Reviving Rural Downtowns Workshop hosted in Ritzville next week

More than 50 attendees are signed up, and over 70 are expected to attend, the Reviving Rural Downtowns Workshop at the C.J. Newland American Legion Memorial Hall next week.

This event begins Wednesday, Sept. 23, with a walking tour and reception that will feature multiple Ritzville businesses, as well as, historical buildings and museums from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The walking tour will include: The Burroughs Home, Ole World Oils, Sloan Leavitt Insurance, Remember When…?, Washington Genetics, Whiskey Gap, Uniquely Washington, Ritzville Drug Co., WSU Extension, Ritzville Public Development Authority, Columbia Bank, NP Railway Depot Museum, Flying Arts Ranch/King Mercantile, Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce, This & That, Nicole’s Hair Studio, Wheatland Computer Services, Ritzville Magpie Nest/Lavender and Sage Massage, Ritz Theatre, Bob’s TV and Appliance, Sunny Spot Floral & Gift, Memories Diner, The Hair Center, Natalie Greenwalt, Ritzville Public Library and The Ritzville Journal. {{more}

Then on Thursday there will be numerous speakers providing valuable tools and information for those working to improve their community.

More than a dozen professionals have signed on to serve on a series of panels with topics centered on reviving downtowns in rural communities. The presentations and panels will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The day will begin with an opening presentation on “Success In Small Towns!” then move to ‘Track 1’ after a break. This will include presentations on “Redevelopment and Preservation Techniques” from the Washington State Historical Society, The Ellensburg Downtown Association, The Kent Downtown Partnership and The Washington Department of Commerce.

After a working lunch including a “Branding Your Downtown” presentation from the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, attendees are invited to split into two separate groups, ‘Track 2’ for “Redevelopment & Preservation Techniques” and ‘Track 3’ for “Entrepreneurs Wanted.”

‘Track 2’ includes presentations from The Wenatchee Downtown Association, The Department of Archeology & Historical Preservation and Spokane Landmarks Commission.

‘Track 3’ will have lectures from Community Source Capital, Greater Spokane Inc. and Window Dressing.

Sponsors for this event include: The Adams County Development Council, Ritzville, Dept. of Archeology and Historic Preservation, Washington State Main Street Program, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and Department of Commerce.

To join the group of current attendees you can do an advanced registration for $25 or sign up at the door for $50. The price of the ticket includes breakfast and lunch.

To register for the conference, call Joey Hansen at 509-331-2042 or go online to http://www.brownpaperticket.com/event/2105879.