Wednesday, May 09, 2012

New R & D outfit sets conference next week for groups focused on improving Central Appalachia

The new Central Appalachian Institute for Research and Development will host its first annual Regional Network Conference next week in Pikeville, Ky. The conference "is the first step in establishing the vital  partnerships that will be necessary for the success" of the organization, according to a press release about the event.

CAIRD says it is a non-profit and public policy organization "which provides long-term educational and economic developmental strategies in oder to establish vibrant and sustainable communities that will improve the quality of life for citizens of central Appalachia." It's headquartered at the University of Pikeville and already partnered with more than a dozen universities, organizations and institutions across the region.

Chief Executive Officer Jason Belcher said CAIRD will encourage collaboration between area development districts, state and national agencies, other non-profits and private citizens. It will also work as a research center for the region and "create opportunities for scholarly research and development," according to the press release.

The Resource Network Conference will be held May 14-15 in the University of Pikeville's Community Technology Center at 119 College Street. For more information about CAIRD or the conference, click here.

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