LAB 2025

Join fellow downtown and commercial district revitalization champions in Jasper for three days of energizing learning, innovative strategies, and powerful connections that will inspire and equip you to make an even greater impact in your community. Planners can earn 11.25 CM credits by attending the conference. 

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Agenda

Optional Pre-Conference Events

Tuesday, August 19

3 - 4 p.m.               [Ticketed] Trolley Tour of Historic Downtown Jasper

5 - 6 p.m.               [Ticketed] Jasper Main Street Reception 

Join us for a welcome-to-Jasper reception at the Jasper Main Street offices! This casual gathering is the perfect way to connect, enjoy light bites, and get to know the heart of our vibrant downtown.

6 - 9 p.m.              Bingo at Tallulah Brewing, 1804 4th Avenue South

Bingo Night at Tallulah Brewing is the perfect blend of laid-back fun and lively competition. Craft beer, spritzers, or wine options are available.

All sessions are located at Jasper City Hall, enter on 2nd Avenue

Wednesday, August 20

8:30 - 9:15 a.m.    Registration / Breakfast

9:15 - 9:30 a.m.    Welcome

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.   KEYNOTE: Embrace AI and Future-Proof Your Productivity, Krista Neher

DESCRIPTION: AI is dramatically transforming performance in every industry. Studies show it can increase productivity (up to 60%!) and work quality. Think about it – using a tool like Google dramatically impacts the speed and quality of your work. AI is even more powerful. Using it effectively is the key to unlocking its value.

This session will show you exactly how to use AI and include live examples of what AI is accomplishing. We’ll also cover the risks (and ethics) associated with using AI in the workplace. Finally, you’ll create an AI plan for yourself or your organization to leverage these powerful tools strategically and thoughtfully. This practical and actionable session focuses on real, tangible uses for AI that can transform business results for everyone, from huge organizations to small rural businesses.

We’ll cover:

1. What generative AI is and how it works
2. How AI is being used in marketing
3. Introduction to prompt engineering to improve AI results
4. The future of AI in marketing
5. How to build an AI plan for yourself or your organization
6. The risks and watch-outs in using AI

11:30 - 1 p.m.      BREAK: Lunch, Retail Therapy

During the Break (11:45-12:30 p.m.), [Ticketed] Trolley Tour of Jasper departing from City Hall and ending at the courthouse square.

1 - 2 p.m.             Plan Big, Prosper Bigger! Tripp Muldrow, Arnett Muldrow & Associates

DESCRIPTION: Unleashing the potential of your community takes expert planning and dependable market data. 

2 - 2:30 pm       Thirty Minute Tactical: How to Build Collaboration and Engage Stakeholders, Mike Putman, Executive Director, Jasper Main Street

DESCRIPTION: When community members, businesses, and public entities unite towards shared goals, you can create a dynamic atmosphere that breathes new life into your district.

2:30 - 2:45 pm    BREAK

2:45 - 3:45 pm    Panel-Lessons Learned; Communities In Crisis Situations, Tere Richardson, Executive Director, Athens Main Street, Shinora Redmond, Executive Director, Main Street Atmore, Jenny Stubbs, Former Executive Director, Dennis Fain, Wetumpka Main Street

3:45 - 4:30 pm 

3:45 - 4:30 pm  The Big Picture of Main Street: Making a Difference! (While Maintaining Your Sanity?), Randy Wilson, Community Design Solutions

DESCRIPTION: When executed effectively, Main Street becomes much more than just a project or program. As directors, volunteers, professionals, and practitioners implementing the Main Street approach, we have the incredible opportunity to create positive, lasting change in our communities for generations to come. However, there’s an important question to consider: Are we including everyone in our community in this process? How can we ensure that the hard work of Main Street gets accomplished while also taking care of everyone involved, so they can fully enjoy the results of their efforts?

5:30 - 7 pm        [Ticketed Event] Downtown Jasper Stroll: Progressive Reception

Stroll between three of our signature downtown venues: Warehouse 319, Los Reyes, and Tallulah Brewing Company. Each stop offers a taste of Jasper, with delicious bites, creative cocktails, and a warm welcome from the local businesses.

 Thursday, August 21

8:30 - 9 am          Registration / Breakfast

9:00 - 10 am        Light Up Your EV Committee, Jay Schlinsog, Downtown Professionals Network

10 - 10:45 am      Cyber Security/Identity Theft, Jeff Taylor, SVP Corporate Banking Group Fraud Forensics

10:45 - 11 am      BREAK

11 - Noon            CONCURRENT SESSIONS

                            The Power of Color and Fonts, Shawn Terpack, Arnett Muldrow & Associates

DESCRIPTION: Color and fonts are not merely aesthetic choices; they are the very essence of a community's identity and heritage.

-OR-

                            [Board Members Only] Board Member Break Out, Jeremy Arthur, Director, Auburn University Government and Economic Development Institute

12 - 1:30 pm      BREAK: Lunch, Retail Therapy

During the Break (12 - 12:45 p.m.), [Ticketed] Trolley Tour of Jasper departing from City Hall and ending at the courthouse square.

1:30 - 3 pm       Community Identity is a Powerful Catalyst for Local Economic Growth, Ben Muldrow, Arnett Muldrow & Associates

DESCRIPTION: A strong sense of place not only attracts visitors but also cultivates loyalty among customers, driving business success in our downtown districts.

3:00 - 3:15 pm   BREAK

3:15 - 4:30 pm   Staying Positive in a Negative World, Erin Barnes, President & CEO, Main Street America, First Methodist Church, 1800 3rd Ave

DESCRIPTION: Understanding the importance of the boots on the ground of a local Main Street Director and what it means to the overall success of the program, from relationship building to fundraising and all things in between.

6:00 - 7:00 pm           [Ticketed Event] Toast of Heroes, Presented by Regions Bank, Jasper Civic Center, 204 19th Street East, Suite 100 (tickets must be purchased separately)

7:00 - 9:00 pm          [Ticketed Event] Awards of Excellence Banquet, Co-Sponsored by Energy Southeast, United Bank Community Development, and Walker Area Community Foundation (ticket includes Toast to Heroes Reception)     

Friday, August 22       

8:00 - 8:30 am     Registration / Breakfast

8:30 - 10:30 am    AL Spark Tank: Bright Ideas Pitch State Final

• Creations Galore and Moore
• Ulti-Mutt Bakery
• Trolley on Main
• Good Company Cafe
• Corner Bistro

8:30 - 10:45 am     Executive Director Round Table Registered Event [Designated Communities Only] First Christian Church, 400 18th St W

10:30 - 10:45 am   BREAK

10:45 - 11:15 am   Tour of Historic City Hall 

11:15 - 11:30 am    Announcement of the Bright Ideas Pitch Winner

11:30 am                Closing Remarks

Presenter Bios

Main Street Alabama appreciates the continued support from Investors and LAB Sponsors