Rural Development Conference
Reach New Heights
Thursday, October 22, 2026
8 AM - 3:30 PM • $29
Location: NIACC Mason City Campus
What makes a community thrive?
The people who invest in it every day.
Who should attend?
Everyone from local business owners, farmers, & community leaders from across Iowa.
This is an energizing event centered around strengthening the communities we proudly call home. Through engaging breakout sessions, meaningful conversations, and an unforgettable keynote experience. Attendees will leave inspired with fresh ideas to grow their businesses, support their teams, and make a lasting local impact.
Presented by
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9:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Registration & Refreshments
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9:30 - 9:35 a.m.
Welcome
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9:35 - 10:35 a.m.
Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT)
John Derryberry & Angela Shapley
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10:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Connection as Treatment: Understanding Loneliness and the Potential Role of the Human-Animal Bond
Katy Schroeder, PhD, NCC, University of Iowa & Shea Jorgensen, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Prairie Ridge
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12:50 - 1:50 p.m.
Emerging Risks & Established Treatments In Opioid Use Disorder
Shea Jorgensen, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Prairie Ridge
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2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Training
Christine Riggert, BA, CPS -
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Person With Lived Experience
