BCEDA Virtual 2021 Economic Summit

Join us virtually for an informative and inspiring afternoon focusing on all things Economic Development in Barry County! The topic of 'What's Your Plan?' will be the keynote focus of the event.

The agenda is as follows:
1:00 - Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance Engagement and Economic Impact - Jennifer Heinzman, President 
1:35 - A word from our Signature Sponsor - Greg Moore
1:40 - What's Your Plan? - Matt Goebel Superintendent, Hastings Area Schools
2:10 - Blue Zones Update
2:30 - Dr. Damon Arnold - Discover Your Purpose
3:30 - A Look into the Economy: Trends in the Nation, State, and Barry County - Jim Robey, Principal, Robey Analytics
4:30 - Closing Remarks

About Our Speakers: 

Jim Robey, PH.D.:  Jim Robey is Principal of Robey Analytics, LLC, a professional consulting firm specializing in economic development, workforce development, and site selection services. Jim is an applied economist, economic developer, and site selection consultant, with more than 30 years’ experience . He has worked with corporate, nonprofit, and economic and workforce development organizations in problem solving, strategy, and policy decision making from the local to the national levels. His expertise includes industry studies, applied occupational analysis, economic impact analysis, economic impact modeling, economic and workforce development research and analysis, and site selection assistance. Prior experience includes positions in directing regional research initiatives, economic development, and site selection at both nonprofit and for-profit entities. Jim earned his PhD in Urban Studies, with an emphasis in Economic Development, and his master’s degree in Public Administration from Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs.

Dr. D.F. Arnold: A native of Cleveland Ohio, Dr. D. F. Arnold is an author, consultant and motivational speaker. Dr. D.F Arnold provides training in leadership and motivation to a wide range of groups --- including professional athletes, executives, students and individuals across the United States. Dr. Arnold understands success and failure. He also understands how to motivate others to achieve their dreams and discover their PURPOSE. After getting kicked-out of two different high schools and ultimately graduating from a continuation school, his message is simple “It’s not how you start, but how you finish that counts.” With a Ph.D. in education administration from Washington State University, Dr. Arnold works with the National Football League’s Rookie Transition Program, the league’s onboarding program for drafted and undrafted rookies. He has been a facilitator at NCAA leadership conferences, and a panelist on discussions concerning the state of public schools. Dr. Arnold is the author of several books, including “The PyramIT of Purpose,” the motivational “Doc’s Daily Dose,” and the children’s superhero storybook “I AM/Mirror Mirror.” Dr. D.F. Arnold has spent years motivating organizations, individuals, and college and professional athletes, to develop their unique purpose. He has a keen way of turning what he touches into gold. It isn’t just his great smile and his way with words that motivates people to take action like never before. Dr. D.F. Arnold’s candidness, transparency, passion, and high-energy motivates audiences to step beyond their limitations and into their greatness. 

Matt Goebel: Goebel is Superintendent of Hastings Area School System, in Hastings, MI, where he is responsible for the day to day operations of the school district. He holds B.S., M.S. and Ed.S. degrees from Grand Valley State University, and has his certification in psychology/special education, educational leadership and the curriculum cognate areas. Goebel has worked in every level of education during his 21 years of tenure, including special education, elementary, middle, high and the central office. He has been a Kiwanis member for nine years, a member of the Barry County United Way, Barry County Family Resource Center, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Boards and has been recognized as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow award recipient. 

Jennifer Heinzman: Jennifer has been serving the community since 2006 when she went to work as the Executive Director of the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce directly after college. With a passion for community and economic development, she continued on that same path to Mecosta County and is currently serving as the President of the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance. Jennifer has spent much of her career focusing on barriers to employment, community advancement, and business development. With housing, broadband access, workforce development, placemaking, and childcare as her organization’s current primary areas of focus, she values the partnerships in her community and understands that collaboration is the key to success. Jennifer graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, and a master’s degree in Public Administration.

Danny Buettner Jr.: Danny Buettner, son of Blue Zones author and founder Dan Buettner, is currently a Blue Zones National Spokesperson and Vice President of Business Development for Blue Zones Projects© and Blue Zones Brands Real Estate©. Aside from the other Dan Buettner, Danny is the perfect expert to showcase the nine common diet and lifestyle habits that connect the Blue Zones together in longevity and health. These nine habits could add 12 years of quality life to the average American, all through a science-backed blueprint. As the Blue Zones Project expert, Danny works directly with communities who want to bring the life-changing benefits of a Blue Zones program to their people and places.

Proudly brought to you by the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance, with support from our sponsors:

Signature Sponsor: Consumers Energy
Bronze Sponsors:  Highpoint Community Bank, Commercial Bank,
Community Builders:  Edward Jones-Kevin Beck Financial Advisor, Thornapple Credit Union

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