Reimagining Rural Economic Development Conference

Over the past year, the Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ACSRC) has been exploring innovative uses of the co-operative model and their potential role in modern rural economic and community development.

The Reimagining Rural Economic Development Conference, hosted by the ACSRC, will bring together rural community leaders, councilors, economic development and planning officers, with rural residents who care deeply about the future of their communities.

During this two-day conference, participants will:

• be introduced to innovative uses of the co-operative model across a wide range of areas including green energy, housing, daycares, commercial real estate, and community capital investment
• learn about how consumer, producer, and marketing co-ops, as well as worker-owned businesses and new generation agricultural co-ops, are generating positive economic growth and enhancing service delivery in rural communities
• learn about successful rural co-operative ventures, the opportunities and challenges they present and the lessons learned
•  network and connect with co-op developers who can help guide your local group and develop your idea into a thriving co-op in your rural community