Shannon Reagan
Idaho Commerce
208.780.5152
[email protected]
MEDIA ALERT
Rural Businesses, Communities and Organizations Invited to Attend Fifth Annual Idaho Rural Success Summit
Boise, Idaho (April 22, 2026) – Rural Idaho businesses, communities and organizations are encouraged and invited to attend the 2026 Idaho Rural Success Summit on May 13-14 at the Idaho Central Credit Union Bengal Alumni Center in Pocatello, Idaho.
Engaging panel discussions, presentations, and keynote speakers are planned for the two-day event, including Hamza Abdelrahman from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and Dan Garren from Idaho Fish and Game.
With 88% of the state classified as rural, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect and learn from other rural residents, businesses and communities as they share powerful stories of success and overcoming obstacles.
The Idaho Rural Success Summit began in 2022 with the goal to connect rural Idaho for shared success. Each year the event moves to rural locations across the state and is organized by state, federal, private and local organizations.
Topics and areas of focus over the two-day event include:
- Keynote – Economic Outlook for Rural Idaho with Hamza Abdelrahman, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
- Keynote –Understanding and Addressing Rural Gentrification and Community Division with Dr. Jennifer Sherman, Washington State University
- Keynote – Child Care as Rural Economic Infrastructure: Unlocking Workforce & Community Success with Martin Balben, Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC)
- Success Story – Access Yes! Managing Public & Private Land Access in Rural Idaho with Dan Garren, Idaho Department of Fish and Game
- Panel – The Global Frontier: Navigating International Markets from Rural Idaho with Idaho Department of Commerce, Business Development Services Team
- Panel – Main Street Momentum: Practical Strategies for Rural Communities with Jenny Hemly, Idaho Main Street Program
Attendees will have ample opportunity to network with resource partners, vendors, and conference attendees. Breakfast and lunch is included on both days, as well as a networking reception on the first day.
The event will be conducted in partnership with the Idaho Rural Partnership, Idaho Department of Commerce, USDA Rural Development Idaho, Wells Fargo Foundation, LOR Foundation, Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI) and Idaho State University, among many others.
Registration ends May 7 and the event agenda is available at ruralsummit.idaho.gov.
For more event information, visit ruralsummit.idaho.gov or contact [email protected].
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