The Delta Grassroots Caucus (DGC) is a broad coalition of grassroots leaders in the eight-state Delta region. DGC is also a founding partner of the Economic Equality Caucus,
which advocates for economic equality across the USA.

Agenda for April 1-2 Delta Conference at Clinton Presidential Center

Posted on March 31, 2010 at 05:01 PM

The April 1-2 Delta conference at the Clinton Center will feature the three leading candidates in the hotly contested US Senate race–Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Rep. John Boozman, and Lt. Gov. Bill Halter–will join Gov. Mike Beebe, Congressman Mike Ross, Congressman Vic Snyder, internationally recognized health care experts Dr. Aaron Shirley and James Miller of the Oxford International Development Group, James “Skip” Rutherford, Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service, and grassroots leaders of the region from southern Illinois to New Orleans.

An updated and detailed agenda is below. Thanks so much–Lee Powell, MDGC (202) 360-6347

Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock, Arkansas April 1-2, 2010

Agenda: Economic Recovery and Health Care in the Delta

This conference is dedicated to the memory of James O. Powell, Editorial Editor and Columnist at the Arkansas Gazette from the late 1950s to the late 1980s, and a Great Champion for Civil Rights and the Fight Against Poverty in the Delta

OPENING SESSION, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. CLINTON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Reception: 5 p.m. to 5:25 p.m.

Opening Speakers, 5:25 to 7 p.m.

5:25–Introduction–Lee Powell, Delta Grassroots Caucus

5:30 to 5:35–Ken Smith, former Assistant Secretary of the Interior in the Clinton administration, former executive director of Arkansas Audubon–Delta opportunities through climate and energy policy

5:35 to 5:45 p.m.–Dean James “Skip” Rutherford, University of Arkansas School of Clinton Service

5:45 to 6:20 p.m.–Congressman Mike Ross

Economic development accomplishments in northeast Arkansas

6:20 to 6:30–Steve Southard, Nucor Yamato Steel

6:30 to 6:40 p.m.–Mayor Barrett Harrison, Blytheville, Arkansas

6:40 to 8 p.m.–PANEL–Best Practices and Progressive Development Models

  1. Paul Van Hoesen, director, cTechnology, Inc., based in Nashville, TN, west Tennessee community development leader working on expansion of broadband access and educational improvements in west Tennessee and other states

  2. Mayor Sheldon Day, Thomasville, Alabama

  3. Carolyn Branton, National Housing Assistance Council, Washington, DC

  4. Ken Shea, President, McKennon Implement Co., Dumas & McGehee, Arkansas; Chair, Economic Development Committee of Dumas Chamber of Commerce

  5. Mike Marshall, banker, former Mayor of Sikeston, Missouri, long-time Delta regional economic development advocate

MAIN SESSION, FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GREAT HALL OF THE CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.–“Big Picture” Panel on Economic Development in the Greater Delta Region

  1. Johnnie Bolin, executive director, Arkansas Good Roads Transportation Council, Crossett, Arkansas

  2. Josh Tubbs, Marshall County Economic Development office, western Kentucky

  3. Buddy Spillers, Macon Ridge Community Development Corporation, northern Louisiana

  4. Tim Smith, president, Louisiana Housing and Community Development Corporation, New Orleans, Louisiana

  5. Mayor Brad Cole, Carbondale, Illinois

10 a.m.–Rep. Robert Moore of southeast Arkansas, Speaker-Elect of the Arkansas House of Representatives, introducing the Governor of Arkansas

10:05 to 10:30 a.m.–Governor Mike Beebe

10:30 a.m. a.m.–William Jeter, Clinton School of Public Service, presentation on Delta visual arts project in Newport, Arkansas to promote the work of Delta artists

10:38 to 11:15–Congressman John Boozman

11:15 to 11:20–Congressman Vic Snyder–appreciation for his vote for the health care bill and long and valuable service in Congress

11:15 a.m. to noon–Lt. Gov. Bill Halter

NOON TO 1:15 P.M.

Main luncheon speaker–U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln

1:20 to 2:30 p.m.–THE HEALTH HOUSES CONCEPT AND OTHER HEALTH CARE ISSUES IN THE DELTA

  1. Dr. Aaron Shirley, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation, Mississippi, leader of the “Health Houses” concept

  2. James Miller, Oxford International Development Group, Oxford, Mississippi

  3. Dr. Margaret Bogle, Delta obesity prevention and nutrition initiative, USDA Agricultural Research Service

  4. Larry Williams, Delta Citizens Alliance, Greenville, Mississippi

2:40 TO 4 P.M.–A Case Study in Community Innovations and Remaining Challenges for the Delta’s Progress: Helena-West Helena, Arkansas

  1. Catherine Bahn, Moderator and speaker; director, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Helena-West Helena

  2. Will Staley, director of THRIVE, a new entity promoting internet activities and local entrepreneurs

  3. Chalk Mitchell, Georgetown Law School alumnus working on legal services for low-income people

  4. Katie Harrington, Delta Cultural Center, active in promoting the Delta’s blues tradition and other heritage-based initiatives

  5. Ginny Blankenship, Chief Development Officer, KIPP School program

  6. Heifer International–Michael Ashanti, Initiatives for community gardens, farmers’ markets, and providing nutritious produce to schools

We would also like to recognize Mayor James Valley of Helena-West Helena and Phillips County Judge Don Gentry, who will be there for this session