UEDA: Announces 10th annual community development summit

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Kristi Luzar, 414.562.9904

Elizabeth Hummitzsch, 414.390.5500

Summit to highlight economic growth and job creation potential in area’s food economy

Milwaukee – On Tuesday, November 29, 2011 the Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin (UEDA), in partnership with the City of Milwaukee, will host its 10th annual Community Development Summit “Food for Thought: New Recipes for Job Growth.” The event will be held at the Italian Conference Center located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This year’s summit will focus on the regional food economy and the inherent opportunities available for economic growth and job creation within the food sector. Participants will hear from keynote speaker Jeffrey O’Hara, an Agricultural Economist with the Food & Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) as well as afternoon speaker Rick Terrien, Executive Director, Iowa County Economic Development Corp. Attendees will also hear a special video message from Will Allen, Founder and CEO of Growing Power. Other panelists and participants include:

* Dr. Rich Busalacchi, MATC
* Giacomo Fallucca, Palermo’s Pizza
* Lincoln Fowler, Alterra Coffee
* Cathy Henry, Sysco Food Systems
* Shelly Jurewicz, Milwaukee 7
* Young Kim, Fondy Food Market
* Emmanuel Pratt, Sweet Water Organics Foundation
* Sandy Syburg, White Oak Farm Premium Organics
* Mitch Teich, WUWM Lake Effect
* Olivia Villareal, El Rey

“It is more important than ever to capitalize on each and every opportunity for job creation and economic growth in southeastern Wisconsin,” said UEDA executive director Bill Johnson. “We are seeing positive trends in the regional food economy. We need to come together as a community to develop strategies that will help forward and implement collaborative efforts in this emerging sector.”

Registration for the event, including meals and parking, are $35.00 for non-UEDA members and $25.00 for current UEDA members. For more information or to register for the event, visit http://uedaevents.wordpress.com/ or contact UEDA at 414-562-9904.

About UEDA

The Urban Economic Development Association (UEDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting housing and economic development initiatives that revitalize Wisconsin communities and to building capacity in the housing and economic development field through professional training, innovative solutions, policy advocacy and collaboration.