Millennial entrepreneur to speak at Breakthrough Solutions conference on July 8
By U of A System Division of Agriculture
June 21, 2016
Fast Facts:
- Greg Tehven, Executive Director of Emerging Prairie, to speak
- Pre-conference workshops set for July 7; will focus on workforce development, funding and financing community & economic development
- Information designed to help communities attract new residents and businesses
(431 words)
LITTLE ROCK — Organizers for the 2016 Breakthrough Solutions conference announced this week that the conference will feature keynote speaker Greg Tehven, executive director for Emerging Prairie.
Emerging Prairie is an organization dedicated to creating and celebrating an entrepreneurial ecosystem of Fargo, North Dakota. Tehven will share inspiring and incredible stories about “millennials” turning Fargo into a vibrant, entrepreneurial community through events and support systems.
Emerging Prairie sponsors a wide variety of initiatives, such as Drone Focus, the Prairie Den co-working space, Tedx Fargo, Startup Weekend Fargo, and 1 Million Cups Fargo, the country’s largest educational and networking program designed to engage and connect entrepreneurs with their communities. Tehven has been published in Forbes.com, Fortune Magazine, TED.com and other publications, and delivered keynote addresses across the country.
“The purpose of the conference is to provide community and regional leaders with insights, tools, and solutions they can use to stand out from the crowd, leading to communities to becoming more vibrant, sustainable, and resilient,” said Mark Peterson, professor of community and economic development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Attendees will have the chance to discover opportunities in eight critical issue areas and hear about exciting community projects from across the state.
The conference is scheduled to take place July 8 at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service headquarters, 2301 South University, in Little Rock. In addition to the conference, two half-day pre-conference workshops will be held July 7, addressing two critical community economic development issues, both of which can help communities stand out from the crowd:
- “Creating a Talent Pipeline for Your Community or Region” will provide a strategic approach to workforce development and a valuable tool for community leaders to address the most critical issues and greatest opportunities for developing a skilled, motivated work force. The Talent Pipeline will be used for two pilot communities, with workforce providers adding key insights into the process.
- “Funding and Financing Community and Economic Development” will provide a comprehensive approach to funding and financing the most important projects and initiatives within communities, with an opportunity to learn from several successful projects funded in Arkansas and other states. Participating communities will have an opportunity to make a pitch for funding their projects.
The early bird registration deadline is June 23. Be sure to check out the special offer for communities and counties. For the agenda, registration form and lodging information, http://www.uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/strategic-planning/breakthrough-solutions.aspx. A tour of the Regional Innovation Hub in North Little Rock is available for conference participants.
To learn more about the conference, contact Mark Peterson at 501-671-2253, or by email at mpeterson@uada.edu.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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