Entrepreneurship & Workforce in a Rural Community Conference 

The Madisonville-Hopkins County Rural Development Conference brings together renowned experts to exchange experiences and best practices on issues related to innovation in rural areas, including the development of policies to benefit rural change and making the most of opportunities for job creation and economic growth.

Breakfast & Check-in 7:45 - 8:15 am

Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Larry Cox, Pepperdine University                                                              Jasper Welch, Four Corners Management Systems, Durango, CO

Topics include:

• Veterans as Entrepreneurs/ Veterans to Enhance Workforce
• Importance of Relationship Between Economic Development & Community College
• What Can Your Community Do to Boost Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• A Catalyst for Successful Reentry as an Entrepreneur
• Keynote: Dr. Larry Cox, Importance of Entrepreneurship: Trends, Importance in Rural Communities 
• Agriculture and its Contribution to Economic Development
• How to Link Entrepreneurs with the Right Expertise
• Importance of Entrepreneurship to Rural Economic Development
• How to Build a Culture of Entrepreneurism in a Rural Community
• Coworking Spaces & Incubators 
• Workforce Issues for a Small Community - Roundtable Discussion

Bacon, Blues, & Big Stories Festival

Join us for the first-ever Bacon, Blues & Big Stories Festival with free shows by JONNY LANG and SAMANTHA FISH happening on Oct. 19-20, 2018 at Mahr Park at Hidden Hills Farm in Madisonville, KY! This free, family-friendly festival boasts that it will be ‘a festival good for the taste buds, the ears, and the soul’ and hopes to draw bacon-enthusiasts, blues fans, and performing arts followers from near and far for the celebration.