The Accelerate Bend kick-off event promises to be an exciting, interactive and informative evening filled with many of the local movers and shakers. The event will take place on Thursday, May 24 at 7pm at the Tower Theatre.
Two local visionaries, Becky Johnson, Vice President OSU-Cascades Campus, and Amy Tykeson, BendBroadband CEO and President, will discuss their visions for Bend alongside with other leaders who will present their visions for Bend and highlight the accomplishments achieved through the Bend 2030 Visioning process.
Johnson will unveil OSU-Cascade’s vision for a centrally located OSU-Cascades campus and touch on the “How? Why? Where? And When?” of their plans for Central Oregon. Tykeson will discuss BendBroadband’s role in building a communication infrastructure to support connectivity in an emerging economy.
Eric King, Bend City Manager, and Don Horton, Executive Director of Bend Parks and Recreation District, will highlight Bend 2030 Vision accomplishments. Other presenters include Mayor Pro Tem Jodie Barram, Environmental Center Executive Director Mike Riley, Bend Parks & Recreation District Board Member Ruth Williamson, former Bend Mayor Bruce Abernethy and other community key players.
Electronic keypad polling will provide a chance for the main floor audience to interact and voice their opinions instantly. Dave Jones of Zolo Media will be the event MC and local folk music virtuoso Dennis McGregor will make a musical appearance.
The event will highlight Bend 2030 Vision accomplishments, celebrate current inspiring efforts and accelerate the vision by re-engaging the community and bringing the community members back into the conversation by sharing their aspirations and dreams for Central Oregon. The work of accelerating the vision will continue through six summer workshops, one for each Vision focus area.
“Bend 2030 is excited to team up with presenting partners, BendBroadband and OSU-Cascades, for this incredible event!” comments Jodie Barram, Chair of Bend 2030 Board of Directors. “At Bend 2030, we are cultivating the plan that will achieve Bend’s vision. We need the community to make it happen…that is what the Accelerate Bend event on May 24 is all about. Accelerate Bend will help shape our future. Now is the time for Bend to speak up and set the course!”
Event is free but registrations are required through www.towertheatre.org or www.bend2030.org.
In anticipation of the event, the community is asked to participate in an ongoing “What’s your vision?”-conversation on Bend 2030 Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bend2030 with new vision ideas from community members posted daily.
For more information, please contact Marika Smiley, Accelerate Bend Project Manager, at acceleratebend@gmail.com or 541-390-2832.
Bend 2030 board of volunteers is a non-profit public-private partnership (community-based volunteer organization) dedicated to implementing a long-term vision for future growth and sustainability of our community. The vision includes six focus areas: A Well-Planned City, A Vibrant Economy, A Quality Environment, A Strong Community, Safe, Healthy People, and A Creative, Learning Culture. Created by some 7,000 residents and endorsed by the Bend City Council, the Bend 2030 Vision has been implemented through the efforts of 63 partner organizations. Since 2006, over 90% of the action items are underway or complete.
