The Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute and the Kootenay Workforce Development Initiative are hosting a day-long Workforce Development Forum on Thursday, November 5 at the Prestige Lakeside Resort in Nelson. The morning session will feature a keynote speaker, an external experts panel, and a local experts innovative solutions panel that will highlight economic development, education, industry and local government innovations from within our region. In the afternoon attendees will participate in a hands-on workshop facilitated by the Purdue Centre for Regional Development. This day-long forum will provide community leaders, educators, industry and economic development practitioners with the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss workforce development challenges and opportunities.