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Is your county or region experiencing economic challenges due to the contraction of the coal industry? Are you seeking effective approaches to support economic diversification, workforce development and improved quality of life in your community?

Join the National Association of Counties and the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation in Billings, Mont., on April 18–19th for Strengthening Economies in Montana, a free forum designed for coal-reliant counties and regions from across Montana. This convening will bring together stakeholders from the public and private sectors for an educational and interactive gathering to share best practices, lessons learned and new opportunities to support economic diversification. Prepare for a mix of interactive sessions and small group discussions designed to deepen and foster new partnerships aimed at promoting innovation and prosperity throughout Montana and the Western regions.

The forum will offer ample opportunity to network with your peers, state and federal officials and other practitioners who are promoting economic and community development at the local, regional and state levels. All interested community stakeholders from Utah are welcome to attend, including: county and other local officials; regional development organization staff; workforce development professionals; non-profit and philanthropic leaders; business owners; and representatives from K-12 and higher education institutions.

This forum is funded through the support of the U.S. Economic Development Administration – Denver Regional Office, as part of NACo and NADO RF's larger four-state initiative: Strengthening Economies in the West, which provide tailored  economic diversification support and technical assistance for coal-reliant counties and regions in Colorado, Montana, Utah & Wyoming. This initiative kicked off in April of 2017 with an educational forum in Denver.

Attendance for this forum is encouraged for Montana counties and regions economically linked to the coal industry and forum content will primarily focus on strategies and opportunities specifically unique to Montana. Through this regional initiative, a similar forum was held in Utah in October 2017, while forums will later take place in Wyoming and Colorado over the course of 2018.

NACo has secured a special group rate at the Northern Hotel at $129/night.  For reservations under this rate, call the hotel at 406-867-6767 and request the National Association of Counties group block rate by March 23rd, 2018.  

Featured Presenters Include: