Department of Commerce Announces Speaker Lineup for Rural Opportunities Conference this April

Topeka, Kan. – Registration is still open for this year’s Kansas Rural Opportunities Conference in Dodge City.

The Kansas Department of Commerce hosts this conference annually to provide useful information about rural Kansas living, as well as to engage in a dialogue with rural Kansans to determine how the Department can bolster its efforts to improve the well-being of rural communities in the state.

The Conference will take place at the Boot Hill Casino & Conference Center in Dodge City on April 2-3.

Acting Commerce Secretary David Toland will be kicking off the conference and Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers will discuss the Office of Rural Prosperity. Lt. Governor Rogers and Secretary Toland will provide insight to community development efforts.

In addition, guests are invited to discuss their questions or concerns one-on-one with Secretary Toland or Deputy Secretary of Commerce Patty Clark. Each participant will have five minutes to ask questions on any topic they choose. Signup for these discussions will be available at the event.

The Lt. Governor and the Secretary will be joined by an array of expert speakers, including:

• Marci Penner – Executive Director, Kansas Sampler Foundation
• Steve Radley – President & CEO, NetWork KS
• Jeff Usher – Senior Program Office, Kansas Health Foundation
• Mike Posson – Executive Director, Norton City/County Economic Development
• Tara Vance – Executive Director, Norton County Community Foundation
• Shekinah Bailey – General Field Representative, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development/Rural Utility Service
• Trent Boaldin – President, Epic Touch
• Catherine Moyer – Pioneer Communications
• Stanley Adams – Director of Broadband Initiatives, Kansas Department of Commerce
• John Davis – Executive Director, Lanesboro Arts
• Rosslyn Schultz – Executive Director, Lucas Grassroots Arts Council
• Lisse Regehr – President & CEO, Thrive Allen County
• Laura and Ron Martin – Owners, Sew Loved Quilt Shop
• Randy Hrabe – Executive Director, Pioneer County Development
• Jeff Tucker – Executive Director K-State Technology Development Institute
• Anne Dewvall – Director of Entrepreneurship E-community Programming
• Lynne Hinrichsen – State Director, USDA Rural Development
• Alicia Hutchings – Business Recruitment Project Manager, Kansas Department of Commerce
• Randi Tveitaraas Jack – International Business Recruitment Manager, Kansas Department of Commerce

“The Kelly Administration is committed to ensuring that all Kansans have a high quality of life, regardless of their zip code,” said David Toland, Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.  “The Rural Opportunities Conference is a forum for learning about programs that can support and enhance rural communities, as well as an opportunity for residents to tell us their vision for the new Office of Rural Prosperity, which will be headed by Lieutenant Governor Rogers.  Whether a business owner, local official, or just an everyday resident concerned about their community, the Rural Opportunities Conference is the place to be in April.”

Signup for the conference can be done here.

Any additional questions should be directed to:

Jeanna Lee

[email protected]

(785) 296-1868