foundation, The Ford Foundation, Bank of America and the Development District Association of Appalachia.

To view the video click here.

Pictured outside the White House, from left are: Craig Markley, Iowa DOT; Chris Whitaker, Region XII COG (Carroll, IA), and Rick Hunsaker, Executive Director, Region XII COG (Carroll, IA).

On Friday, August 26, as a special event of NADO’s 2011 National Rural Transportation Conference and Economic Development Finance Service (EDFS) Training Conferences, conference attendees, their families, and NADO friends in the Washington, D.C. area attended a tour of the White House. Visitors explored the East Room, the Green, Blue, and Red Rooms overlooking the Rose Garden, and other rooms throughout the mansion.

Friday, October 7th

• 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Conference Registration

Saturday, October 8th

• 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Conference Registration

• 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting

• 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mobile Workshops (#)
• Balancing Ecology and The Economy: The Everglades
• Coral Reef Madness: Balancing Coral Reef Protection in a Tourism Based Economy

• 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Regional CEDS and EDD Innovation Learning Lab: (Part 1):  Growing Regional Innovation-Based Economies* 

This special workshop will explore an innovative partnership and approach focused on increasing the number of globally competitive products and services produced statewide in Kansas. As part of the Kansas Opportunity Innovation Network (KOIN), Kansas State University’s Advanced Manufacturing Institute, the state’s EDA Economic Development Districts, and other partners are working to create an environment that transcends geographic isolation, discovers new markets, innovates openly and fosters global competitiveness to be at the intersection of great ideas and new opportunities.

• Growing Regional Innovation-Based Economies: The Kansas Opportunity Innovation Network Part 1 (pdf)
  Growing Regional Innovation-Based Economies: The Kansas Opportunity Innovation Network Part 2 (pdf)
  Growing Regional Innovation-Based Economies: The Kansas Opportunity Innovation Network Part3(a) (pdf)
  Growing Regional Innovation-Based Economies: The Kansas Opportunity Innovation Network Part3(b) (pdf)
  Growing Regional Innovation-Based Economies: The Kansas Opportunity Innovation Network Part4 (pdf)
  John Cyr, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Regional Development Organizations
• Brad Kramer, Director, Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Kansas State University

•  1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Executive Directors Learning Lab: Paving New Pathways with New Leadership

Whether you are an experienced executive director or a newcomer to the top executive management position, there are always lessons to be learned.  This session will explore how new executive directors have used their “honeymoon” period to position their organizations in new directions—internally, externally, and with their policy boards.

Paving New Pathways with New Leadership (pdf)

• Kevin Byrd, Executive Director, New River Valley PDC
• Jennifer Korfiatis, Administrator, North Central Washington EDD
• Christine Walker, Executive Director, Upper Valley Lake Sunapee RPC
• Moderator:  Matthew Chase, Executive Director, NADO

•  3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.  Nominating Committee (Open Meeting)

•  5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. New Members and New Executive Directors Networking Reception  (Hosted by the NADO Board of Directors)

Sunday, October 9th

• 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Conference Registration

• 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Membership Regional Caucuses Meetings

• 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Peer Networking and Blackberry Break

•  10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Executive Directors Learning Lab:  Establishing Your Organization as a “Go-To” Player

Budget cuts, political catfights, state and local elected official turnover, and, of course, lagging regional economies and high unemployment.  These are the realities in many areas of the nation today.  This executive director peer learning workshop will explore how regional development organizations are tackling these immense issues through statewide partnerships and peer accountability, pro-active program development, and resisting the temptation to protect the status quo.

