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#AmericanSouth Rountable | Rural Economic Development

Tuesday, February 2, 2027
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EST)

Join Us Virtually | Rural ECD

Event Details

Join fellow economic development professionals for an open discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities as they navigate growth and major new investments. Facilitated by Betsy McGriff of Georgia Tech, this roundtable will explore how rural communities can prepare for and respond to large-scale projects, from data centers and automotive manufacturing to steel production and beyond. Together, we’ll discuss the importance of community education, building strong relationships, preserving local culture and identity while embracing growth, and developing thoughtful plans that balance economic opportunity with quality of life.

Come ready to participate! This roundtable is designed for open, candid conversation, so bring your experiences, questions, and ideas. Share how your community is preparing for growth, discuss challenges you've encountered, and learn from how your colleagues are helping rural communities grow while maintaining what makes them unique.

For More Information:

Holly Hardt
Holly Hardt
Director of Association Initiatives Southern Economic Development Council

Facilitator: Betsy McGriff (betsy.mcgriff@innovate.gatech.edu)