Expanding the Rural Economy through Alternative Energy, Sustainable Agriculture and Entrepreneurship

On October 24 & 25, 2006, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Consumer and Community Affairs Division, in co-sponsorship with the Iowa Department of Economic Development and the Iowa Bankers Association, will host a conference titled, "Expanding the Rural Economy through Alternative Energy, Sustainable Agriculture and Entrepreneurship." The conference will be held at the Gateway Center in Ames, Iowa.

Participants will gain valuable insights from experts who will address the issues and opportunities involved with expanding the rural economy by capitalizing on Iowa's alternative energy potential, sustainable agricultural practices and entrepreneurial talent. The conference audience will be comprised of community development professionals, financial industry practitioners, small business owners, researchers, policymakers, bankers, representatives of government agencies, foundations and academics.

Events on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 include on-site tours of the Iowa Energy Center and the Lincolnway Energy ethanol plant, followed by a networking reception. A lunch and transportation between the Gateway Center and the two facilities, which are located in Nevada, Iowa, will be provided. The dress code is casual; however, open-toed shoes and/or skirts are not allowed on the Lincolnway Energy ethanol plant tour. In addition, your shoes and clothing may get soiled.

Topics on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 include: "Sustainable Agriculture, Biofuels Development & rural Economic Growth," by Dr. John Miranowski, Professor of Economics and Director of Iowa State Institute of Science & Society; "Making Sense of Alternative Energy," by Dr. Robert C. Brown, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Iowa State University and Director of the Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies; and panel discussions on alternative energy and community revitalization. Jack Schultz, CEO of Agracel and author of the book, Boomtown USA - The 7½ Keys to Big Success in Small Towns, will give the keynote address, revealing the most important actions leaders in smaller towns can take to keep their communities growing. An Ice Cream Social with Iowa Senator Charles Grassley (invited) will conclude the conference. Dress code is business attire.

Location

Gateway Center in Ames, Iowa
2100 Green Hills Drive
Ames, Iowa 50014
Phone: 1-800-FOR-AMES (367-2637)
E-mail: info@GatewayAmes.com

Attendees must make their own hotel reservations, the price of which is not included in the conference fee. There have been a number of rooms blocked for this event at a discount rate, and on a first-come, first-served basis. Please make your reservations promptly. To obtain these rates, hotel reservations must be made no later than Sunday, October 1. Mention the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Rural America Conference.

Cost

The fee for this event is $60.00 ($40.00 for nonprofit organizations), and includes meals and conference materials. Conference registration and payment deadline is Friday, October 13. Refunds are not available for this event.

To pay via Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit card, call Barbara Shoulders at (312) 322-8232.

Checks should be made out to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and mailed to:

Barbara Shoulders
Consumer & Community Affairs
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Rural America - Ames Conference
PO Box 834
Chicago, IL 60690-9975