Governors and Special Guest Cal Ripken Jr. to Highlight Collaboration Across State Lines
WASHINGTON, DC, August 2, 2022—The State of Maryland will co-host the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s Annual Conference in Flintstone, Maryland at the Rocky Gap Resort, October 17-19, 2022. The official theme of this year’s conference is “One Appalachia: Connection & Collaboration” to highlight how ARC’s 13 states and 423 counties are collaborating to bring each of its strategic investments to life.
The conference will feature partners from across the region who work daily to strengthen Appalachia by creating and expanding workforce development, growing sectors like outdoor recreation, developing entrepreneurs, and building leadership and community capacity.
Highlights of the conference to include:
- An exclusive fireside chat between Governor Larry Hogan and special guest Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Cal Ripken Jr.
- Mobile workshops highlighting Maryland’s cross-sector and cross-boundary partnerships that have led to growth in workforce development, home-grown businesses, and tourism
- A special plenary presentation from the Central Appalachian Network, which will highlight ways multistate partnerships can drive economic growth in Appalachia
- Special addresses from ARC Governors in attendance (to be announced)
“We’re excited to bring together our federal, state and local partners in Western Maryland to continue our momentum in expanding economic growth throughout Appalachia,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “ARC knows that the key to creating transformational changes in our region is collaboration, and we look forward to bridging relationships and sharing ideas in Flintstone. It’s an incredible time for our region, and we’re eager to make the most of the possibilities before us.”
“We are beyond excited to be hosting the ARC Annual Conference in Western Maryland, which will be a great opportunity for all of our regional partners to work together to advance economic growth,” said ARC States’ Co-Chair Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland. “I look forward to engaging with fellow governors regarding ways to bring opportunity and prosperity to the over 26 million Americans living in the Appalachian region.”
Review the preliminary agenda and register for the conference by October 1, 2022.
Members of the media may request press passes by emailing Janiene Bohannon, ARC Director of Communications.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.