Establishing Your Organization as a “Go-To” Player (pdf)

• Kentucky State Rep. Rocky Adkins, Majority Floor Leader
• Tom Higginbotham, Executive Director, Northeast Nebraska EDD
• Susan Reid, Executive Director, First Tennessee Development District
• Moderator:  Matthew Chase, Executive Director, NADO

•  10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Policy Officials Learning Lab

• Partnering With Your DOT Part 1 (pdf)
  Partnering With Your DOT Part 2 (pdf)
  Partnering With Your DOT Part 3(a) (pdf)
  Partnering With Your DOT Part 3(b) (pdf)
  David Cole, CEO, David Cole Consulting

• Using Your Networks to Create Partnerships & Get Results (pdf)
  Monica Scamardo, President, Variate Consulting

•  10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Regional CEDS and EDD Innovation Learning Lab (Part 2): Regional Asset-Based Cluster Strategies: Mobilize Maine*

Mobilize Maine is a statewide asset-based approach to economic development centered on private sector engagement. Rather than working from the top down, Mobilize Maine takes a bottom-up approach to identifying assets, including linking traditional workforce development and economic development planning. This process, coordinated by the state’s seven EDA Economic Development Districts (EDD), emphasizes the regional nature of Maine’s economy.  Representatives from two EDD pilot regions will discuss the planning and implementation processes that their organizations followed, including strategies to engage the private sector and align federal workforce and economic development resources. 

• Mobilize Eastern Maine From Statewide Initiative to Local Involvement (pdf)
  Mobilize Northern Maine: Aroostook County, Maine (pdf)
  Michael Eisensmith, Director of Economic Development, Northern Maine Development Commission
• Elizabeth Sutherland, Partner, Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications
• Moderator:  Bob Thompson, Executive Director, Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (ME)

•  12:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Mobile Workshop (#)

• City of Doral – Location, Location, Location

•  12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch on Your Own

•  1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Regional CEDS and EDD Innovation Learning Lab (Part 3):  Assessing Your Regional Innovation Assets*

Entrepreneurship.  Technology.  Innovation.  Commercialization. These concepts are fundamental drivers behind the Regional Innovation Acceleration Network (RIAN).  Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and supported by the State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI), RIAN is a virtual networking tool that bridges together people, ideas, and resources as the basis for economic growth and development.  Learn about the core principles of RIAN and receive in-depth training on the RIAN asset toolkit and how it can benefit your region.

• Mark Skinner, Vice President, SSTI, and Director of the Regional Innovation Acceleration Network
• Moderator:  Matthew McCauley, Director of Planning and Community Development, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

•  1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Research Foundation Advisory Committee Meeting

•  1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Building Resilient Regions:  Exploring Regional Resiliency Frameworks and Lessons Learned

Learn about three emerging regional frameworks for community and economic resiliency: RUPRI’s research about the processes and strategies for building more resilient regions; a regional development organization’s involvement with post-tornado re-building in Missouri; and Florida’s unique statewide approach to preparing communities and businesses for the chaos caused by various types of disasters, including the potential economic impacts and responses.

• Brian Dabson, Vice President and COO and Director, Rural Futures Lab at RUPRI
• Harry Rogers, Executive Director, Harry S Truman Coordinating Council (MO)
• Brian Teeple, Executive Director, Northeast Florida Regional Council
• Moderator:  Scott Koons, Executive Director, North Central Florida RPC

•  3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Peer Networking and Blackberry Break

•  3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. NADO Board of Directors Meeting (Open to All Attendees)

All NADO members are invited to attend the final meeting for the 2010 – 2011 board.  In addition to federal policy and NADO program updates, SelectUSA Executive Director Barry Johnson will provide an overview of the initiative’s work to showcase the U.S. as the world’s premier business location.

• Barry Johnson, Executive Director, SelectUSA,  U.S. Department of Commerce

•  6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner: Barbeque and Music by the Pool

A conference in Miami would not be complete without a poolside event!  But there’s more: you will also be just steps from the ocean.  The barbeque dinner will feature a local band.  Dress casually for an alfresco evening!

Monday, October 10th

• 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Conference Registration

• 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.   DDAA Breakfast:  DDAA invites attendees from the 73 ARC Local Development Districts (LDDs) to join Appalachian Regional Commission leaders for this invitation-only breakfast.

