First UC Economic Summit Starts Tuesday At Tennessee Tech

The first Upper Cumberland Economic Summit will take place at Tennessee Tech Tuesday.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director Michael Aikins said the two-day seminar will convene developers, political and community leaders to talk economic issues.

“A lot of times we go to conferences, and we’ll just be on our phones or emails the whole time,” Aikens said. “This is not that type of conference. This is a conference where you are going to come in, be able to learn and be able to bring that back to your community.”

Three Keynote speakers will headline the inaugural event: Senator Bill Haggerty, Congressman John Rose and House Speaker Cameron Sexton. Aikens said education, workforce, agriculture and several other topics will be reviewed.

Aikens said some local leaders will also be speaking. Aikens said UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley will update how the organization is tackling poverty. Several other tourism and economic leaders will host panels.

Aikens will also lead a panel over Tennessee Tech’s Rural Reimagined program that tries to transform rural living.

“This is a really great program that we started about three years ago at Tennessee Tech that allows the opportunity for all students, faculty and community members to get involved,” Aikens said. “To really look at what are the challenges our rural communities face and how do we collaborate together to address those challenges.”

There is also some fun sprinkled in with breaks, meals and after-hours social events. You can register or learn more by visiting Tennessee Tech’s website.