HandMade in America holds Small Towns Summit on May 21

From a press release:

HandMade in America holds Small Towns Summit on May 21

HandMade in America (HIA) is gearing up for one of their biggest events of the year, the Small Towns Summit 2014.  This all-day summit will be held from 9:00am-5:00pm on Wednesday, May 21 at UNCA’s Reuter Center (headquarters of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute).  Every year the event welcomes Western North Carolina (WNC) small town community leaders, elected officials, volunteers, and others, with the purpose of strengthening small towns and rural WNC.

“Our rural communities are currently facing a unique set of challenges.  This is a critical time for us to gather to discuss the changing economic climate and look forward to new opportunities.  HandMade has a long history of convening groups and discussing collaboration, and we stay committed to that today,” says Janelle Wienke, Community and Economic Development Manager at HIA.

The Small Towns Summit plays a key role in HIA’s Small Towns Program; a nationally recognized, multi-faceted, place based economic development strategy focused on the craft, culture, and small town assets.  This year HIA has invited a diverse group of speakers and breakout consultants to offer well-rounded, unique perspectives on topics varying from visitor readiness, rural funding, and small business and entrepreneurship support.  Attendees will hear representatives from entities such as the NC Department of Commerce Division of Rural Development and Division of Tourism, Film, and Sports Development, The Support Center, NC Tourism Extension, USDA Rural Development, Golden Leaf Foundation, and more.

HandMade in America’s Small Towns Summit is scheduled from 9:00am-5:00pm on Wednesday, May 21 at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA.  For questions or more information contact Janelle Wienke at 828-252-0121 x307 or to register visit www.handmadeinamerica.org/ or call 828-252-0121.

HandMade in America envisions the WNC region as having a global reputation for a high quality of life, extensive cultural offerings, and thriving, creative community industries where craft, heritage, and culture are seen as key investments.   Their service area covers the 25 counties of WNC and the Cherokee Qualla Boundary, which are predominantly rural and includes 11,000 square miles.  For over 19 years, HIA has collaborated with a variety of people, organizations, and communities, built partnerships, connected resources, worked to revitalize 14 towns with populations of 2,000 or less, and created numerous markets for craft artists (successfully growing the craft economy in WNC to $206.5 million in 2008).
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HandMade in America grows economies through craft and creative placemaking, transforming both individuals and communities through education, entrepreneurship and economic development. HandMade in America has a 19 year tradition for pioneering innovative ways to empower the people and towns of Western North Carolina through programs that educate and facilitate the needs of creative entrepreneurs and communities. Additional information is available online at handmadeinamerica.org or by calling (828) 252-0121.