Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Education, Health, Entrepreneurs: the hidden assets of small towns and how to leverage them
Session Abstract or Summary
How do education, health, and entrepreneurs work together to help small towns thrive while retaining their own identity? Which comes first, how do they intertwine, and in what ways can developing the stats and stories of activity in these three areas help advocates leverage the power of a growing social movement toward sustainable community lifestyles? Learn tips and techniques for drawing down community activity funding, motivations to develop entrepreneurs among your community's young people, the importance of defending (and understanding) your local hospital, and how to build allies and plans with your community college--all while maintaining a sense of place, a sense of identity, and a sense of humor.
Presentation #1 Title
The inseparable braid: Education, Health, and Economic Development
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
It is impossible to separate the impacts of education, health, and entrepreneurial activity on a community, but it is possible to determine which drives what. In his years of experience working with health care, education, and economic development from both sides of the desk, Dave Nutter brings observations on existing trends, and a call for new research on how "the inseparable braid" is a double-edged sword for small towns seeking sustainable development and a healthy lifestyle. Nutter will provide the overview and moderation for this panel.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
David A. Nutter serves as a Regional Director for Community and Member Outreach with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 – 2012 where he served on the Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions and the Joint Commission on Health Care, and the committees on Science and Technology and Militia and Police. Governor Bob McDonnell appointed Mr. Nutter to the Virginia Community College System State Board in July 2012.
Presentation #2 Title
Playing to your Strengths in Education and Economic Development
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Vice Chancellor for Economic Development at UVa Wise, Shannon Blevins discusses how advocates and academics can benefit from understanding place based and economic based strategies in small towns. Touching on the importance of education, reinforced by stats and stories, Blevins will discuss not only the usual seeking large companies to locate in a region, but the multi-pronged approach of encouraging community citizens to have a vision for owning their own business. Exploring this as a viable career option is a vital part of developing a well-rounded local economy. Blevins will also show how a single percentage increase in college graduation in a community affects the GDP of that region exponentially.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Shannon Blevins is the Vice Chancellor of Economic Development for the University of Virginia's College at Wise. As a Southwest Virginia native with broad experience working with new and expanding businesses, Blevins leads the College's economic outreach efforts. As part of her role, Blevins also serves as the Executive Director for the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center in Lebanon, Virginia. She is an accomplished instructor, consultant and former director of customer service/operations.
Presentation #3 Title
How I learned to stop worrying and love my local hospital
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
Rural Hospitals are not only the backbone of a region, but its best storyteller. Looking at the stats tells the stories of populations and individual people. But the local hospital is not only a storyteller, but a crystal ball, predicting the future of your community's sustainability. With grace and humor, Beth O'Connor will show advocates, activists, and academics how to navigate the imbrication of economics and health development, and then leverage this understanding to ally with their regional hospital to protect and serve their community and their future. Included in this discussion are how hospitals in rural areas provide economic security beyond the jobs and salaries of those working there, and impact the willingness of entrepreneurs to locate in small town.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Beth O'Connor is Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Health Association. She lives in Blacksburg and volunteers with returning homeless men to employable and sustainable lifestyles.
Presentation #4 Title
I Dream of Bookstores--and Greenhouses, and Coffee Shops....
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
Running a mom-n-pop in a small town is no longer the stuff of dreams - but it is an excellent career for both retirees and early launchers for college. With wit and wisdom, Wendy Welch discusses her experiences setting up a bookstore in a town that wasn't "hers," and the knock-on effect of being an advocate for entrepreneur. She also discusses the role that women who own businesses play as role models for the upcoming generations. Welch and her husband own The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap; her 2012 memoir of the same name is about the adventure of setting up in a 'dead' business during the age of e-readers and online big box stores.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Wendy Welch is the director of the Graduate Medical Education Consortium of Southwest Virginia, and the author of The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap (St Martin's Press 2012). She is editor of Public Health in Appalachia and author of the forthcoming Fall or Fly: Strangely Hopeful Stories of Adoption and Foster Care in a small corner of America.
The inseparable braid: Education, Health, and Economic Development
It is impossible to separate the impacts of education, health, and entrepreneurial activity on a community, but it is possible to determine which drives what. In his years of experience working with health care, education, and economic development from both sides of the desk, Dave Nutter brings observations on existing trends, and a call for new research on how "the inseparable braid" is a double-edged sword for small towns seeking sustainable development and a healthy lifestyle. Nutter will provide the overview and moderation for this panel.
