Reviving Rural Downtowns - Ritzville

This year's event has been expanded to 1.5 days of presentations and work sessions.  Through a collective partnership, this information packed workshop, including a continental breakfast and catered lunch is just $25 per person as long as you register in advance. The workshop begins on Wednesday, September 21, with two FREE pre-conference workshops at 1 p.m:

1. Heritage Capital Projects Fund Outreach Workshop and Roundtable Discussion presented by Janet Rogerson & Lissa Kramer of the Washington State Historical Society or
2. Preparedness, Recovery & Continuity on Main Street presented by Terry Lawhead of the Washington State Department of Commerce.

You won’t want to miss out on the Keynote Address, Wednesday, September 21, at 2:30 p.m. by Tripp Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow & Associates, specialists in Historic Preservation, Downtown Planning and Community Branding. Following the Keynote Address will be free guided tours of the city's museums and Historic Ritzville Walking Tour beginning at 4 p.m.   A downtown reception from 5 to 7 p.m. is planned for attendees, hosted by several businesses and entities in the historic downtown area. The workshop continues on Thursday, September 22, and will provide valuable tools and information for anyone working to improve their rural to mid-sized community. The conference, held in Historic Downtown Ritzville, will provide attendees access to an impressive list of knowledgeable presenters. More than a dozen professionals have agreed to serve on a series of topical panels.  Topics include: "Small Communities Success Stories"; Planning Your Town Project" presented by WSU Rural Communities Design Institute; "Entrepreneurship in a Small Town"; "WA Main Street, Making the 4 Point Approach Work"; Granting Writing Made Easier"; "Mock Design Charrette" led by WSU Rural Communities Design Institute; "Promoting Your Town on a Budget"; "Demolition by Neglect, Losing Community Treasures"; "Your Town's App, Using Technology to Increase Visitor Traffic". The event is made possible through a partnership between the Adams County Development Council, Adams County, the City of Ritzville, Ritzville Downtown Development Association, Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce, WA State Department of Commerce and Avista Utilities. Several state agencies have endorsed the project including: Washington Main Street Program, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and Washington State’s Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Overnight accommodations are available via the Best Western Plus Bronco Inn for $91.99 per night. The workshop room block is available until Friday, Sept. 16, on a first come, first served basis. To make a reservation, call (800) 780-7234 or (509) 659-5000.