General handout materials which were made available at the conference:

OCD's Best Practices Report

Agenda

Tuesday, June 11th
8:30 - 9:45		Plenary 1: Welcoming Comments/"OCD Progress Report: Partners in Community Development"(PPT 1.16 mb) Gilbert Gonzalez, Deputy Under Secretary for Policy & Planning, USDA Rural Development (RD); Charles Clemons, Florida RD State Director; Norman Reid Acting Deputy Administrator, Office of Community Devlopment (OCD); Rick Wetherill, Director, Empowerment Programs Division, OCD Moderator: Karen Murray Deputy Director, Empowerment Programs Divison, OCD
9:45 - 10:15		Keynote Speaker Mary Helen Blakeslee, Chief Analyst - Economic Development Program, Office of the Governor
10:15 - 10:40		Break
10:40 - 11:40		Plenary 2: National Rural Funders Collaborative (NRFC) Jim Richardson, Executive Director, NRFC
11:40 - 1:00		Lunch
1:00 - 1:50		Workshop Session 1:
		"Is it Time to Change the SIR/MCR Process?" (Are our communities being served?) Presenters: Randy Gibson, OCD; Tom Mayberry, Tennessee RD Office;  Sharla Krenzel, Director, Wichita County EC   The following are materials which were provided at the workshop FY '02 SIR Proposal for revision of SIR MCR information sheet Community roles and responsibilities handout   How can we make the most out of the Management Control Review (MCR) and State Internal Review (SIR) processes?  Workshop will provide overview of SIRs and MCRs, but will focus on getting participant input on how the SIR process and tools can be used most effectively and/or improved.  Both staff and communities are welcome.
		Rural Policy Forum(c) Presenters: Jane Leonard and Kelly Peterson, Minnesota Rural Partners The Rural Policy Forum is a tool for policy development at various levels.  In order for you to have a look at the "Forum" and get a feel for how it works, you are invited to join in on an active Forum that is now in process in Minnesota.  It doesn't matter that you are not from Minnesota or that you will not be attending the Minnesota Rural Summit, so please join in and add your thoughts. The technology will be able to slice and dice your responses out of the data for the Minnesota Summit and hopefully if enough of you respond that information can be shown to you in Florida as a real, live example!  Also, as a bonus, there is another breakout at the Florida meeting dealing with "Health Services as a Growth Engine" so the information you provide on the Forum website might be useful in that session also. The Forum that you will be joining is in conjunction with the Minnesota Rural Summit 2002: Linking Healthcare and Economic Development.  This Rural Policy Forum is asking folks to reflect upon the interdependence of healthcare and broader community and economic development efforts in rural communities.
		National Rural Funders Collaborative  Presenter: Jim Richardson, Executive Director, NRFC  Mr. Richardson will lead a more informal discussion on the mission and activities of NRFC  presented in his earlier plenary session.  NRFC is a collaboration of nine foundations created in 2001 as a funding and learning initiative to expand resources for rural communities and rural families, especially where persistent poverty exists.
		Main Street Revitalization (PPT 3.19 mb) Presenter: Tim Cullenen, Cornell University Many small towns and neighborhood business centers are struggling or deteriorating.  With an increasing awareness of "community" and "sense of place," Main Street is once again becoming "the place to be."  But how do communities turn around after years of neglect? Much of the presentation will be based on "A Manual for Small Downtowns" by Martin Shields of Penn State University, as well as the traditional approach developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation - Main Street Center.  Dr. Shields' manual is designed for small communities that don't have the economic resources to hire professional help but do desire to help themselves.  Additional tools that are helpful in analysis and capacity building will be illustrated as well. Part of the session will be devoted to an exercise that will allow participants to interact and exchange ideas for the revitalizing of a small town "main street."
		Utilizing Educational Institutions for Community Development (PPT 253 kb) Presenters: National Centers of Excellence (NCE) representatives This 50-minute session will provide the conference attendees with information regarding the types of resources educational institutions have available to assist in community development, and also give an overview of the NCE program.  Representatives of the various NCE's will provide information regarding their respective programs.  OCD will provide an overview of program policies and procedures and information about how the program has matured.
