Fed Celebrates Innovation in Community Development

Events in several states will mark "Exploring Innovation in Community Development Week," April 14 to 18, sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

The Bank's Community Affairs department has planned ceremonial events and informational meetings to recognize the important role of community development in American life. It also has invited organizations to organize events in their areas.

The following celebrations are sponsored by the Bank and its branches in Little Rock, Louisville and Memphis. Anyone interested in attending should visit www.exploringinnovation.org, the St. Louis Fed's new web site devoted to innovative ideas in community development. A calendar listing of all events, including those sponsored by other organizations, is available on the web site.

If you have questions, call the Bank's community development staff member in your area: St. Louis, 314-444-8891; Little Rock, 501-324-8268; Louisville, 502-568-9216; or Memphis, 901-579-4103.

St. Louis, April 14

"Pursuing A Vision of Excellence"

This event at The Old Rock House in the historic Soulard neighborhood will feature special guests, governmental proclamations, a brief program, tours of The Art of Living Building and food and entertainment.

Mt. Vernon, Ill., April 18

"Innovative Solutions for Rural Communities"

A banker and community roundtable will focus on forging partnerships for better communities. There will be a panel discussion on how CDCs and CDFIs can help to improve rural communities. Location: Cedarhurst Center for the Arts.

Little Rock, April 14

"Innovation in the Natural State"

Communities and organizations from across the state will be honored for their innovative approaches to community and economic development in a celebration at the Peabody Hotel.

Little Rock, April 16

"Creating a Road Map for Innovation"

Satish Nambisan, author of The Global Brain: Your Road Map for Innovating Faster and Smarter in a Networked World, will explore the critical role of innovation in the rapidly evolving marketplace. A panel discussion, book signing and reception will follow. Location: Peabody Hotel.

Louisville, April 17

"Closing the Wealth Divide ... New Ways to Help the Underserved Build Credit and Assets"

John Hope Bryant of Operation HOPE, a nonprofit social investment banking organization, will deliver the keynote address during a luncheon at the Galt House Hotel. Afternoon sessions will focus on innovations in credit building.

Memphis, April 18

"The United Way Venture Fund: Planting the Seeds of Innovation"

This luncheon at the Memphis Marriott East will recognize the United Way of the Mid-South's Avron B. Fogelman Venture Fund and the contributions of the fund's grant recipients. (By invitation only.)

Cleveland, Miss., April 14

"Rural Community Development Forum: Developing Innovative Strategies to Address Unmet Community Needs"

A reception and forum will focus on tourism and early childhood education as development strategies for the Lower Mississippi Delta. Location: Delta State University