Free conference Sept. 16 in Eastern Kentucky to focus on revitalizing Appalachian economy

Jay Williams

A free conference in Eastern Kentucky will focus on ways to grow the Appalachian economy through innovation, entrepreneurism and collaboration. "Big Ideas Fest for Appalachia: Visionary Thinking and Doing" will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 at Hazard Community and Technical College. Lunch will be provided.

Hosted by the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative and the Appalachian Innovations Collaborative, the event's keynote speaker will be Jay Williams, assistant secretary of commerce and director of the Economic Development Administration.

The tentative schedule of panels includes: Using Technology and Education to Grow the Economy; Youth, Technology and Entrepreneurism; Tiny Houses and housing for job creation; Art in community and economic development; Business and entrepreneurs; Agriculture and Aquaculture; and Tourism. For more information or to register click here.