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The Center for Rural Development has been selected as the host site for the Stand Up Rural America Summit 2022, a national economic development conference coming to Somerset and Pulaski County.

More than 20 nationally renowned subject matter experts and successful economic development practitioners, including two leaders of companies building operations in this community – AppHarvest CEO Jonathan Webb and Horse Soldier Bourbon COO Scott Neil – will be featured at the Summit on July 26-28.

Other featured speakers will include Jon Schallert, Daron K. Roberts, Stephanie Stuckey, James Chauvez, Lorie Vincent, Zachary Mannheimer, and Eric Dusenbury. The Summit will include an Afternoon Tea with the Economic Development Divas and Breakfast with the Economic Development Brat Pack.

Stand Up Rural America is designed specifically for economic development organizations, Chambers of Commerce, cities, counties, state and regional economic development agencies, utilities, lenders, elected officials, community and industrial leaders, and anyone with a vested interest in the growth and prosperity of Rural America.

Participants will receive tangible tools and strategies to help cities, counties, and regions grow and thrive. The event is packed with informative and dynamic presentations, panels, discussions and celebrating what makes Rural America special. Topics to be covered include planning, leadership, entrepreneurship, downtown revitalization, marketing, regionalism, BRE, rural retail recruitment, housing, broadband, communications, livability, and more.

The Center for Rural Development, Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA), the City of Somerset, and Pulaski County Government have been selected to serve as the host committee for the conference.

ACCELERATION by Design LLC President Lorie Vincent launched Stand Up Rural America after working with more than 250 rural communities and regions throughout her 30-plus-year career and witnessing the needs and challenges they face.

Sponsorships are available an an exhibit area will be offered. Registration for the Summit is open. Special group registration rates are also available. or more information about the 2022 Stand Up America Summit, visit www.standupruralamerica.com.