Agenda

Day 1 – Wednesday, November 12, 2025

(Central Time Zone)

12:00 p.m.: Lunch and Registration (optional)

1:00 p.m.: Opening Session

1:45 p.m.: Understanding the Rural Wealth Framework with Brian Blackford, Indiana Communities Institute. This framework has emerged as a powerful, comprehensive, and dynamic approach to more fully understand not only the assets and opportunities rural communities and regions hold, but also the challenges they must confront in achieving development and sustainability.

3:00 p.m.: Ready, Set, Act: Building Capacity for Community Change Management with Brian Blackford, Indiana Communities Institute. Change is constant in communities, whether it is realized or not. Dealing with that change can also be a constant frustration – especially when moving beyond planning and into policy decisions and action. This workshop explores change while providing tips and tools to make change.

4:30 p.m.: Policy Pulse & Partner Sparks. Connect with policy experts during “Lightning Table Talks” that allow participants to initiate important conversations and discover “connection sparks” that will inspire new ideas or action.

5:30 p.m.: Closing Session

6:15 p.m.: Network Social, Dinner, and Awards

Day 2 – Thursday, November 13, 2025

(Central Time Zone)

8:30 a.m.: Opening Session

9:00 a.m.: Case Studies on Local Policy Development. Stay tuned for details on presenters.

10:30 a.m.: Practice Makes Progress with Mike Bockorny, Economic Development Professionals Association of South Dakota. Learn practical skills and confidence to effectively engage in public policy. Participants will learn how to provide compelling public comment, testify before the Legislature, present a well-crafted policy brief, and influence other public policy isues. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate governmental processes and advocate for policies that support local economic growth and community well-being.

12:00 p.m.: Lunch

12:30 p.m.: Writing a Policy Statement to Take Local Action with Mike Bockorny, Economic Development Professionals Association of South Dakota.

1:30 p.m.: Closing