GeorgiaForward Focuses On Statewide Prosperity At Third Annual Forum in Athens, Ga.

GeorgiaForward, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, will host its third annual forum on September 12-13 at the   With the theme “Re-visioning Statewide Prosperity,” the 2012 forum will feature an impressive lineup of guest speakers to inspire attendees as they delve into issues central to Georgia’s long-term growth and positioning in a global economy.  The event is open to the public, but there is a registration fee.

For details and to register, click here. 

“We want to invite people to become part of the conversation and ultimately help mold Georgia’s bright future,” says Amir Farokhi, Executive Director of GeorgiaForward.  “The goal of the forum is not only to discuss and identify the state’s drivers of prosperity, but also to gain commitments from organizations and leaders to act on those solutions."

During the two-day conference, attendees will hear from keynote speakers, including Ted Alden of the Council on Foreign Relations; Dr. Roland Stephen of SRI International, and author of “After Manufacturing”; Col. Mark Mykleby, New America Foundation Fellow and co-author, "National Strategic Narrative;” and Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Inventure.

The GeorgiaForward 2012 Forum will bring together hundreds of civic, business, government and academic leaders from across the state and region to discuss Georgia’s most pressing policy issues. The 2012 forum’s interactive breakout sessions will allow attendees to explore new ideas and collaborate on solutions to a range of statewide issues.

Here’s the agenda:

Wednesday, Sept. 12

11-Noon Registration & Check-in

Noon-1:30PM Lunch with Opening Keynote

Dr. Roland Stephen – SRI International and author of After Manufacturing

1:30-2:30PM Opening Moderated Plenary Session on Prosperity

It is the year 2032, and Fortune magazine is coming to Georgia to write a cover story about how this state has become the nation’s model for prosperity that is shared statewide, across the state’s 14 metro areas, small towns and rural areas. The cover of the magazine is: “Georgia’s Deep and Wide Economy: How Prosperity Came to Every Part of a State.”

How does Fortune describe “statewide prosperity”? What examples or images does Fortune use in showing that prosperity has come to every part of the state?

2:30-3PM Break

3-4:15PM Breakout Panel Sessions

• Ending Childhood Hunger in GA - sponsored by Arby’s Foundation

Public-Private Partnerships That Are Working

• What’s the future of Rural Georgia?

Beyond Agriculture: Leveraging Rural GA’s Other Strengths

• Thriving Cities

The Local Solution: How Cities and Counties are Collaborating and Getting Things Done

• Healthcare as an Economic Engine - sponsored by Piedmont Healthcare

The Growing Role of Hospitals in Communities: What Does it Mean?

• After the TSPLOST:

What’s Next for Transportation?

4:15-4:30PM Break

4:30-5:15PM Afternoon Keynote

Mark Mykleby  - Smart Strategy Initiative, New America Foundation and Co-author of “National Strategic Narrative”

6:00-7:30PM Bank of America Reception in Rialto Room at Hotel Indigo

Thursday, Sept. 13

9-10:30AM Opening Keynotes

Ted Alden - Council on Foreign Relations, Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow and Director of CFR’s Renewing America Publication Series

Jamil Zainaldin - Georgia Humanities Council

10:30-10:45AM Break

10:45-Noon Interactive Plenary Session on Statewide Prosperity

Noon-1:30PM Lunch with Keynote

Shivani Siroya - CEO & Founder of Inventure
1:30-1:45PM Break

1:45-3PM Breakout Panel Sessions

• Ending Childhood Hunger in GA - sponsored by Arby’s Foundation

Providing Nutritious, Georgia-Grown Food to Georgia’s Kids

• What’s the future of Rural Georgia?

Making Rural Georgia a Destination for Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs

• Thriving Cities

Being Bold, Collaborating, and Finding Your Niche

• Healthcare as an Economic Engine - sponsored by Piedmont Healthcare

Closing the Healthcare Workforce Gap

• Is it Possible to Coordinate Local Comprehensive Plans, Regional Priorities and State Goals?

3:15-4:30PM Interactive Plenary Session on Statewide Prosperity

4:45PM Adjourn