2:00-2:50		Workshop Session 2:
		Rural Development Environmental Regulations (Part 1) (Sessions repeated on June 12) Presenter: Mark Plank, RD Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC Changes in the 7 CFR 25, published in final rule on March 25, 2002, require that EZ/EC construction projects follow the RUS environmental regulations, 7 CFR 1794.  Training on that regulation will be presented in two consecutive 1-hour workshops.  The sessions will cover the environmental review process as established by NEPA and 7 CFR 1794, the review process, and advice on making your environmental review process run smoothly.  Information will also be provided on additional resources available to assist communities and staff in the review process.
		Rural Development Internet Tools and Resources (PPT 395 kb)  Presenters: Norm Reid (PPT 395 kb), Mike Grisby, RD Office of Community Development A workshop for Rural Development employees on the status of several internet-based applications already in use or are in the developmental stage.  These include Data Mining, the Mapping Analysis Program (MAP), the Benchmark Management System, and the Technical Assistance Information System (TAIS).  Additional resources presented by Norm Reid during this workshop.
		Business Incubators: Some Do's and Don'ts From Lessons Learned  Presenters: Wayne Foster, Southwest Georgia EZ; Jerry Wilson, Georgia Tech University  This session will focus on the "Do's and Don'ts" of the process of establishing a business incubator.  Presenters will discuss the lessons they learned in the process of setting up an incubator in the Southwest Georgia Empowerment Zone.  Jerry Wilson will also share insights from his considerable experience in developing business incubators and their many hybrids in Georgia.
		Tourism and Cultural Development as an Economic Development Strategy in Rural Areas (PPT 1.51 mb) (repeated at 3:10)  Presenters:  Tony Tighe, Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist, National Endowment for the Arts, D.C.; David Cazalet, Assistant Director of Institutional Advancement Somerset Community and Technical College District/NCE, KY;  John Martinez, CAO, La Jicarita EC, NM Additional Resource Provided by David Cazalet: NGA ARTS as a tool of economic development (PDF 336 K)      -   For further information go to: http://click.topica.com/maaaoTeaaSr84a30MAAb/ Cultural heritage tourism is a fast-expanding part of the travel and tourism industry.  Attracting visitors to your community by featuring and interpreting your natural, historic and cultural resources can add to the economic strength of your community while preserving and protecting the resources that make it unique.  Learn about national trends and recent developments throughout the nation and hear about cultural heritage tourism development efforts in Kentucky and New Mexico.
		Tribal Government Relations (Part 1) Presenter: Colleen Jollie, Tribal Liaison, State of Washington This two part session is a primer on the one-day training the State of Washington provides on the requirements of the government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes.  This State/Tribal Relations Training has undergone a major revision in an effort to stay timely and current. The training session covers a tribal historical perspective, legal issues, tribal sovereignty and tribal government.  After the training, attendees should have a much better understanding of Tribes, their people and unique culture, and an enhanced awareness of the importance of multi-culturalism.
2:50 - 3:10		Break
3:10 - 4:00		Workshop Session 3:
		Rural Development Environmental Regulations (Part 2) (PPT 350 K)  Presenter: Mark Plank, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC
		Virtual Entrepreneurial Network (VEN)  Presenter: Jane Leonard and Kelly Peterson, Minnesota Rural Partners  VEN will serve as a replicable model for providing online, virtual support to small businesses, particularly in areas seeking to increase the rate of business start-ups and economic diversity.  Minnesota Rural Partners received a three-year grant from the U.S. Dept of Commerce to create a virtual network to spur entrepreneurship and streamline small business development.  VEN will be a place and interest-based community network for peer support and an internet portal with advanced technology tools to guide and incubate entrepreneurial activity.  This session will show how emerging entrepreneurs and communities can use the VEN model to create a clear roadmap that connects them to the appropriate resources in the private, public, and academic sectors.
		So You Don't Have an EZ or EC: Community Development Roles and Responsibilities (PPT 1.47 mb)  Handout (PDF 190kb) Presenters: Norm Reid and Rick Wetherill, OCD This session will discuss the roles and responsibilities of RD Community Development staff other than those required under the EZ/EC program.  These include identifying emerging, state and local rural issues and needs; conducting long term RD program planning for the state; review and evaluation of community development programs (MCR/SIR process); coordinating the strategic planning efforts of Indian tribes with statewide strategic plans;  developing and implementing rural development pilot projects and implementing rural development policy guidelines; and designing, maintaining and monitoring a rural development strategy formulation for communities.
