MSU Riley Center
Meridian, Mississippi

Thursday & Friday
March 31 & April 1
2022

­­DAY 1
The Macon, Georgia Story
ETHIEL GARLINGTON
Ethiel Garlington will share the Macon Story that weaves preservation through the ongoing renaissance of Macon, Georgia. Macon's story, much like towns across the country, is not one of easy wins or single solutions. In fact, programs like industrial based economic development, zoning practices, and inequitable lending are systemic across the country. Macon's recent success was built on strategic, incremental improvements focused on people, not buildings. Ethiel will share research and anecdotes from Macon that are applicable to Meridian.

Our Past is Our Future
CRAIG HITT, JEROME KITTRELL and MARK DAVIS
Fifty years ago, Meridian was a thriving, vibrant city enjoying the fruits of economic prosperity. What happened? Follow along as Craig Hitt, Jerome Kittrell and Mark Davis examine the growth and subsequent decline of Meridian in an effort to chart a path for the future. 

Evolving Preservation: Best Practices in Historic Preservation
LOLLY RASH
Lolly Rash will lead us through creating more livable communities through adaptive reuse, cultural heritage, affordable housing, economic development, and the rebirth of genuine neighborhoods.

Icebreaker
PURDUE UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM STUDENTS
This lively group has an icebreaker ready to help you get to know fellow attendees. Sure to be fun!

Making Sense of the Dollars:
The Economic Impact of Historic Preservation
MARY RUFFIN HANBURY
How can spending money on old buildings make us stronger financially? Learn from preservation expert Mary Ruffin Hanbury how historic preservation creates a stronger economic proposition for investors, city government and the community.

Adaptive Reuse Tours
Tour Leaders: MARK DAVIS, SARAH JOHNSON, ELLEN BOURDEAUX
Join in for lively tours of the MSU Riley Center, The Threefoot Hotel, and the Threefoot Brewing Company. The Rose Hill Players will be on hand to share captivating stories of people and happenings at each site. Tour leaders will share historic preservation details.

Reception in the Grand Lobby
This sponsored event will be a great time to meet other attendees, share stories and concerns, and have fun!

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DAY 2
Improving Racial Equality through Historic Preservation
DR. CHRISTOPHER S. HUNTER
Dr. Chris Hunter will discuss current barriers in communities and how a successful, well-crafted historic preservation effort can benefit everyone.

Trailblazers: Stories of Successful Communities
MODERATOR I JEROME KITTRELL
PANELISTS I JIM RASBERRY I MIKE GROTE I DAVID PREZIOSI
Learn from the amazing stories of the rebirth of communities in this panel discussion featuring top experts from across the South, and ask how Meridian can follow a path to success.

Now We Know What is Possible: How Do We Get Started?
MODERATOR I ELLEN BOURDEAUX
PANELISTS I DR BETH MILLER I LIZ RICE I JEFF FULTON
A refreshing overview of remarkable ways to engage multiple segments of the Meridian community in charting a course for the future will be presented by three very different experts in community engagement.

LUNCHEON
Century Program Introduction
SARAH JOHNSON
Speaker Introduction
JOYCE LANE
Speaker
DR RHONDA PHILLIPS
The conference will end on a high note with the energy and enthusiasm of noted historic preservation expert Dr. Rhonda Phillips. Think of her as our GPS as we chart our course for Meridian!