General Sessions

All workshops and most meal events will take place at the Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick 99336.

Wednesday

1:15 - 2:45 pm
Opening Keynote
Life on the Edge: Memoirs of Everest and Beyond
“My father’s greatest living heroes were John Glenn and Jim Whittaker, a physical giant with a huge heart, a decent soul and inspirational courage.” - Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Spend time with adventurer, risk-taker and Washington state native, Jim Whittaker — the first American to climb Mount Everest, confidant of Bobby Kennedy, and a pivotal player in growing REI from a makeshift operation into a multi-million dollar corporation.

In the last couple of years Jim heard a phrase that he felt best captured his philosophy of life: “If you aren’t living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.”

Jim isn’t a thrill seeker, but more of a boundary stretcher. He believes life is about making the most of every moment, about stretching your own boundaries, about being willing to learn constantly and put yourself in situations where learning is possible—sometimes even critical to your own survival.

“If you stick your neck out, whether it’s by climbing mountains or speaking up for something you believe in, your odds of winning are at least fifty-fifty. If you take risks with preparation and care, you can increase those odds significantly in your favor. On the other hand, if you never stick your neck out, your odds of losing are pretty close to 100 percent.”

Come share Jim’s spectacular adventures. With wisdom culled from years on the mountain, Jim will take you to a place where you can learn, and grow the most.

Thursday

9:30 - 10:30 am
General Session
7 1/2 Keys to Big Success in Small Cities
Research on population and industry changes in smaller cities led keynoter Jack Schultz to conclude that we are seeing a third-wave of migration from the “the suburbs” to the “agurbs™” – smaller, rural communities with roots in natural resource-based industries like farming, timber or fishing. Jack convincingly argues that these smaller communities need to and can take advantage of this population shift. Fueled by research, examples of successful efforts and a passion for helping smaller communities, Jack will share his 7 ½ keys to making economic success happen in your city.

Learn why this population shift is happening and how you can best position your city.
Get blueprints for economic success in smaller towns.
Leave with a clearer vision of your community’s potential, and how you can get there.

Speaker: Jack Schultz, CEO, Agracel, Inc., Author, “Boomtown USA: The 7 ½ Keys to Big Success in Small Towns”

Friday

7:30 - 8:45 am
Policy Breakfast: Cities & Ecology - Moving into the Future

Jay Manning, Ecology’s newly appointed director, shares his vision for the department’s future and discusses emerging city/ecology issues.

Speaker: Jay Manning, Director, WA State Dept. of Ecology

6/15/05