•  8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Opening Plenary Session:  Building Resilient Regions – Strategies, Partnerships and Solutions

The role of regional development organizations in building resilient regions cannot be understated.  Many are leading initiatives and strategies that are helping shape their regions into vibrant and viable players in the global economy.  This session will showcase how regional development organizations are evolving in today’s era of regionalism.  Speakers will discuss how their organizations are realigning programs and resources, partnering with neighboring regions or statewide, forming new alliances and partnerships within their regions (especially beyond local governments, with private and nonprofit sector groups), and positioning their organizations for the future.

• Welcome:  Tim Ware, Executive Director, Mid-East Commission, and NADO President
• Lenny Eliason, President, National Association of Counties and Athens County (OH) Commissioner
• Matthew Dolge, Executive Director, Piedmont Triad Regional Council (NC)
• Steve Etcher, Executive Director, Boonslick RPC (MO)
• Wendell Lawrence, Executive Director, Lincoln Trail ADD (KY)
• Leanne Mazer, Executive Director, Tri-County Council for Western Maryland
• Joe McKinney, Executive Director, Land-of-Sky Regional Council (NC)
• Moderator:  Matthew Chase, Executive Director, NADO

• 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Peer Networking and Blackberry Break

•  10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

• Regional Organization Leadership
• Best Practices for Leadership in Uncertain Times

Tight budgets. Increased demand.  Employee turnover.  New programs.  Leadership change.  Changing workplace dynamics.  Regional development organizations are working in very rough times and navigating the waters is ever-challenging.  This session will cover the impact of uncertainty on organizations and what leaders can do, ways to keep staff engaged to maximize organizational results, and approaches to prepare staff for change and manage their reactions.

• Best Practices for Leadership in Uncertain Times (pdf)
  Monica Scamardo, President, Variate Consulting
• Moderator:  Tim Pierce, Executive Director, South Plains Association of Governments (TX)

• Resilient Regions
• Workforce Preparedness: Meeting Your Future Demands Now

Learn about new approaches to preparing your region’s workforce for the future, including from RDOs working with local educational institutions and partners to develop training programs that meet the needs of today’s—and tomorrow’s—employers.

• Workforce Preparedness: TENCO Workforce Investment Area (pdf)
  Amy Kennedy, Executive Director, Buffalo Trace ADD
  
• Putting Workforce In The Forefront (pdf)
  Laura Lewis Marchino, Assistant Director, Region 9 EDD
• Moderator:  Timmy Baynes, Executive Director, Kerr-Tar Regional COG

• Regional Innovations
• Arts and Culture as Regional Economic Drivers and Assets

Connecting creativity to economic development strategies can create new jobs, bolster tourist dollars, expand opportunities for small businesses, attract a creative class and knowledge-based workforce, and foster a regional culture of innovation.  Learn from regions making partnerships to support arts- and culture-based economies.

• The Art of Recovery in Mississippi (pdf)
  Allison Beasley, Planning Director, Southern Mississippi PDD
  
• Lisa Dawson, Executive Director, Northeast Oregon Economic Development District
• The Importance of Arts and Culture in Regional Development (pdf)
  Wayne Strickland, Executive Director, Roanoke Valley-Allegheny Regional Commission
• Moderator:  Diane Rekowski, Executive Director, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments

• Peer Networking
• EPA Workshop: Smart Growth and Sustainable Communities Approaches Across Regions

Participate in a discussion about approaches to planning for sustainable development in small towns and rural regions and the various federal resources available to support regions looking to implement these approaches.

• Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities Part 1 (pdf)
  Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities Part 2 (pdf)
  Matthew Dalbey, Federal and State Division Director, EPA Office of Sustainable Communities

•  12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Luncheon with Keynote Speaker  
• Doug Hall, Founder and CEO of the Eureka! Ranch
  
• America’s #1 Idea System (According to Inc. Magazine, A&E Top 10 and CIO Magazine.) Doug began his inventing career at age 12, inventing and selling a line of magic and juggling kits. After earning a chemical engineering degree from the University of Maine he joined Procter & Gamble where he rose to the rank of Master Marketing Inventor – inventing and shipping a record 9 innovations in 12 months using a disciplined system for thinking smarter & more creatively about growth.  Doug’s the founder and CEO of the Eureka! Ranch located in Cincinnati with offices in London, UK and Monterrey, Mexico. The Ranch is an “invention & research think tank” that specializes in helping corporate leaders and real world entrpeneuers develop Measurably Smarter choices for growth. Corporate clients such as American Express, Ford, Nike and Walt Disney. It seems to work – the Ranch has a world-class 88% client repeat rate and survey’s indicate the average American home uses 18 products or services that Doug and his team have invented or reinvented.
• Tim Ware, Executive Director, Mid-East Commission, and NADO President

•  1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

• Regional Organization Leadership
• Managing Media: Responding vs Reacting

Attend this session to learn strategies for managing the media.  Rather than simply react to media—whether it is malicious, erroneous or misguided—it makes sense to have an action plan for response, as well as a check list for developing strong and positive relationships with local and regional media that can work to your advantage.

• Managing Media: Responding vs Reacting (pdf)
  Monica Scamardo, President, Variate Consulting
• Moderator: Kevin Byrd, Executive Director, New River Valley PDC

• Resilient Regions
• Capitalizing on Local Assets for Regional Prosperity – Finding New Ways to Support Local Businesses

All across the county, efforts are underway to help local businesses grow and succeed.  This session will offer three approaches that can be replicated and implemented almost anywhere.  Learn about the Administration’s push to promote the U.S. as the place to do business, a region’s designation as a Regional Center for the Immigrant Investor (EB-5) program, and another region’s successful model for promoting entrepreneurs.

• Barry Johnson, Executive Director, SelectUSA, U.S. Department of Commerce
• Hazard Mitigation Planning for Missouri’s Rural Electric Cooperatives (pdf)
  Tye Parsons, Northwest Missouri Regional COG
• EB-5 Program: A Unique Tool for Economic Development (pdf)
  Laura Mathis, Director of Public Administration, Middle Georgia Regional Commission
• Southern Oregon Angel Investment Network (pdf)
  Steve Vincent, Oregon Regional Business Manager, Avista Utilities

• Regional Innovations
• Enhancing Regional Economic Viability and Environmental Sustainability through Rural-Urban Connections (Part 1)

This two-part interactive workshop will demonstrate the tools developed as part of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG)’s Rural-Urban Connections Strategy (RUCS).  In Part 1 of the workshop, SACOG staff will give an overview of the regional blueprint process and RUCS framework.  Speakers will describe SACOG’s extensive public outreach efforts and demonstrate in real time the interactive scenario modeling tools that SACOG is using to broaden understanding of how land use and transportation investments affect rural areas, agriculture production, and the region as a whole.

• David Shabazian, Senior Planner, Sacramento Area Council of Governments
• Rebecca Thornton Sloan, Director of External Affairs & Member Services, Sacramento Area Council of Governments

• Peer Networking
• So… You Have Broadband.  Now What?

After working so hard to get broadband to rural and small communities, regions must make sure it is being employed to its fullest advantage.  This facilitated peer networking session will provide an opportunity to talk candidly about what is and is not working, hear solutions to challenges, share successes, and learn from each other.

• Facilitator:  Catherine Dimitruk, Executive Director, Northwest Vermont RPC

•  1:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Mobile Workshop (#)

• Gateway of the Americas - Port of Miami

•  3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Peer Networking and Blackberry Break

•  3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mobile Workshop

• Eclectic South Beach Walking Tour

•  3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

• Regional Organization Leadership
• How’s Your Internal Communications Style Working for You?

