Canyon is set to host the eighth annual Stand Up Rural America Summit from July 29–31. The three-day conference—dedicated to fostering growth and development in rural communities—will bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, economic-development professionals and community leaders from across the United States.
A Homecoming for the Summit’s Founder
Lorie Vincent, founder and president of Acceleration by Design LLC and a former Panhandle resident, selected Canyon as the first Texas host city. A West Texas A&M University alumna, Vincent has watched Canyon evolve over the past decade. “I’ve just watched [Canyon] grow and thrive,” she said. “I knew that would be the perfect place to bring our rural change-makers and trailblazers from all over the country.”
A National Platform with Local Flavor
Since its inception in Oklahoma eight years ago, the Summit has toured Indiana, Mississippi and Kansas, adopting each host’s unique character while maintaining a consistent agenda focused on best practices for rural revitalization. “We follow the same model, but each summit takes on the personality of its host city,” Vincent explained. In Canyon, attendees will convene in venues ranging from Creek House Honey Farm to The Lumber Yard, sampling locally catered meals that spotlight the region’s culinary offerings.
Common Goals, Community Success Stories
Vincent emphasizes that, despite their geographic spread, rural communities share core aspirations: safety, good jobs, affordable housing, quality healthcare and vibrant downtowns. Reflecting this, Canyon’s agenda features “The Stars Shine Bright in Canyon,” a panel showcasing local entrepreneurs, innovators and elected officials whose initiatives have driven recent growth. Michael Kitten, executive director of the Canyon Economic Development Corporation and the Summit’s local host, anticipates a surge of national attention. “It’s gonna expose a lot of people around this country that wouldn’t normally be exposed to how great Canyon is,” Kitten said.
Beyond the Conference: Exploring the Panhandle
For out-of-town participants, the Summit offers an optional bus tour highlighting regional landmarks such as Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan Steak Ranch, capped by a barbecue dinner and a performance of TEXAS the Musical at Palo Duro Canyon. “That’ll be a fun way for our guests to get a real flavor of Texas hospitality,” Vincent noted. In a gesture of community support, Summit proceeds from commemorative t-shirt sales will benefit the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial.
Hotels, cabins and Airbnbs in Canyon and surrounding areas are expected to reach capacity during the Summit, bolstering local tourism. Interested sponsors and attendees can find registration details and full programming on the Stand Up Rural America website. As Vincent put it: “There’s no lack of wonderful, thriving communities all over the country, and I’m very, very excited to add Canyon to our list of Stand Up America cities.”
