Oakland County’s Tenth Annual Planning and Economic Development Services (PEDS) Heritage Conference drew a diverse group of government, community and business representatives dedicated to preserving the natural and built landscape throughout Oakland County. The event, Heritage X: Nurturing Our Heritage, was hosted by Oakland University on September 12.
It was designed to assist communities with ecological and historic preservation in a technologically progressive environment. “That is what this conference is all about,” Said Doug Smith, Director of the Department of Economic Development & Community Affairs, “preserving the best that Oakland County communities have to offer.” Through interactive seminars, the day-long event brought the proven strategies, resources and people to those who can make their communities a great place to live work and play.
Conference highlights included:
The morning seminars covered small town success strategies, architectural design principals and clean water educational resources available through the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).
Representatives from the Oakland County Research Library introduced several historical resources that highlight the county, including the new, free online database, Oakland County Historical Resources.
Keynote Speaker, Louise Sturgess, Executive Director of the Pittsburg History & Landmarks Foundation, illustrated effective and economical ways to bring community heritage into the classroom.
For participants looking to promote their unique heritage, the Main Street Oakland County team offered a variety of publishing solutions. Using the theme of “Pride and Promotion,” the lively presentation offered ways to draw visitors to communities at all price points.
Post-conference participant surveys noted the sessions were “progressive and realistic, very exciting,” and “more people should see and hear the presentations, especially planning commissions.”
The annual Heritage Conference is just one of several conservation and preservation initiatives sponsored by PEDS throughout the year. Through programs and services such as the Community Planning and Consulting program , the Environmental Stewardship program, the Land Use and Zoning program and Main Street Oakland County, communities have access ongoing professional assistance with their conservation and preservation needs.
For more information about the event or to add your name to the 2008 Heritage Conference mailing list, please contact Julie Skene, GIS Technician, at 248-858-5437.
Stewardship program