RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTEA LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF THE N.C. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER

2011 INSTITUTE

Session I March 9-11, 2011Session II April 6-8, 2011Session III May 4-6, 2011

Lift your sights

Lift your spirits

Hone your skills

Return to serve

The Challenge Before Us So much is changing in rural North Carolina – the economy, the population, the natural and built environments, even the way we communicate with one another. For some rural com-munities, these changes are being transformed into exciting new economic opportunities and a better quality of life. For others, hope is beginning to fade as opportunities slip away.

Leadership Makes the Difference While outside decisions and investments can make a critical difference, the single most important factor in the future of our communities will be the presence of highly skilled, highly motivated leaders who are committed to bringing about posi-tive change in today’s challenging economic environment. Are You Ready for the Challenge? If you are already an active leader in rural North Carolina who wants to make a bigger difference in the future of your community, your region and your state – we hope you will consider applying for the 2011 Rural Economic Development Institute. Here’s what the institute can do for you.

The Institute By participating in the institute, you will:

• Increase your understanding of the latest strategies in economic and community development.

• Improve your leadership and team-building skills.• Understand more about resources available to your com-

munity and how to take advantage of them.• Learn the fundamentals of long-range strategic

planning and how to make it work.• Receive books and materials you’ll refer to for years to

come.• Join a network of rural leaders who regularly share infor-

mation and experience.

Lift Your Sights, Lift Your Spirits Most of all, the institute will give you a chance to become energized and motivated for the task ahead. As you know, a life of public service is both rewarding and hard. By spending time with others who share your passion for service – in an environment that is relaxed, intellectually stimulating and supportive – you will have the chance to refresh your spirits and return home ready to serve.

Just Nine Days The institute is packed into nine tightly structured days spread over three months. Each three-day session includes lec-tures, discussions, learn-by-doing exercises, meals and socials.

Nine Days Plus – Plus – commitment. The institute is not a passive process. You must be committed to attend all sessions, to take an active part in the dis-cussion, to do your homework and to return home and put what you learn to work.

Who Should Attend The institute is designed for rural leaders who are active in decision-making roles in their communities. Elected and appointed officials, businessmen and women, professional staff in economic and commu-nity development, as well as nonprofit, civic and grassroots leaders are urged to apply. Space is limited. In the selection process, consideration is given to diversity of leadership roles, geographic area, cultural background and gender.

Cost The cost of the institute is subsidized through generous contribu-tions of public and private organizations. Each participant (or par-ticipant’s employer or sponsoring organization) pays only $495 for tuition. Participants are responsible for their own hotel and travel costs. Payment is due after selection and no later than March 2, 2011. A limited number of scholarships are available for cases of hardship.

Housing The institute is a residential program held in Raleigh. A block of rooms has been reserved at an area hotel for participants. After selec-tion, information on hotel arrangements will be provided to each participant.

How to Apply Complete and return the attached application form. Applications must be received no later than January 28, 2011. Submit applications to: Rural Economic Development Institute, N.C. Rural Center, 4021 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610, Attn: Sha-heen Syal. Or submit by fax (919-250-4325) or e-mail (ssyal@ncrural-center.org). Applicants will be notified by e-mail whether they have been accepted by February 11, 2011. Questions? Contact Shaheen Syal at 919-250-4314 or ssyal@ncruralcenter.org. Scholarship applica-tions also are due January 28.

RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

DELIVERING RESULTS Begun in 1989, the institute has equipped more than 800 rural leaders with the skills and knowledge to bring about improve-ments in their communities. The results are evident throughout North Carolina. Institute graduates have:

• Revitalized community pride and built cohesion.

• Launched projects in workplace literacy, job creation and training, strategic planning, housing,

and crime reduction.

• Organized local leadership programs.

• Run for and been elected to public office.

THE 2011 INSTITUTE

SESSION IMarch 9-11 (Wednesday - Friday)

Improving “people skills”

Participants will identify their own leadership styles, learn how to resolve conflict and learn how to build effective teams.

An overview of comprehensive economic development

Participants will expand their knowledge of key economic development issues and discover how to assess the needs of their communities. SESSION IIApril 6-8 (Wednesday - Friday)

Participants will study the building blocks of rural development. This intensive session covers critical issues, trends and proven strategies for improving –

• Business development • Workforce development • Physical infrastructure • Civic and social infrastructure

SESSION IIIMay 4-6 (Wednesday - Friday)

Planning for change

Participants will learn to identify their communities’ priority issues, develop a strategic plan and move from vision to action.

Fostering collaboration

Participants will learn skills necessary to foster effective collaborations. This session will focus on understanding the rich diversity that exists in their communities.

Graduation

At a formal luncheon on Friday, May 6, participants will celebrate nine days of hard work, professional growth and a network of new friends.

WHAT OUR GRADUATES HAVE TO SAY. . .“I made lasting friendships at the Rural Economic Development Institute that are still strong today. The institute gives you an appreciation of the needs that are out there in rural communities – water and sewer, education, small business development and Internet connectivity to name a few – and has led me to take an active role in address-ing some of those needs in my county.“

Dr. H. James Owen former president

Piedmont Community College

“I developed a real sense of confidence as a community development professional after graduating from the Rural Economic Devel-opment Institute in 1996. At the institute I learned how to establish community con-nections, and that has helped tremendously in my work training minority women to take on leadership roles in this community.”

