Serving Appalachia’s Communities: Highlighting the Present and Visioning the FutureMarch 2014 |
March 23–25, 2014
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, Virginia
Since their inception, the primary role of local development districts (LDDs) has been focused on service to their communities—helping them plan for a better future and enabling them to secure the needed resources to achieve their goals. As catalysts for community and economic development, LDDs are a core component of the Appalachian Regional Commission's intergovernmental model, which emphasizes state and local decision making and the prioritization of projects and activities. With the Commission's 50th anniversary approaching, it is important that the role of the LDDs be recognized for its key contribution to the overall success of the ARC program.
The 2014 Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) conference, Serving Appalachia's Communities: Highlighting the Present and Visioning the Future, will showcase LDD projects and programs that support local communities' efforts to enhance quality of life, and offer fresh ideas that can help LDDs in their work with communities to chart a positive course for future growth and development. Conference sessions will also highlight key current and emerging development issues and opportunities in Appalachia.
The DDAA will once again partner with the National Association of Development Organizations this year to offer attendees a range of quality conference events. Joint activities include an update on the Affordable Care Act; a visit to the widely acclaimed United States Botanic Garden, located adjacent to the U.S. Capitol on the National Mall; and networking opportunities through the federal agency roundtable networking reception, as well as plenary sessions that will provide "insider" insights on current policy and political issues.
Conference Web siteConference program (PDF: 232 KB)
Remarks by ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl (PDF: 215 KB)