WASHINGTON, October 1, 2002—The role of education in economic development will be the focus of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Education and the Community Conference to be held October 29–30, 2002, in Maryville, Tennessee. The conference is open to all those with an interest in making their communities a better place. A cross-section of state and local government development officials, educators, civic and business leaders, representatives of faith-based and community-based nonprofit organizations, and interested citizens are expected to attend the conference.

Participants will be encouraged to begin the process of developing a shared vision of education in their communities and identifying practical ways in which schools and local populations can work together to strengthen their educational systems.

The conference will begin with a town meeting hosted by Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, ARC states' co-chairman; and ARC Federal Co-Chairman Jesse L. White Jr. Speakers include Jeffrey Finkle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council, and Rachel Tompkins, president of the Rural School and Community Trust. Bob Losure, former anchor of CNN's Headline News, will serve as moderator.

Following the town meeting, a best-practices showcase will highlight more than a dozen projects—from pre-kindergarten programs to post-secondary education initiatives—that feature collaboration between local schools and their communities. All of these best practices were started in areas with few resources, yet all have been dramatically successful.

The luncheon speaker will be Carol Rasco, president of Reading Is Fundamental. The afternoon will conclude with discussion groups, giving participants from each state the opportunity to meet, discuss current issues affecting education and local economies, and share ideas on building mutual support. The evening banquet will provide an informal forum in which to continue the dialogue. Performer Ricky Skaggs and his band will provide musical entertainment.

The registration fee for the conference is $100.00 and includes all meals and conference materials.