Conference Schedule

OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE 4 HSW CREDITS IN ONE DAY!

8:00 – 9:00 am | Registration / Exhibitor Interaction \ Breakfast

9:00 am | Welcome

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
9:00 – 10:00 am | PASSION FOR COMMUNITY: THE STORY OF GREENSBURG | 1 HSW
SPEAKER:  James Pfeiffer, AIA, LEED AP BD+C | BNIM Architects

On the night of May 4, 2007, an EF5 tornado nearly two miles wide ravaged the town of Greensburg, Kansas, resulting in a tragic loss of life, displacing more than 1,500 people and destroying 95 percent of the town's homes and businesses. Over the last four decades this small rural farm town had been declining in population with a struggling economic base. In the wake of the disaster, it became apparent that big changes would have to occur to sustain the town for future generations. The community set out to rebuild a prosperous future by making Greensburg a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable city. In late 2007, Greensburg's City Council became the first city in the country to adopt a resolution that all city projects would be built to LEED Platinum standards and would exceed the baseline code for energy efficiency by 42%. As such, Greensburg continues to provide a model for rural America for the 21st century.

10:00 – 11:00 am | Exhibitor Interaction

11:00 am – 12:00 pm | RURAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | 1 HSW
SPEAKER: Brenda Jensen, AICP | Miller & Associates 

The basis for planning is to encourage a self-sustaining community through community development. This session will provide a general overview of planning projects completed for communities in Nebraska. The planning process will be discussed to showcase the benefits and outcomes of strong public input, community-backed goals, and feasible priorities. Relevant community wants and needs will be shared to help attendees understand what small, rural Nebraska communities are looking for and why.

12:00 – 1:30 pm |  Lunch / Prize Giveaways \ Exhibitor Interaction 

SPEAKERS: Troy Pomajzl & David Willis I USDA Rural Development

The USDA is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through their programs, they help rural Americans in many ways by offering loans, grants and loan guarantees to support essential services such as housing, economic development, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure. This presentation will provide you with information on the agency's mission, programs, and design and construction requirements. Architects working together with the USDA can add or improve essential community facilities and provide more opportunities for rural Nebraskans.

2:30 – 3:30 pm | CLEAN ENERGY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES | 1 HSW
SPEAKERS: Lauren Kolojejchick-Kotch & Lu Nelson I Center for Rural Affairs

Renewable energy and energy efficiency have proven to be prime economic development opportunities and cost-saving measures for rural communities. But to support the growth of these opportunities, there must be policies that aid in the growth of renewable energy and assist commercial and residential energy users in adopting energy efficiency measures. Center for Rural Affairs Policy Associates Lauren Kolojejchick-Kotch and Lu Nelsen will discuss these opportunities, challenges, and provide examples of successes.

3:30 - 4:30 pm | AIA WESTERN NEBRASKA CHAPTER MEETING

Hotel Information: 

Rooms are being held at the

Best Western Plus Grand Island Inn & Suites

2707 S. Locust Street
Grand Island, NE 68801-8229 

AIA Nebraska has a block of rooms reserved at the Best Western Plus Grand Island Inn & Suites at a rate of $89.99+tax. To reserve a room, contact Best Western at 308/381-8855 and mention AIA Nebraska.

 

Register Now!