Clear and open lines of communication are critical components to successful staff management.  Yet, many managers lack a formal internal communications style, often to the detriment of their organization’s productivity.  Attendees will learn how to identify the four styles of communication for sending and receiving messages more effectively when the stakes are high, determine how to successfully approach someone of another style, and manage emotions during heated conversations to get the best results.

• How’s Your Internal Communication Style Working for You? (pdf)
  Monica Scamardo, President, Variate Consulting
• Moderator:  Randy Imler, Executive Director, Catawba Regional COG (SC)

• Resilient Regions
• Building Stronger Economies that Withstand Disasters

Regional development organizations are increasingly helping their regions respond to and rebuild after disasters, whether natural or manmade.  This session will offer examples from Florida, Missouri, and Texas about ways regional organizations are helping businesses, which need to prepare for disasters as well as recover from them, and local governments, already stretched to their financial limits and faced with difficult decisions about rebuilding.

• CFRPD Economic Analysis and Disaster Resiliency Study Part 1 (pdf)
  CFRPD Economic Analysis and Disaster Resiliency Study Part 2 (pdf)
  Jennifer Codo-Salisbury, Planning & Administrative Director, Central Florida RPC
• Pat Steed, Executive Director, Central Florida RPC
• LRGVDC Business Hurricane Information and Training (B-HIT) Program (pdf)
  Terrie Salinas, Director, Economic Development, Lower Rio Grande Valley DC
  
• Moderator:  Sheri Coven, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Florida Regional Council Association

• Regional Innovations
• Enhancing Rural Economic Viability and Environmental Sustainability through Rural-Urban Connections (part 2)

The second part of this two-part workshop will be an interactive discussion.  SACOG will demonstrate scenario modeling tools that broaden understanding of rural economic and land use issues and guide decision-making, and discuss how these tools were built and how other regions can adapt them.  Participants will be encouraged to test these tools and strategize techniques to apply them in their home regions.

• David Shabazian, Senior Planner, Sacramento Area Council of Governments
• Rebecca Thornton Sloan, Director of External Affairs & Member Services, Sacramento Area Council of Governments
• Moderator:  Kathy Nothstine, Associate Director, NADO

• Peer Networking
• Engaging the Health Care Sector in the Built Environment and Sustainable Development

Join your peers in this facilitated discussion about the various roles that regional development organizations are assuming within the health care sector—bringing facilities to rural regions, creating medical training programs, making insurance more readily available.  Share your experiences and learn what others are doing.

• Facilitator:  Tom Wilkinson, Executive Director, Brazos Valley Council of Governments

•  5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Innovation Roundtable Showcase (Lite Reception)

All conference attendees are invited to this reception to learn about the winners of NADO’s 2011 Innovation Awards.  Beverages and snacks will fuel your journey around the room to learn about projects by visiting with the awardees.

Tuesday, October 11th

• 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Conference Registration

•  7:30 a.m. – 8:20 a.m. NADO Innovation Award Photo Session

Innovation Award winners: don your business attire, collect your team and join NADO President Tim Ware for a photo session.  Please be sure to wear dark colors to assure a quality photo.

•  8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Plenary Session: Outcomes and Lessons Learned from EDA’s National Performance Evaluation of EDDs

Many NADO members participated in the Upjohn Institute’s national EDA EDD and CEDS program evaluation during the past year.  This session will feature feedback and next steps from EDA, as well as showcase noteworthy practices from leading EDDs.

• Matt S. Erskine, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Economic Development Administration
• An Assessment of EDA’s Partnership Planning Program (pdf)
  Bryan Borlik , U.S. Economic Development Administration
• Amanda Hoey, Executive Director, Mid-Columbia EDD (OR-WA)
• Randy Kelley, Executive Director, Three Rivers PDD (MS)
• Paul Tuss, Executive Director, Bear Paw EDC (MT)
• Moderator:  Michael King, Executive Director, North Country Council (NH)

•  10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Peer Networking and Blackberry Break

•  10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Mobile Workshop (#)
• Little Havana Walking Tour

•  10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
• Regional Organization Leadership
• Key Characteristics of High Performing Organizations

Attend this session to learn the secrets that high performing organizations need to share!  After an overview about high performance organizations (What are they?  What makes them different?  What are their key characteristics?), attendees will learn about the research-based characteristics of these organizations and receive a checklist to assess their organization.

