WALLOWA COUNTY — What promises to be a lively discussion, fueled by snacks and drinks, about building a vibrant, community-supported, local economy will be held in Lostine, Union and Elgin in coming weeks.

Led by Brad Attig, founder of Reinventing Rural, each event will begin at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome.

The events will take place:

• Jan. 26 at Z’s BBQ in Lostine, 125 Highway 82.

• Feb. 2 at the Catherine Creek Community Center, 667 N Main St. in Union.

• March 9 at the Hale Turner Theater, 831 Alder St. in Elgin.

Attig believes that rural communities can become creative entrepreneurial centers. He advocates that small places can take simple steps that can quickly impact the local economy and energize an entire community. 

Small businesses are the lifeblood of rural main streets throughout Oregon and beyond. 

This free event is sponsored by Northeast Oregon Economic Development District and Reinventing Rural and made possible through Business Oregon funding. 

For more information, contact Lisa Dawson, executive director of the NEOEDD at 541-426-3598 ext. 1, her cellphone 541-432-1056 or online at www.neoedd.org.