Session 1 of 3

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Van Buren Conference Center, Red Haven Room, 490 S Paw Paw St, Lawrence, MI 49064
Format: In-person session. Livestream & recording available.

Speakers:
Dr. Sarah Mills, Professor of Practice, University of Michigan Urban & Regional Planning; Director, UM Center for EmPowering Communities
Dr. Rex LaMore, Director Emeritus, Michigan State University Center for Community Economic Development

Session 2 of 3

Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Southwestern Michigan College campus, Mathews Conference Center, 58900 Cherry Grove Road, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Format: In-person session, with livestream and recordings available.

Speakers:
Dr. William Knudson, Professor & Product Marketing Economist, MSU Product Center Food • Ag • Bio
Harmony Fierke-Gmazel, Government and Community Vitality Educator, MSU Extension

Session 3 of 3

Date: October 2026 — exact date coming soon
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: To be announced
Format: In-person session. Livestream & recording available.

Speakers: To be announced

Details for this session are coming soon. Check back for the date, location, and speaker lineup, or RSVP below to be notified when they're announced.