The Appalachian Regional Commission, ARC, states’ co-chair Gov. Andy Beshear and federal co-chair Gayle Manchin announced that the ARC 2023 annual conference will be held Sept. 11 and 12 in Ashland!

The conference theme is “Appalachia Rises: Resilience, Strength & Transformation,” and the event will bring together officials from many of the ARC’s 13 states as well as hundreds of partners and economic development experts.

Together, attendees will work to strengthen Appalachia by creating and expanding workforce development, growing sectors like outdoor recreation, developing entrepreneurs and building leadership and community capacity.

In January, Gov. Beshear was chosen by his fellow Appalachian governors to co-chair the ARC this year.

The ARC is asking for your help in finding out what should be discussed and talk about during the conference. You can submit your ideas HERE.

Programming submissions are due April 21, 2023.

More details about the conference program and how to register will be released this summer.