Ann Woodfordexecutive director

One Dozen Who Care, Cherokee County

“Capacity building in economically distressed rural communities is of utmost importance, and that is what the Rural Economic Devel-opment Institute does. Too often we look to grant funding for the answer, when it is the capacity of local rural leaders that really makes a difference. The institute also teaches a broad and inclusive approach to economic development.” Curtis Wynn

CEORoanoke Electric Cooperative

“I was inspired so much by the Rural Eco-nomic Development Institute and I had all this new information to share, that I came home after graduating in 1994 wanting to do something similar here in Montgomery County. Our local leadership effort, Leader-ship Montgomery, is still going strong today.”

“The world will belong to passionate, driven leaders — people who not only have enormous amounts of energy but who can energize those whom they lead.” Jack Welch

Judy Stevensdirector

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation

RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE APPLICATION

Name:

Organization:

Title/Position:

Business mailing address:

Business phone: Fax:

E-mail address (required):

County: Home phone:

Home address: County:

How long have you lived in your present community?

How did you learn about the institute?

c Graduate c Brochure c Website c Other (specify)

Race: Gender: Date of birth:

Please check the category that best describes the area in which you presently work/serve.

(check only one) c Community/Non-profit c Business c Education cGovernment c Health Care c Media c Religion cLaw c Labor c Social services c Other (specify)

Answer the following questions as completely as possible within the space given. Please type or print in black ink.

1. List your previous experience and current role and responsibilities in economic and community development in the state, region or community.

2. What do you consider to be the most significant contributions you have made to economic and community development in the last five years?

3. Describe/list the three economic and community development issues in your community that you consider most critical.

4. What specific skills, knowledge or resources would you hope to acquire as a result of participat-ing in the institute?

5. How do you plan to apply what you learn in your community?

6. What other leadership or economic development programs have you participated in?

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENTI understand the purpose of the Rural Economic Development Institute, and if I become a participant, I will commit to attend all sessions on the scheduled dates and devote the time and energy necessary to make this a successful experience. I understand that submission of this application does not guarantee my acceptance into the program. I also understand that if I am accepted, the full fee of $495 is due no later than March 2, 2011, after which no refunds will be given.

Applicant’s Signature: Date:

Employer’s Signature: Date:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 28, 2011Return completed form to: Rural Economic Development Institute, N.C. Rural Center, 4021 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610, Attn: Shaheen Syal. Or submit by fax (919-250-4325) or e-mail (ssyal@ncruralcenter.org). Applicants will be notified by e-mail whether they have been accepted by February 11, 2011. Questions? Contact Shaheen Syal at 919-250-4314 or ssyal@ncruralcenter.org.

SCHOLARSHIPSA limited number of scholarships are available, based on need. To apply, complete the scholarship application on the next page and submit it with your application to the institute.

HERE’S IMPORTANT

INFORMATION FOR

ALL RURAL LEADERS.

PLEASE SHARE IT

WITH OTHERS IN

YOUR COMMUNITY

WHO MIGHT BENEFIT.

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The program addresses business develop-ment, workforce development, physical infrastructure and civic and social infrastructure through the exploration of critical issues, emerging trends and promising strategies.

A HIGH QUALITY CURRICULUM. The program employs a curriculum that reflects current information on issues, trends, data and resources, and cutting-edge theory and practice in leadership, strategic planning and emerging technologies.

AN EXTENSIVE RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS. The center recruits both individuals with a high level of commitment and a class that reflects the diversity of rural North Carolina in terms of geographic location, race, gender, institutional setting and leadership roles.

A FOCUS ON COHESION. The diverse class provides a forum for rural leaders to discuss issues from varying perspec-tives, explore regional and cultural differences and problem-solve ways to overcome the barriers of race, age and socioeco-nomic status that are obstacles to economic and community development efforts.

TRAINING SESSIONS. Participants develop a network of professional relationships and friendships that is fundamental to generating and sustaining rural development initiatives.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION LEARNING. The training sessions and homework assignments afford participants opportunities to practice new leadership skills and apply what they learn to the problems and issues in their communities.

A PARTICIPATORY PROCESS. The institute brings people and knowledge together through a participatory learning process that is stimulating, challenging and fun. “Faculty” can be divided into three groups:

The participants themselves. Leaders learn from one another. Throughout the institute, participants share information and experience and challenge one another to new ways of thinking.

State and regional resources. The institute features dynamic presenters from a range of academic institutions and economic and community development organizations.

Resident trainers. The institute’s in-house faculty includes indi-viduals with extensive backgrounds in leadership training and community economic development.

The RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE offers:

4021 Carya DriveRaleigh, NC 27610

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION2011 Rural Economic Development Institute

The institute offers a limited number of scholarships for individual hardship cases. Scholarships cover tuition costs only. Other costs, including travel and hotel accommodations, must be paid by the indi-vidual or organization.

To apply for a scholarship, complete the information below. Attach additional sheets if necessary. This scholarship form must accompany a completed application for the institute.

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________

Organization: ______________________________________________________________________

County: ___________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Work Phone: ______________________________________________________________________

Cell Phone: ________________________________________________________________________

E-mail Address (required):____________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF NEED