• Key Characteristics of High Performing Organizations (pdf)
  Monica Scamardo, President, Variate Consulting
• Moderator: Debra Glasgow, Executive Director, South Western Oklahoma Development Authority
  

• Resilient Regions
• Working Regionally with State and Local Governments

Learn about initiatives in Maine and Kentucky where state agencies and regional development organizations have partnered to serve local and state needs.  Hear details of transportation and GIS initiatives that are improving projects and delivering results to communities.

• Moderator: Tony Wilder, Commissioner, KY Department for Local Government
• Partnering With Your DOT Part 1(pdf)
  Partnering With Your DOT Part 2 (pdf)
  Partnering With Your DOT Part 3 (pdf)
  David Cole, CEO, David Cole Consulting
• David Duttlinger, M.E. MPA, Assistant Executive Director, Bluegrass ADD
• John Covington, Executive Director, Kentucky Infrastructure Authority
• Rusty Anderson, GIS Manager, Kentucky Infrastructure Authority

 

• Regional Innovations
• Brownfields Redevelopment as Part of Your Economic Strategy

Since NADO first ventured into regional and rural brownfields research almost 15 years ago, the involvement of regional development organizations in all aspects of brownfields redevelopment has grown immensely.  Today, many RDOs include brownfields assessments, clean up and redevelopment within their economic development toolbox.

• Bob Cambric, South Florida Regional Planning Council
• Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director, East Central Intergovernmental Association (IA/IL)
• Moderator:  Lisa Gehlhausen, Executive Director, Indiana 15 RPC

• Peer Networking
• Diversifying Your Funding

Join your colleagues for a facilitated discussion about ways to bring more funding to your region.

• Facilitator: Betty Riley, Executive Director, South Central Oregon EDD

• 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch on Your Own and Brown Bag Luncheon Series

There are several delicatessens and restaurants close to the hotel where you can grab a salad or sandwich and head back to one of these informal discussions with peers about areas of interest to you.  Stop by the NADO Conference Registration and Information Center for a list!  Peer exchanges include:

• Executive Assistants
• Aging Program Staff
• Workforce Development Staff
• State Association Staff
• RLF Staff
• GIS Staff
• Resilient Regions Focus Group

•  1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Federal Legislative and Policy Forum

NADO’s legislative team will share their insights into the current federal policy and budget landscape.

Federal Legislative and Policy Forum (pdf)

• Deborah Cox, Director of Government Relations and Legislative Affairs, NADO
• Geoffrey Gleason, Cyber Security, Inc.
  
• Kathy Ruffalo, Ruffalo and Associates
  
• Jennifer Walsh, Associate Legislative Director, NADO
• Moderator:  Russell Cowley, NADO First Vice President and Executive Director, Six County Association of Governments

•  3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Peer Networking and Blackberry Break

•  3:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. NADO 2011 Annual Business Meeting followed immediately by NADO 2011 – 2012 Board of Directors Meeting

All NADO members are encouraged to attend the Annual Business Meeting and 2011 – 2012 Board of Directors meeting to learn more about the organization’s governing process and structure.

•  6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. President’s Awards Banquet

As quickly as it started, the conference has ended!  Before you head home, enjoy dinner with your friends new and old, and celebrate NADO’s 2011 President’s Awardee.

Hear updates on timely issues shaping the future of transportation planning and learn successful practices from regional transportation planning peers at the nation’s premier annual event for rural and small metro transportation planning and programs.

Join NADO members and friends from around the country in our premier annual training event.  Participants will have access to educational sessions covering a variety of issues related to regional development, numerous peer networking opportunities, and many examples of best and promising regional development strategies.