The Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum, a national event focused on rural economic advancement, will be hosted in Gonzales, Texas, on October 7–8, 2025. Organized by ACCELERATION by design LLC, an Austin-based economic development consulting firm, the forum will bring together experts, practitioners, and leaders to explore strategies for strengthening rural communities. n nSessions will cover a wide range of topics, including innovative development models, logistics infrastructure, downtown renewal, entrepreneurship, tourism, workforce development, youth engagement, leadership training, and interregional collaboration. Attendees—ranging from economic development agencies and chambers of commerce to city and county officials, utility providers, lenders, and industry leaders—will gain access to practical tools and proven approaches to foster local prosperity. n nKey speakers include Julie Roller Weeks, a nationally recognized leader in rural tourism; Jeff Siegler, author of “Your City is Sick” and founder of the Revitalize, or Die blog; Doug Griffiths, a prominent economic strategist and author of “13 Ways to Kill Your Community”; and Lorie Vincent, president of the organizing firm and author of “Stand Up Rural America.” A featured panel will examine how logistics networks serve as a foundation for rural economic expansion. n nLorie Vincent emphasized the importance of equipping local leaders with tested solutions: “Over my 35-year career, I’ve worked with more than 450 rural communities. This forum brings together critical insights and change-makers to drive immediate, innovative action.” n nThe event will be held at the JB Wells Expo Center. Previous editions have taken place in cities such as Tulsa, Charleston (W.V.), Somerset (Ky.), Mulvane (Kan.), Laurel (Miss.), Decorah (Iowa), French Lick (Ind.), and Canyon (Texas). n nRegistration opened on August 15, 2025. Sponsorship opportunities and exhibit spaces are available for organizations interested in supporting rural growth. Additional details can be found at www.StandUpRuralAmerica.com. n— news from The Gonzales Inquirer
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2025 Rural Economic Development Forum to be held in Gonzales
A national economic development forum for rural communities will be held in Gonzales, Texas, on Oct. 7-8, 2025. This event, the Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum, will feature nationally renowned subject matter experts, dynamic panelists, and successful economic development practitioners. n nTopics to be covered include innovative economic development strategies, logistics, downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, business development, tourism, community development programs, regionalism, workforce, youth & career development, local leadership development, collaboration, and more. n nThis Forum is designed specifically for Rural America. Participants will receive tangible strategies to help rural cities, counties and regions grow in economic prosperity. The event will feature informative and dynamic presentations, discussions, case studies, networking and celebrating what makes Rural America special. n nThis Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum is hosted by ACCELERATION by design LLC, an economic development consulting firm based in Austin. n nLorie Vincent, President of ACCELERATION by design LLC, says “It has been my privilege to work with more than 450 rural communities and regions throughout my 35-year economic development career. I have witnessed the needs and challenges that face Rural America for economic growth and sustainability. Bringing these topics, presenters and participants together puts viable and tested tools into the hands of the changemakers in rural communities and creates an environment for innovative and immediate action.” n nThe forum is designed for Economic Development Organizations, Chambers of Commerce, Cities, Counties, Downtown/Downtown Associations, Main Street Communities, Regional Groups, Utilities, Lenders, Logistics, Community & Industry Leaders, and anyone with a vested interest in the growth and prosperity of Rural America. n nScheduled presenters include Julie Roller Weeks, a nationally renowned Tourism Trailblazer; Jeff Siegler, author of the book “Your City is Sick” and the popular blog Revitalize, or Die; Doug Griffiths, renowned economic strategist and author of the best selling book “13 Ways to Kill Your Community”; and Lorie Vincent, economic strategist, facilitator and author of the best selling book “Stand Up Rural America” along with a dynamic panel on “Logistics: The Foundation for Growth in Rural America.” n nThe forum will be held at the JB Wells Expo Center in Gonzales. Previous Stand Up Rural America events have been held in Tulsa; Charleston, W.V.; Somerset, Ky.; Mulvane, Kan.; Laurel, Miss; Decorah, Iowa; French Lick, Ind.; and Canyon, Texas. n nForum sponsorships are available. Exhibitors are welcome. Registration for the Forum opened Friday, Aug. 15. n nFor more information about the 2025 Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum in Gonzales, go to www.StandUpRuralAmerica.com.