		Tourism and Cultural Development as an Economic Development Strategy in Rural Areas (PPT 1.51 MB) (Repeat of 2:00 session) Additional Resource Provided by David Cazalet: NGA ARTS as a tool of economic development (PDF 336 K)       -  For further information go to: http://click.topica.com/maaaoTeaaSr84a30MAAb/  Presenters:  Tony Tighe, Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist, National Endowment for the Arts, D.C.; David Cazalet, Assistant Director of Institutional Advancement Somerset Community and Technical College District/NCE, KY;  John Martinez, CAO, La Jicarita EC, NM
		Tribal Government Relations (Part 2) (see 2:00 session description) Presenter: Colleen Jollie, Tribal Liaison, State of Washington
4:10 - 5:00		Workshop Sessions 4: These sessions will provide an opportunity for peer-to-peer sharing with other RD staff or community members.  Specific topics will be addressed based on suggestions received in advance and from the "suggestion box" at the conference registration table.
		Rural Development Staff Roundtables "Non EZ/EC States" Presentation  CO, DE/MD, ID, IA, MA/CT/RI, MN, NE, NV, NJ, NY, VT/NH, UT, WY
		Rural Development Staff Roundtables "Eastern States" AL, FL, GA, KY, IL, IN, ME, MI, MS, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WI, WV
		Rural Development Staff Roundtables "Western States"  AK, AR, AZ, CA, HI, KS, LA, MO, MT, ND, NM, OK, OR, SD, TX, WA
		EZ/EC Roundtables "Round I Communities"
		NCE Working Group
Wednesday, June 12
8:30 - 8:45			"Housekeeping"
8:45 - 10:00			Plenary 3: Bringing Private Sector Resources to the Table Presenters: Gilbert Gonzalez, Deputy Under Secretary for RD Policy & Planning; Michael Aube, Maine RD State Director; Eddie Browning, Arizona RD State Director; Charles Clemons, Florida RD State Director; Stone Workman, Georgia RD State Director Our new group of state directors came from a variety of backgrounds, professions, and regions. Many worked on interesting and innovative projects with communities in their "former lives."  In a panel discussion, led by the Deputy Under Secretary Gilbert Gonzalez, the State Directors will address a series of questions that will provide an opportunity for them to share their experiences with staff and community members.  Questions will be entertained from the audience.
10:00 - 10:30			Break
10:30 - 11:30			Plenary 4: Legislative Update Presenter: Brenda Morton, Rural Development Legislative & Public Affairs.
11:30 - 1:00			Lunch
1:00 - 1:50			Workshop Session 5:
			New OCD Program Regulations (PPT 224 kb) Presenters: Rick Wetherill, Director, Empowerment Programs Division, OCD Jane Ferguson, Georgia RD Office; Karen Murray (PPT 209 kb), OCD; Alden Turner (209 kb), Maine RD Office  7 CFR 25 was published in final rule on March 25, 2002.  The regulations contained several changes from the earlier regulation that affect the way EZ/EC communities operate and how program funds can be used, including changes to board structure requirements, and the eligibility of construction projects. This session will present the material in a light, game show (PPT 1.72 mb) format with audience participation.  Changes in the regulations will be highlighted.  Implementation issues will be discussed. The session will end with a question and answer session where employees can ask questions directly of OCD management.
			Using Data to Market Your Community (PPT 54kb) Presenters: Kimberly Collins, San Diego State University NCE Farm production, economic indicators, demographic information, environmental indicators, crime statistics, business analysis, transportation figures and other sets of data all provide a snapshot of a community.  How to use this data to best provide an accurate picture of your community can be difficult. This workshop provides an overview of the different data that exists for many small communities as well as examples of how the SDSU-Imperial Valley has been working with the community to provide data in multiple as well as understandable formats.
			Using Grant Information to Provide Community and Economic Development Technical Assistance Presenters: Tedd Buelow (PPT 980 kb), OCD; Terry Fleming (PPT 174kb); Fresno State NCE; Janie Dunning (PPT 3.07 mb), Missouri RD Office There is so much information about grants on the Internet that it can be down right overwhelming. Whether you are searching the Federal Register for Notices of Funding Availability, trying to track down State funding programs or researching foundation funding on-line, the pages available to you are nearly limitless. As a community development professional trying to provide concise, useful information to your clients how can you best focus your efforts? In this session learn how to apply grant searching, data-management and information distribution strategies that maximize your research efforts and ensure that your work is assisting and impacting as many people as possible. The three presenters have developed and utilized web-applications that customize grant searches for community-specific projects that help communities match funding sources to benchmarks and objectives listed in their strategic plans. This session will provide you with ideas that can be creatively applied in your own experience that will make you more effective as a Community and Economic Development professional.
