WASHINGTON, September 20, 2004—"Building on Appalachia's Assets: The Value of Culture, Heritage, and Natural Resources" is the theme of the Appalachian Regional Commission's 2004 annual conference, to be held October 13–14 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.

Hosted by the Commonwealth of Virginia and sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Conservation Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the conference will explore strategies for tapping the economic potential of Appalachia's natural assets.

These assets, which begin with the people of Appalachia and range from its scenic mountains and small towns to its rivers, forests, music, and crafts, can play an important role in building a strong and sustainable asset-based economy, bringing jobs and prosperity to rural communities while preserving their character. This conference will show how communities can identify and leverage these resources to revitalize their economies.

Session topics include making local arts and crafts businesses thrive; revitalizing downtowns and redeveloping brownfields; taking advantage of natural assets through organic farming, aquaculture, and wood products; and obtaining funding support from private, public, and philanthropic organizations.

Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner and ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne B. Pope said in a joint statement that the "ideas and materials to be presented at this conference will help participants in devising creative approaches that they can take back to their communities to diversify their local economies and create jobs." Those expected to attend the conference include state and local economic, community, and tourism development officials, chamber of commerce staff, and business and community leaders. Featured speakers will include U.S. Representative Rick Boucher (VA-9) and Lawrence A. Selzer, president and CEO of the Conservation Fund.

Registration information is available at the conference Web site or from ARC at (202) 884-7700.