While rural areas in Kansas face many challenges, including a declining population, scarcity of skilled professionals in critical fields and long commutes to reach jobs, there are many positive opportunities. Rural Kansas offers a healthy environment, educated and hardworking citizens, natural resources and room to grow.

The Kansas Rural Opportunities Conference will address areas of concerns and how to capitalize on the advantages inherent in rural Kansas.

“A key goal of our administration is to create an environment that allows entrepreneurs and small business owners to innovate and expand,” says Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. “It is vital to find creative ways to promote the best of rural living to those interested in making their home or establishing a business in the rural areas of our great state. With programs such as our innovative Rural Opportunity Zones, Kansas can become an example for the nation on how to revitalize rural communities.”

Exploring and understanding the opportunities of rural Kansas is vital to returning vibrancy to these areas of the state. The 2018 Rural Opportunities Conference will leverage common goals and audiences in support of economic advancement in rural Kansas.

This year’s presentation topics, panel discussions and “Table Talk” conversations will focus on the following themes:

• Improving Quality of Life
• eConnectivity
• Support Rural Workforce
• Harnessing Technology
• Developing Rural Economy

Each subject will be followed by a panel discussion to explore the topics. The conference fee is $75 per person and includes all sessions and meals.

Visit KansasCommerce.gov/ROC for updates on the full conference schedule, speaker biographies and hotel information as they become available.