Reviving Rural Downtown Workshop returns to Ritzville

After resounding success last year, the Reviving Rural Downtowns Workshop will be returning to downtown Ritzville on Sept. 21-22.

Hosted by the Adams County Development Council (ACDC). Community members and business owners will be provided the opportunity to learn about economic growth and preservation of the historic downtown area.

The event proved to be a success last year with the number of attendees totaling 110 people from across Washington.

Adams County Economic Development Director Stephen McFadden announced news of the workshop has reached locals in Idaho.

McFadden said due to expanding with agencies in Idaho, residents of the neighboring state have registered for the event.

This year, the event will last two days and be held in historic downtown Ritzville. Beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 21, participants will have a day filled with information about business planning, marketing and the history of Ritzville downtown businesses.

At 1 p.m., registration and check-in will begin at 202 W Main Street. Participants are provided with the option to attend two different pre-conference workshops prior to checking in.

Presenters Janet Rogerson and Lissa Kramer from the Washington State Historical Society will be hosting a Heritage Capital Projects Fund Outreach Workshop at the WSU Extension Office. They will discuss approaching investors, applying for grants and possible projects legislature should consider for the 2017 state capital budget.

In the Ritzville Public Library, presenter Terry Lawhead from the Washington State Department of Commerce will be giving a presentation. The topic of discussion will be Preparedness, Recovery and Continuity on Main Street When Disaster Strikes.

At 2:30 p.m. in the Ritz Theatre, keynote speaker Joseph “Tripp” Muldrow will discuss planning and marketing techniques for small businesses and rural communities.

The walking tour begins at 4 p.m. with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the After Hours Open House.

The reception will include wine tasting provided by O’Brien Five Wines, shopping and hors d’oeuvres at the 202 West Main Avenue location.

The walking tour allows local business owners to display goods available in rural communities and discuss the importance of preserving the downtown area.

Participants of the tour will be given a punch card and have the opportunity to visit the downtown businesses.

Thursday, Sept. 24, the workshop begins at 8 a.m. with a registration and continental breakfast in the Ritz Theatre located at 107 E Main Street. The Ritzville Downtown Development Association has donated the use of the space.

The purpose of the workshop is to gather ideas on how to preserve the economic growth of the downtown area and improve existing business’ success. The classes provide participants with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of revitalization and entrepreneurship in order to improve new business opportunities.

McFadden said there are a wide variety of presenters traveling from all over the state to attend the workshop including Dayton, Palouse and Soap Lake who will be presenting at the Open Panel Presentation in the Ritz Theatre.

After their presentation, participants have two options of tracks to follow for the afternoon presentations. One option includes presentations about community project planning, project visioning, and preserving historical treasures and attributes.

The second track allows participants to listen to presentations about effective ways to promote new businesses to small towns, apply for grants, entrepreneurship and using modern technology to encourage new customers to a business.

At 12 p.m., Classy Country Catering will provide lunch at the American Legion Hall located at 106 W Broadway Avenue.

All registrants will receive a bag filled with information about the area.

Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to donate items for the bags at Ritzville City Hall or Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The items can include advertising pamphlets, products offered or produced at the business, or a souvenir. At least 75 items must be provided to be included in the bags.

The Legion Hall will be open to any business or organization interested in creating a display for participants to view during breaks in the event schedule.

This allows local businesses to promote their establishment, as well as display the products they offer and services they provide.

In order to showcase the beauty of the area, Ritzville residents and local business owners are encouraged to improve the outside physical appearance of their property.

Due to many out-of-town participants attending the event, interest in viewing historic homes within the city will increase and residents are asked to maintain yards to keep the overall look of the community pleasant.

ACDC is looking for volunteers to help with registration. Individuals interested in volunteering can contact McFadden at 509-331-2025 or [email protected].

The event requires a registration be submitted prior to the event with a fee of $25 per person. The ticket price includes continental breakfast and lunch on Thursday. Tickets are available for purchase at the door for $50 per person.

To purchase tickets register online via Brown Paper Tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2593927.

For more information contact Julie Flyckt at 509-331-2042 or [email protected].