Economic conference targets range of issues

Robert Lang’s “Megapolitan America” is one of four keynote addresses during the 2nd Annual Nevada Economic Development Conference — Building A Stronger Nevada, Sept. 21-22.

Diarmuid O’Connell, vice president of business development for Tesla, will talk about” Accelerating the World’s Transition to Sustainable Transport,” during the opening session, 7:30-9 a.m. Sept. 21.

O’Connell joined Tesla in 2006. He manages commercial relationships and all aspects of government affairs. Before joining Tesla, Diarmuid served as chief of staff for Political Military Affairs at the U.S. State Department and in various corporate stragegy and management position.

Dr. Sam Cordes, leader of the Rural Policy Research Institute’s Spatial Analytics Initiative, will speak on “Regional Development, Rural-Urban Interdependency & Deep Collaborations: Keys to Future Successes,” during the lunch session from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

Dr. Cordes spent eight years at Purdue University before retiring in 2011. During that period he served in several capacities including associate vice provost for engagement, co-director for the Center for Regional Development, assistant director and program leader for the Cooperative Extension, and professor of agricultural economics.

Brett Kelsy, vice president and chief technology officer for the Americas for Intel Security, will talk about “Cyber Security Trends & Innovations” during the lunch session from noon-1:30 p.m. Sept. 22.

In addition to the keynote speakers, the conference features:

Two pre-conference, all day workshops on Sept. 20: “Supporting Economic Development Through Brownfields Funds & Technical Assistance,” and “Fundamentals of Economic Development.”

28 break-out sessions in the seven categories: Agribusiness, Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Economic Development Vitality, Energy, Infrastructure/Transportation, Manufacturing, and Workforce Development.

The afternoon session on Sept. 21 features tours relating to each of the seven categories.

Cost varies with the programs from $100 for a single-day pass to $150 for the two-day conference.

For more information, or to register, go to www.wndd.org; email sgonzales@wndd.org, or call 775-883-7333 ext. 2000.