The first Innovation Challenge workshop was held in Pikeville, Ky., from April 22-24, 2015. The teams selected to participate in the workshop participated in a competitive process earlier this year to win spots at the event. The teams were led by counties and regional development organizations and included a broad range of other public and private sector partners.
Below, read more about the teams that participated and view materials from the first workshop. A summary of the workshop is located here.
More information about the Innovation Challenge for Coal-Reliant Communities can be found here: www.naco.org/innovationchallenge.
- Selected Teams
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- Team Lead: Big Sandy Area Development District, Ky.
- Representing Ky. counties of Floyd, Johnson, Martin, Magoffin and Pike
- This team included representatives from Big Sandy Area Development District; Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc.; Magoffin County; Morehead State University Center for Regional Engagement; and Mountain Association for Community Economic Development.
- Team Lead: Cumberland Valley Area Development District, Ky.
- Representing Harlan County, Ky.
- This team included representatives from Cumberland Valley Area Development District; America Health Management; Center for Rural Development; Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program; Harlan County; and Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation.
- Team Lead: FIVCO Area Development District, Ky.
- Representing Ky. counties of Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup and Lawrence
- This team included representatives from FIVCO Area Development District; Ashland Alliance, Ignite, Lawrence County Fiscal Court and Orange Leaf.
- Team Lead: LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, Va.
- Representing Wise County, Va.
- This team included representatives from LENOWISCO Planning District Commission; Southwest Regional Recreation Authority and Spearhead Trails; University of Virginia’s College at Wise; Wise County Board of Supervisors; Wise County Department of Health; and Wise County Social Services.
- Team Lead: Moffat County, Colo.
- This team included representatives from the City of Craig; the Craig/Moffat County Economic Development Partnership; Colorado Northwest Community College; Memorial Hospital; and Moffat County School District.
- Team Lead: Perry County, Ky.
- This team included representatives from Kentucky River Area Development District; Appalachian Regional Healthcare in Hazard; Center for Rural Development; Hazard Community and Technical College; Perry County; and Stronger Economies Together/Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation.
- Team Lead: Reconnecting McDowell, Inc., W.Va
- Representing McDowell County, W.Va
- This team included representatives from McDowell County Board of Education; McDowell County Commission; and Reconnecting McDowell, Inc.
- Team Lead: Big Sandy Area Development District, Ky.
- Geographies Represented
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- Workshop Agenda
- Workshop Materials
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Welcome and Team Presentations: Who’s In the Room?
Panel Discussion: From Downturn to Transition
- From Downturn to Transition – Heidi Sheppard
- Strategies for Appalachian Transition – Peter Hille
- Replacing a Regional Manufacturing Economy with Arts, Heritage & Culture – Glenn Cox
Opening Plenary: Supporting the Transition
Economic Diversification Strategies: Concurrent Sessions
- Health Care Industry Strategies
- Broadband Development
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
Luncheon Keynote: Adaptive Leadership for Positive Change
Panel Discussion: Innovative Partnerships to Root the Transition
- Introduction to the Appalachia Funders Network – Margo Miller
- Bringing Resources to Manufacturers Across Kentucky – Scott Broughton
Final Team Presentations