CONFERENCE 2007: INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR A NEW WEST
New Practices for Growing Communities of the Intermountain West
OVERVIEW
WHAT: A forum to learn best practices applicable to mid-sized communities of the Intermountain West
WHERE: The Wilma Theatre, Missoula, Montana
WHEN: July 13–15, 2007
WHO: Elected officials, entrepreneurs, ranchers and farmers, planners, concerned citizens, members of the philanthropic community from the Intermountain West
The Sopris Foundation promotes a self-sufficient and innovative West.
They came to talk about the future of a place we are proud of. People came West for the mountains, rural lifestyle, vibrant towns. And, Westerners benefit simply by the chance to live here. A local economy, strong community, and fresh ideas build a meaningful life. But ranches subdivide. Commutes lengthen. Mom and Pops close. Communities fail. So what do we do to protect and enhance all that made this place special? Sopris Foundation believes that good ideas speak. Come listen.
Demand for a foothold in desirable places of the West is boundless. Consequently, we must balance the liveliness of established communities with the impact of such change. The places we hallow have optimistic futures, so long as we center our policy, economy, and culture on established traditions and local community.
Westerners are known for rogue efforts and pluck. We solve problems with grit and imagination. Combating climate change, promoting rural economies and local agriculture, strengthening communities, and equitable access to transit, are pieces of a Western manifesto we can preserve and amplify. We are not isolated towns competing amid scarcity, but a team, drafted to preserve the assets that first brought us.
"Innovative Ideas for a New West" is by invitation to elected officials, planners, ranchers and farmers, grantmakers, and entrepreneurs.
Sponsors:
