Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 3, Winslow will host an anticipated 300 visitors for the annual Rural Policy Forum. The event was developed by Local First Arizona to connect rural economic development professionals, community leaders, business owners, nonprofit organizations and other rural stakeholders and advocates who are interested in sustaining rural communities, according to the Local First Arizona website.
The forum is held in a different city or town each year and Winslow was chosen following a competitive process spearheaded by Winslow Vice Mayor Samantha Crisp.
The Rural Policy Forum consists of classes, workshops and networking opportunities for leaders and others to address issues that rural communities face. As Crisp explained, “It brings together those who have knowledge and solutions to those issues with those who need them.”
In addition to the valuable information that will be shared by presenters with expertise in subjects such as entrepreneurship, arts, housing, funding and environmental action, the forum promises to be an economic boon to Winslow as well.
Crisp said, “There will be over 300 people traveling to Winslow from their rural communities and will be spending at least the three days of the conference here. That, of course means people spending money on food, lodging and in our local shops.”
Winslow Economic Development Director Una Wirkebau added, “The impact of these visiting dollars is massive. Having participants in town for this long, who will then go tell their friends, family and colleagues what a great time they had will increase the likelihood of visitors coming back and spending more money.”
The three-day event, held Aug. 3-5 will also be a great opportunity for Winslow to present itself as a destination for new businesses.
Wirkebau continued, “We know people are tired of the heat and high prices in places like Phoenix. This will open their eyes to new locations to look for work, open business or buy property. Showcasing Winslow will only make it easier for them to recommend it to others.”
Crisp agreed. “I know this visit will inspire attendees to visit us again in the future.”
She also spoke about why she put so much effort in to promoting Winslow as a potential host city. “The first Rural Policy Forum I attended made such a profound impact on me. I took that inspiration and began the Mother Road Farmer’s Market, created an agricultural commission and the Lunch and Learn series. From there, I was determined to bring the forum to Winslow to not only bring the knowledge and resources the event offers to us, but to also share with other rural communities that are facing the same issues as we face. We will learn from each other over these three days about successes and failures within our respective communities and meet people that can help us solve problems we are facing.”
Some of those problems, according to Crisp include growing local talent, economic and social resiliency, behavioral health, affordable health food options, housing, water, funding and building equity. There will be classes on each of these subjects throughout the event.
Attendees of the forum will begin their time in Winslow on Wednesday, with an economic impact tour that will feature visits to and presentations from the Winslow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center, Meteor Crater, Winslow Lindbergh Regional Airport, La Posada Hotel and the Snowdrift Art Space.
Later Wednesday, a welcome event will take place downtown. This will begin at 5 p.m. and all are welcome to attend, whether participating in the forum or not. During the welcome event, Second and Third streets from Williamson to Warren will be closed to vehicles in both directions.
There will be police officers and volunteers stationed at 115 E. Second S. for age verification and to answer any questions attendees may have. Wristbands will be distributed to visitors over 21 years old.
Local restaurants will be providing a tasting menu to Rural Policy Forum members and a beer garden will set up in the Route 66 Plaza on Second Street.
Residents, tourists and forum participants are all invited to purchase food and drink, including alcoholic beverages in the local establishments and mingle downtown.
Live music by Perfect Storm will be featured in the Plaza as will various vendors.
At 8 a.m. on Thursday, the Rural Policy Forum begins at Winslow High School, located at 600 E. Cherry St, followed by a participant dinner on the lawn at the La Posada Hotel.
Friday, the conference will end by 3:30 p.m. and participants are encouraged to stay in Winslow to further network and explore the town.
Wirkebau said, “We are excited for this. Though this is a Local First event, we have been sorting all the local organizing and logistics which is very time consuming and requires all hands-on deck. It will be well worth it in the long run.”
Crisp concluded, “I too am excited and thrilled to share our community. That means the good and the bad and I am excited to receive feedback.”
Tickets Rural Policy Forum are still available by visiting localfirstaz.com/rural-policy-forum. Volunteers are also needed and those interested are asked to contact Wirkebau at UWirkebau@WinslowAZ.gov.
