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The East Kentucky Leadership Foundation (EKLF) will hold its 30th anniversary conference at Eastern Kentucky University April 27-28.

This year’s theme is “Transitioning Eastern Kentucky: Economy, Workforce, Demographics.” The EKLF Board of Directors and the EKU Office of Regional Stewardship are collaborating to plan the two-day celebration, which will be held at the Perkins Building on the Richmond campus.

“We are very excited to be hosting, along with the City of Richmond, the 30th anniversary at EKU,” said Melissa Newman, EKLF board member and director of EKU’s Office of Regional Stewardship. “The team at EKU is working hard to make sure this is an event that really pays homage to our region’s leaders and shows our appreciation for their contributions to the community at large.”

According to organizers, the conference will bring together people from across eastern Kentucky to network, share ideas and create a unified front to address issues relevant to the region. The conference will offer many sessions with topics related to the theme. Any individual or group aspiring to take on a leadership role in the region is encouraged to attend.

“The East Kentucky Leadership Conference is a great place for people from all walks of life to come together and learn about important issues in the region, share their own perspectives and help think about solutions,” said Peter Hille, EKLF chair and president of the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development. “The conference isn’t just for elected officials or recognized leaders. It’s for everyone. We call it a leadership conference because everyone can exercise leadership by taking part in building a brighter future for our region.”

EKU will also show off its aviation program (https://youtu.be/yMCrhyOPAmE), with airplane rides and flight simulator experiences for conference participants, and offer two “star shows” at adjacent Hummel Planetarium. Conference attendees will also learn more about EKU’s nationally recognized College of Justice & Safety.

The awards ceremony, on Thursday evening, April 27, will recognize individuals and groups who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to the region. Awards will be given in six categories: Culture and Arts, Media and Technology, Organization, Public Individual, Private Individual and Youth Leadership.

Participants can register online now at a cost of $35 per person, or $10 for students. On-site registration, beginning at noon on Thursday, April 27, is $45.

Five sponsorship packages are available based on contribution, ranging from $250 to $2,500. Other sponsorship opportunities include student sponsorships, meal sponsors, break sponsors, entertainment and transportation sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To see registration and/or sponsorship options, visit www.eklf.org and click on “Register Now.” For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Maggie Bill at maggie.bill@eku.edu or 859-622-7129.

Founded in 1988, the East Kentucky Leadership Foundation was created to promote leadership in eastern Kentucky. Now in its 30th year, EKLF continues to encourage leadership development, communication and collaboration throughout the region.