Because Minnesota is a hotbed of rural and rural-urban innovation and is a recognized leader in bringing people together to share models and momentum toward quality of life and sustainable futures for citizens of the world. The focal point is Duluth, Minnesota, from July 22 through July 25, when the 4 th annual Minnesota Rural Summit combines with the National Rural Development Partnership and the International Community Development Society to offer information, innovation, and insights for citizens, practitioners, elected officials, and academics. They Are A-Changing Working Partnerships for Viable Communities. Based on the success of our three previous Rural Summits, explains Marcie McLaughlin, executive director of Minnesota Rural Partners, we put in bids to host both the International Community Development Society and the national organization of state rural development councils in the United States. Minnesota is out in front in many aspects of community innovation, rural development, and unique partnerships.
People are eager to come to Minnesota to learn from our experiences.
The combined meetings, which will draw over 1,200 participants, feature nationally and internationally recognized practitioners and authorities on rural and community development as well as policy leaders. Tours of Minnesota models in regions of the state are also scheduled. Our call for proposals for sessions resulted in 205 submissions from 10 countries outside of North America, seven Canadian provinces, and 35 states in the USA, says Jane Leonard, chair of Minnesota Rural Partners and 2001 conference host committee chair. The program committee was challenged to select a medley of top session offerings that represent the best of community and rural innovation from Minnesota, and other states and countries. Anyone, anywhere, who is committed to a successful future for his or her community rural, urban and suburban should be in Duluth in July.