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In a still uncertain economy, community development professionals seek practices that can assist their efforts in low- and moderate-income communities. But what is the innovative spark that leads to a promising practice?

The Shift Innovation conference will be an opportunity to explore how thinking creatively about community development can unlock new and innovative solutions to challenges in the field. Conference sessions will focus on a variety of topics, including using technology to connect with underserved communities, cultivating entrepreneurship and small business, and enhancing community leadership.

Keynote speakers slated for the conference include:

  • Kathie Thomas, founder of Beyond Concepts and a nationally recognized trainer and consultant on innovation and creative organizational development
  • Clifton Taulbert, founder of the Building Community Institute and coauthor of Who Owns the Ice House: Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur
  • Richard Boly, former director of the U.S. State Department's Office of eDiplomacy, an applied technology think tank, and a consultant to the World Bank.

The conference will take place in Kansas City on September 22-23. Conference registration is $125. View the conference agenda, and register for the event.