Texas Rural Challenge 2012

The University of Texas Institute for Economic Development's Rural Business Program will again host the third annual Texas Rural Challenge conference in San Marcos.   The conference will focus on the challenges facing rural Texans.  The goal of this event is to spur small business and economic growth in rural communities across Texas by providing leaders with practical and proven approaches to rural development.

This is a state-wide conference hosted by the Governor's Office, Texas Economic Development Council, Texas Department of Agriculture, USDA-Rural Development, Texas Association of Rural Councils and the UTSA Institute for Economic Development-Rural Business Program.

The previous Texas Rural Challenge Conferences were a great success!  We hope that you will have the opportunity to attend the 2012 Texas Rural Challenge.

 


Early Registration Fee $195 (Must register by April 30)


Registration Fee:  $225 


Location:  Embassy Suites and San Marcos Conference Center, San Marcos, TX

 

Invited Speakers:  Hope Andrade, Texas Secretary of State; Denise Trauth, President, Texas State University; Daniel Guerrero, Mayor, City of San Marcos; Aaron Farmer, Vice President, The Retail Coach; Graham Weston, Chairman & CEO, Rackspace; Bryan Daniel, Chief Administrator, Texas Department of Agriculture; Rick Rhodes, Assistant Commissioner for Rural Economic Development, Texas Department of Agriculture; Brian Dabson, President & CEO, RUPRI.

 

 

7:30 AM                      Exhibitor Setup


8:00 AM                      Registration, Exhibits and Networking


9:00-9:45 AM              Welcome & Opening Remarks


9:45-10:30 AM            Special Presentation by the Texas Workforce Commission


10:30-12:00 PM          Keynote Address and Luncheon


1:30-5:00 PM              Session Tracks and Networking Break


5:00-7:00 PM              Reception