			Maximizing Your Tax Credit Incentives (PDF 2.86 mb) (repeated at 3:30) Presenter: Linda Schakel, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP This session will cover the details for the various federal tax incentives available in an EZ/EC.  In particular, the session will focus on the types of tax incentives and businesses that can benefit from the incentives to enable the EZ/EC to more effectively market the incentives.
			Government & Business Partnerships: Florida Enterprise, Inc. Presenter: Bridget M. Merrill, Director, Rural Development , Enterprise Florida, Inc. This session presents a replicable model based on the work of Enterprise Florida, Inc., a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the State of Florida. The organization's mission is to increase economic opportunities for all Floridians by supporting the creation of quality jobs, a well-trained workforce and globally competitive businesses. It pursues its mission in cooperation with its statewide network of economic development partners.  For more information see http://www.eflorida.com/default.htm
2:00 - 2:50			Workshop Session 6:
			Community Development Professional Societies & Associations Presenters:  Jeffrey Finkle, President/CEO, Intl Economic Development Council; Jerry Robinson, Rural Sociological Society; Bruce McClendon, American Planning Association; Jane Leonard, Community Development Society Moderator: Rick Wetherill, OCD Four of the most relevant professional community and economic development organizations will be represented on this panel presentation and discussion of the benefits, responsibilities and privileges of professional memberships.  Representatives from the various professional societies and organizations that cover community development professionals (IEDC, CDS, APA, RSS) will talk about professionalism and the business of community development.
			Marketing Your Community Presenters: Sheldon Keyser, Illinois RD Office; Tammye Carpinteyro, FUTURO EZ, TX  Learn effective strategies to market your community for economic development and learn what to do and what not to do and benefit from other's mistakes.
			Rural Development Environmental Regulations (PPT 350 kb) (Part 1) (Repeat of June 11 sessions: see above for session descriptions)  Presenter: Mark Plank, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC
			Outreach and Accountability: Establishing and Maintaining Good Working Relationships With Your Partners And Stakeholders Presenters: Christina Sundstrom, California RD Office; Jack Shaw, OCD Your community development organization's ability to achieve its goals is not only dependent on its success in securing financial resources but also the political and civic participation of your partners who carry out the work of your program -- the implementation of your community's strategic plan. "Outreach" deals with those early and continuing efforts which are necessary to make connections, establish productive relationships, and secure feedback from the groups and individuals who are indispensable in achieving the goals of your community's programs. "Accountability" refers to the providing of information to partners and stakeholders on a regular and continuing basis.  Maintaining appropriate contact with partners and stakeholders enables you to celebrate current success, maintain a constructive base for future endeavors, and to receive timely feedback in making any necessary modifications to your program. This session will present a menu of opportunities for creating effective relationships beginning with the Federal Government and Congress and extending on through state and local government to include civic, private organizations, and the media.  The session will provide some prescriptive do's and don'ts, as well as an opportunity for audience participation.
			Rural Health Works - Economic Impact of Health and Community Health Planning Presenter: Cheryl St. Clair, Oklahoma State University  This session will include a detailed description and history of Rural Health Works.  The economic impact of the health sector will be discussed in detail and further illustrated by two sample documents that can be created from the data.  The IMPLAN model and derived multipliers will be explained and how the multipliers are utilized to build the economic impact of health.  Several other uses of IMPLAN will be shared; i.e., the evaluation of a state Medicaid program and an evaluation of the Critical Access Hospitals within a given state.  The Oklahoma community health planning process will be discussed in detail and how it is currently being utilized to assist communities with hospitals that qualify for critical access hospital designation.  Handouts of the power point presentation will be made available.  Most of the other documents referenced are available on our web site, which will also be referenced in the presentation.
2:50 - 3:20			Break
3:20 - 4:10			Workshop Session 7:
			New OCD Program Regulations: Overview for Rural Development Staff  Presenters: Rick Wetherill and Karen Murray, OCD  7 CFR 25 was published in final rule on March 25, 2002.  The regulations contained changes several changes from the earlier regulation that affect the way EZ/EC communities operate and how program funds can be used, including changes to board structure requirements, and the eligibility of construction projects. This session, aimed at Rural Development employees, will address agency reporting requirements, processing, and program issues specific to RD management.   A brief overview of administrative and grants management documentation will be included.
