Overview

Historic changes to our financial system have created an opportunity to modify how banking, financial services and community development organizations conduct business.

The 2011 Exploring Innovation conference will provide participants with real-world examples of innovative models that address the financing of all aspects of thriving communities, from housing and infrastructure to community engagement and leadership development—each of which contribute to vibrant, desirable places to live, work and play. Attendees will be immersed in an exchange of ideas that will reshape the practice of community development and engage new partners who will collectively lead us on a journey toward collaboration, recovery and sustainability.

The St. Louis Fed is joining forces with the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta, Minneapolis and Dallas to produce three days that will reshape the practice of community development finance.

 Learning tracks will include:
   * Retail products and services
   * The green economy
   * Investments and equity
   * Financing comprehensive community development

Audience

Bank CEOs and CRA officers — Discover the latest in financial product innovations, investment platforms and green strategies being implemented by peer financial institutions, all geared to help enhance your institution's CRA performance.

Philanthropic leaders — Philanthropic organizations are taking on broader roles than just grantors. Hear the latest strategies for investing and creating equity injections from communities with experience in making it happen.

Government leaders and community economic developers — Budget cuts and sluggish tax revenue are daily reminders of the recent economic crisis. Learn how communities are taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to leverage resources.

Nonprofits and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) — Healthy nonprofits and CDFIs are pivotal to sustainable, vibrant communities. Hear how your peers are collaborating and leveraging resources to provide solutions to extremely complex community development issues.

Students — Students in the fields of business, government and sociology are encouraged to attend to bring new voices to the table and learn how the three disciplines are interacting to create livable, sustainable communities.

Resources/Presentations

Agenda

Session Listings

Speaker Bios

Conference Features

Registration

Deadline: May 9, 2011

Registration has closed. Thank you for your interest.