GrowSmart Maine’s annual summit will feature US leader of USDA Rural Development

GrowSmart Maine, a nonprofit, will host its annual summit this year at the Waterville Opera House.

The summit typically covers issues like how public places and infrastructure define a community, as well as ways housing, transportation, utilities, food systems and cultural and natural spaces are connected and essential parts of community infrastructure.  

The all-day conference will be Monday, Oct. 21, at the Waterville Opera House and the adjacent Paul J. Schupf Art Center.

Walking tours, an awards presentation and networking will be part of the summit.

Keynote speakers

A leader from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program will be a keynote speaker. Basil Gooden, who was confirmed as undersecretary in February by the U.S. Senate, leads a team of 47 state directors for USDA Rural Development, including Rhiannon Hampson in Maine. 

Hannah Pingree, who is director of Gov. Janet Mills’ Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, will also be a featured speaker.

The moderator for the event will be Kate Cough, editor of the Maine Monitor.

GrowSmart Maine is based in Augusta. The organization is led by CEO Nancy E. Smith, who is also on the city council in Ellsworth and served four terms in the state House of Representatives, representing Monmouth. 

For more information about the summit or to register, click here.