Roberts hosts community development conference

Dr. John M. Perkins, founder and president of the Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation and Development, will give the keynote address at the "Building Healthy and Sustainable Neighborhoods" conference September 30 at Roberts Wesleyan College, 2301 Westside Drive in North Chili.

Perkins, who is also chairman of the Christian Community Development Association and author of nine books on related topics, will tell "How to Build Health Communities" in his 9:30 a.m. talk.

The conference is led by Roberts' city-based Institute for Social Entrepreneurship, located on Warrick Avenue in Rochester. The day-long meeting will bring together city residents, faith-based partners, Roberts faculty and students, and other organizational representatives and professionals interested in transforming communities, said David Dey, director of Roberts' ISE. Presenters will share best practices and hear from experts about the future of community building.

"Rochester is similar to communities around the country that are struggling to revitalize themselves while simultaneously addressing systemic issues that would otherwise hinder redevelopment," Dey said. "Engaged colleges like Roberts Wesleyan can play an instrumental role in assisting in this effort."

The conference runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with breakfast and lunch included. Sessions planned include "Exploring Models of Redevelopment," "Designing Commercial Neighborhoods," and "Partnering with Government." The conference will include discussion about the region's need to focus on entrepreneurship.

Registration costs $80 before September 20, $85 after. Call 585-464-8298 for information, or go to www.roberts.edu/ISE.