Rural Colorado has always faced challenges in economic innovation and resiliency, but never more so than during the COVID era. Although cities were hit hardest first, now rural areas are proportionally suffering the worst impacts.
Join us on February 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a community conversation that will explore the challenges and opportunities created by this public health crisis. Panelists will give short presentations about leveraging local and regional assets to maximize innovation and resiliency to generate inclusive growth in rural community economies. Their opening comments will be followed by discussion and audience Q&A.
Facilitator Dawn Thilmany is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, Co-Director of the Regional Economic Development Institute and Director Engaged Research at Colorado State University. She specializes in rural economic development and focuses on opportunities related to value-added food market supply chains, as well as applied research on food market analysis and consumer behavior. Her work on agricultural diversification also includes work with agritourism and entrepreneurship in Colorado and the Western US. She is currently the President of the Ag and Applied Economics Association and has held several leadership positions with national ag, food and regional economic associations. She has been a visiting scholar and collaborated with several USDA agencies, including a current project focused on food supply chains during COVID with the Ag Marketing Service.
Panelists will include:
Elizabeth Garner, Colorado State Demographer
Stephan Weiler, Colorado State University (CSU) Regional Economic Development Institute (REDI)
Katharina Papenbrock, OEDIT – Rural Western Slope
Greg Thomason, OEDIT – Rural Eastern Plains and South Central
Michael Seman, CSU Arts Management and REDI
Register for the event and learn more: bit.ly/Change_In_Rural_Colorado
Download the Change in Rural Colorado Fact Sheet:
Next Event in the Series
Tuesday, March 23
Our Water, Lands, and Parks: Investing in and Nurturing Colorado’s Most Loved Assets
For More Information
Gina Huett, Program Coordinator Colorado Humanities
303.894.7951 x13 • ghuett@coloradohumanities.org