Barry County Economic Summit 2020

RESILIENCY REIMAGINED

Join us virtually for the 2020 Barry County Economic Summit, an informative and inspiring afternoon focusing on all things Economic Development in Barry County. The topic of 'Resiliency Reimagined' will be the keynote focus of the event.

The agenda is as follows: 

1:30 Welcome 

1:35 A word from our Sponsor

1:40 BCEDA - Engagement and Strategic Impact: Barry County Economic Development Alliance staff will present brief snapshots of current and upcoming activities of the EDA, including our capacity-building and workforce development efforts as well as a year in review. 

2:05 Jeff Disher, Disher Corporation "Resiliency Reimagined"

3:00 Break

3:10 Mark Fenton, Blue Zones "Community Design for the Triple Bottom Line: Economic, Environmental, and Public Health"

3:25 Jim Robey, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, "A Look into the Economy: Trends in the Nation, State, and Barry County"

4:25 Closing Remarks

About Our Speakers: 
Jim Robey, PH.D.:  Jim's research and technical assistance on economic issues and in economic and workforce development has assisted corporate, nonprofit, and economic and workforce development entities in problem resolution and strategic decision making, from the local to the national levels. Spanning more than three decades, his expertise includes industry studies, applied occupational analysis economic impact modeling and analysis, economic and workforce development research and analysis, and site selection assistance. Prior to joining Upjohn, Jim was an Associate Vice-President with Southwest Michigan First in Kalamazoo, where he directed local economic development efforts in Marshall.

Jeff Disher: Jeff founded DISHER with extensive product development and leadership experience in program management, product design, manufacturing, quality, training, and organizational development. As a business owner for almost 20 years, Jeff is a humble leader who has been intentional about building a healthy culture that creates positive Ripples of Influence. He is passionate about providing an exceptional customer experience with every touch point in the process. Jeff believes that in addition to great talent, a great attitude is the most important characteristic a team member can have. In fact, since day one, Jeff has been committed to living out the company mission which is to Make a Positive Difference in the world around us. Jeff and his 140-member team work hard every day to accomplish this with customers, coworkers, and communities. He often shares with others that building a culture of high-performance inspires innovative solutions for customers and a high-level of engagement with team members.

Mark Fenton: Mark Fenton is a public health, land use, and transportation consultant who began his work in the field through rigorous study of the science of health and fitness. This includes a bachelor?s thesis at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying the biomechanics of walking and running, followed by research at the US Olympic Training Center?s Sports Science Laboratory in Colorado Springs, CO working with elite athletes; and as manager of Reebok?s Human Performance Laboratory for several years. This led to almost a decade as editor-at-large of the consumer health and fitness magazine, Walking; a contributing editorship at Health magazine; and the role as host and chief creative consultant on the PBS health and wellness TV series, America?s Walking.

Mark has consulted with schools on student health, fitness, and walk-to-school programs; worksites on employee wellness programs; and community health and well-being initiatives. He is now an adjunct associate professor at Tufts University?s Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy, and a Built Environment Expert with Blue Zones LLC. He is unique in his comprehensive knowledge of both individual health and fitness initiatives (he has keynoted the American College of Sports Medicine?s Health & Fitness Summit), and the need for public policy and community designs to support routine physical activity.
 

*** Additional information about the program and speakers will be posted as it is available***