Expert speakers and interactive workshops are being planned to help Huron County businesses and non-profits navigate economic challenges.
The second annual THRIVE Summit is set to take place on April 14 and 15 at the Blyth Community Hall, bringing together local businesses, non-profits, and municipal leaders.
Hosted by Huron County’s Economic Development Department and Community Safety and Well-Being for Huron, the summit aims to inspire collaboration and innovation in the region.
“We invite business, not-for-profits and municipal partners to engage with world-class speakers close to home and to focus on business basics and the value of community in these uncertain times,” said Vicki Lass, Director of Huron County Economic Development. “Together, let's seize this opportunity to step out of our day to connect, collaborate, and chart a course forward.”
The event will offer panel discussions, breakout workshops, and networking opportunities. Topics will cover strategies for business resilience, digital marketing, and building healthier communities.
“The ever-changing economy in early 2025 reminds us that resilience comes from balancing business fundamentals with new technologies, valuing our assets, and acknowledging the importance of strong, vibrant communities. By gathering in person to share our stories and ideas, and access tools and resources, we can foster creativity and better navigate the current climate together” said Lass "As well as doubling down on those good business practices, looking at tools and resources that can help you is remembering the value of community and try to avoid isolation and look at strategies to deal with those community concerns, but also personal mental health and workplace mental health as well."
She says tariffs are on everyone's mind, with Trump's latest date to impose broad-ranging fees on Canadian imports coming up soon. She said those concerns will be addressed by economic development expert, Brock Dickinson.
"The looming date of April 2 is coming up, and the Thrive summit will be two weeks after that," Lass continued. "Brock Dickinson has a key address, and he usually is very up to the minute in what he's talking about, in his opinion, from an economic development perspective. But uncertainty is unsettling, so it's not unlike what we saw in COVID when we didn't know what was happening."
Lass pointed out that leveraging Artificial Intelligence will be one of the topics of focus as Emily Baillie presents the Top 5 Digital Marketing Trends.
"How to Use Artificial intelligence, and how to use that in our everyday work and what that looks like," Lass explained. "And then in the afternoon, we'll have a break-out session with Emily as well, where you can just dig a little deeper into the concept of AI and what that looks like."
Attendees will also gain insight into effective storytelling, workforce mental health, and successful business transitions.
Sponsored in part by Bruce Power, the summit provides a platform to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions for the challenges facing rural communities.
Single-day tickets are available for $40, which includes refreshments and lunch. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit huroncounty.ca/thrive-summit.