			Marketing Your Community: What to Do, What Not to Do Presenters: Jefferson George, Development Counsellors International; representatives from the Empowerment Alliance of Southwest Florida EC Since 1960, Development Counsellors International (DCI) has specialized in working in economic development and tourism marketing. DCI has worked with 250+ cities, regions, states and countries to help them attract both investments and visitors.  Past clients have included the Research Triangle of North Carolina, Maine Dept of Tourism, and the Australian Tourist Commission.  One of their current clients is the Empowerment Alliance of Southwest Florida EC.  In addition to highlighting their work with the EC, DCI will draw on their considerable experience to discuss what to do, and more importantly, what not to do, in marketing your community.
			Rural Development Environmental Regulations (PPT 350) (Part 2) (Repeat of June 11 3:10 session) Presenter: Mark Plank, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC
			Maximizing Your Tax Credit Incentives (PDF 2.86 mb) (Repeat of 1:00 session) Presenter: Linda Schakel, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP
			Rural Health Works - Feasibility Studies  Presenter: Cheryl St. Clair, Oklahoma State University Workshop will give an overview of Rural Health Works and the methodology for the development of feasibility studies.  Several different feasibility studies will be presented; primary care physician, EMS, outpatient rehabilitation, and adult day care.  Also, I a list of the new studies being developed will be covered.
Thursday June 13
8:30 - 9:40		Plenary 5: Crafting a Community-Based Rural Policy Framework: New Realities and Opportunities (2.09 mb) Presenter: Chuck Fluharty, Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI)
9:40 - 10:00		Break
10:00 - 10:50		Workshop Session 8:
		Overview of the OIG Investigation Process (repeated at 1:00 pm) Presenters: Joseph Holmes, USDA Georgia Office of Inspector General; Robert Cooke, Southwest Georgia EZ; Jane Ferguson, Georgia RD Office  This workshop will present three perspectives to the OIG investigation process.  1) OIG Perspective:  What initiates the process for an audit, what does OIG look for in reviewing an organization or community, what are some of common issues or problem areas found in communities/organizations, how does OIG use the info, who gets the reports, how does OIG work with USDA State/Field offices and communities/organizations to address the concerns or problems found during the review.  2) Community Perspective: How to best prepare for a review, lessons learned and things we would have done differently.  What mechanisms should every community have in place to assure compliance with OIG review procedures. 3) State Office Perspective:  What are RD state/field offices role, lessons learned and procedures every State Office needs to consider.
		New Community Board Training Requirements for Rural Development: A Train the Trainer Session  Presenters: Rick Wetherill (PPT 925 kb) & Tedd Buelow (PPT 1.34 mb), OCD; Sheldon Keyser (PPT 423 kb) Illinois RD Office.             Regulatory changes and Management Control Review recommendations place a burden on USDA field staff to assist community boards in meeting not only the requirements of the regulations, but the requirements of the community.  Both an art and a science, good board development leads a community to higher steps on the empowerment staircase.  This session, team taught by field and HQ USDA personnel, will explore the tools of board training that are available to USDA staff.  The fast-paced dialectical learning approach to board training will focus on using standard books, videotapes, manuals and PowerPoint presentations with an eye toward adapting them to fit locally-tailored needs.
		Smart Growth in Rural Area Presenters: Kimberly Collins, San Diego State University NCE; Jack Shaw, OCD Smart Growth is a concept that many urban areas have been implementing for the past years in order to deal with population growth and urban sprawl.  This concept as applied to rural areas though is just beginning to emerge.  This workshop looks at ways rural communities can apply the concepts of Smart Growth to preserve or enhance the character of the community, save precious farm lands, be used as an economic development planning tool, as well as other benefits.  Kimberly Collins will discuss what groups in California are doing and Jack Shaw will provide an overview of Maryland's statewide program. Following is a more detailed abstract of the program in Maryland.  "Managing Change: An Assessment of Maryland's Smart Growth Program" Maryland is in the process of completing its fifth year in implementing a state-wide Smart Growth Program. As such, the Free State is in the vanguard among those states seeking to exploit the New Urbanism and a resurgent regionalism as a corollary for the Smart Growth Movement. Contemporary Maryland includes an established agriculture on its Eastern Shore, the maritime heritage of its Chesapeake, and a great metropolitan region which hovers continuously between renewal and decline: a withering industrial base and a burgeoning technology industry on its Western Shore. In addition, the State includes a rapidly suburbanizing Piedmont and mountainous western counties which are more culturally affiliated with Appalachia. This presentation will include a brief overview of the Program and the mechanisms which have been developed for its implementation, together with an assessment of the issues and choices which have important implications for rural Maryland and the state at large.
