Summit explores coastal economy

Ben Winchester

The Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County will present the second Lincoln County Economic Summit on Thursday, March 14. Held at the Inn at Otter Crest, the event will feature community and business leaders from across the state.

"Our goal for this event is to provide an opportunity for our business and community leaders to come together to learn, to share and to walk away with actionable insights to enhance our local economic vitality," said Executive Director Paul Schuytema.

The summit will provide participants with resources and guidance to help local businesses become more resilient and maximize the region’s economic strength.

The theme of this year’s event is “Fresh, Local and Innovative,” reflecting a dedication to promoting homegrown talent, nurturing local economies and pioneering new ways to drive sustainable growth.

The panels throughout the day will feature data from regional economic players as well as engaging perspectives from local businesses sharing their stories and insights into the local business economy. In addition, there will be updates on county housing developments, youth entrepreneurship programs and much more.

The keynote speaker will be Ben Winchester, an extension educator for the University of Minnesota with expertise on rural sociology and evaluation. He will provide unique data points and perspectives that will challenge the traditional “rural narrative” and empower coastal communities to rethink ways of viewing rural economic and community development.

The summit will also feature a variety of business resource tables eager to engage and support local businesses and community members.

Registration, including lunch, is $40.

The summit will be held from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Spyglass Restaurant at the Inn at Otter Crest, located at 301 Otter Crest Drive. For more information and registration, go to tinyurl.com/2024LCSummit.