CT UCRF Local Assemblies 2020 address themes of:

• soil health and natural fibers (March, Fairfield) 

• fashion business model innovation (April, TBD)

• community-based labs and biomaterials, convening scientists, engineers, designers, and artists (May, New London)

Our first Local Assembly will be held at The Studio Fairfield on March 7, 2020, 6-8pm.

We are pleased to convene a diverse panel representing ranch, farm, and city; policy makers, practitioners, and economic development:

• Nancy Cowser, executive director, Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region, New London 

• Trent Loos, sixth-generation Central Nebraskan rancher, writer, radio host, Rural Route Radio, and member of President Trump’s agriculture advisory board 

• Anne McIntyre-Lahner, owner-operator, with her husband, of Olympia Farm, Guilford, Connecticut; past president, the Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association; current Vice President, the American Romney Breeders Association; with 37 years in human services, including 26 years with the State of Connecticut, serving in numerous management roles in the Judicial Branch and Department of Children and Families

• William Calvert, TILL: bFt CCO, a creative leader working internationally within image-making, product design, trans-media marketing, and multi-level team management 

Jane Philbrick, TILL: bFt artist founder, moderates. The conversation will range freely around the theme of soil and natural fibers, with a special focus on American and Northeastern American wools, toward building community awareness of our reviving domestic textile and apparel economies. 

The evening highlights the opportunity our heritage of land stewardship and design innovation offers Connecticut communities to lead in the global challenge for planetary well-being.