		Rural Economy Workshop  Presenter: Chuck Fluharty, RUPRI  Mr. Fluharty will conduct a more informal discussion on his earlier plenary on "Crafting a Community-Based Rural Policy Framework."
		Federal Home Loan Bank (PPT 3.23 mb) (repeated at 11:00) Presenter:  Curt Heidt, Vice President, Community Investment Offices, Federal Home Loan Bank, Des Moines, IA Learn about the programs and partnership opportunities of the Federal Home Loan Bank from loan and grant financial assistance to technical assistance.  This will include a discussion of different initiatives such as special priority points on funding applications.
11:00 - 11:50		Workshop Session 9:
		Overview of the OIG Investigation Process (Repeat of 10:00 session)  Presenters: Joseph Holmes, USDA Georgia Office of Inspector General; Robert Cooke, Southwest Georgia EZ; Jane Ferguson, Georgia RD Office
		Boards of Directors: Roles & Responsibilities Presenters: Charlotte Mathis, Austin, IN EC; Mitsy Lister, Georgia RD Office Interactive discussion on the responsibilities of community-based boards and the working relationships with committees, staff, and partners.
		Using GIS Software for Planning and Program Management (repeated at 1:00) Presenter: Greg Halverson, Director of Economic Development, Central Savannah Regional Development Center Hands-on workshop for using Geographic Information System (GIS) software for community assessments, development plans, and program management.  Mr. Halverson will highlight several  practical applications of GIS in the Central Savannah, GA area, such as helping local governments with transportation and utilities mapping
		Building Successful Communities Presenter: Victor Raymond, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD), Iowa State University Community-led development, particularly in rural areas, is not simply a matter of money. It is a matter of hope and of participatory processes toward collective goals and toward increased community leadership capacity over time. There is a great deal of evidence that investing in community capacity contributes greatly to community-led development.  The NCRCRD has conducted extensive research in the Round I rural EZ/ECs to assess the evolution and impact of the community empowerment process in these communities. A key finding of this research is that the higher the community's investment in capacity, and the higher the level of citizen participation, the more partners became involved and the more outside funding they leveraged.  This interactive workshop will discuss the process of building successful communities and the results of NCRCRD's research.
		Federal Home Loan Bank (PPT 3.23 mb) (repeat of 10:00 session) Presenter:  Curt Heidt, Vice President, Community Investment Offices, Federal Home Loan Bank, Des Moines, IA
11:50 - 1:00		Lunch
1:00 - 2:10		Workshop Session 10:
		Community Development Professionalism Presenter: Rick Wetherill, OCD; Janie Dunning, Missouri RD Office; Bill Davis, North Dakota RD Office This workshop is primarily for Rural Development employees to discuss the merits of a professional association for Community Development program staff.  Issues discussed include the mechanics forming an association, related alliances, training and certification, and career tracks.  This is primarily an interactive/networking session to continue forward the discussion initiated at the 2001 conference.
		RD Internet Tools & Resources (repeat of  2:00 June 11 session) Presenter: Mike Grisby, OCD Using GIS Software for Planning and Program Management (repeat of 11:00 am session) Presenter: Greg Halverson, Director of Economic Development, Central Savannah Regional Development Center
		Community Sustainability: A Highly Interactive Session (PPT 2.04 mb)  Presenter: Tim Cullenen, Cornell University Taking a look at the concepts of what makes community a "sense of place," this session will have broad discussions about the elements of sustainability - connecting economics, culture, and the environment.  This will be a highly interactive and entertaining session containing exercises that will spur your creativity and raise your energy level for the underlying philosophy of community development.
2:20 - 3:15		Plenary 7: Closing Ceremony and Award Presentations (PDF 147 kb) Moderator: Rick Wetherill

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