The Alabama Community Leadership Network Annual Conference is Oct. 6 and 7 at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery.

Keynote speakers include noted historian and award-winning author Wayne Flynt, Gene Stallings, former head football coach at the University of Alabama, and gubernatorial candidate Ron Sparks. Two highlights of the conference will be an open discussion about the pros, cons and costs of gaming in Alabama and a town hall meeting discussing major issues facing Alabamians. CNN’s Don Lemon will moderate the town hall meeting.

“The ACLN conference provides valuable information to community leaders, state and local officials, university professionals, nonprofit executives, economic and community developers, faith-based directors, community health specialists and residents interested in improving leadership in their communities,” says Arturo Menefee, and Extension specialist and director of the conference. “The discussion on gaming in Alabama and the town hall meeting discussing other major issues facing Alabamians will provide various points of view and prospectives on each issue.”

Sixteen educational workshops will include topics such as obesity in Alabama, the economic and environmental impact of the BP oil spill, attracting and retaining young professionals, coalition building, conflict resolution, turning the tide on poverty, starting and sustaining a successful youth debate program and many more.

Registration is $225. Student registration is $125. To register online, visit www.acln.info/conference.htm. Make checks payable to Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) and mail to 213 Extension Hall, Auburn, AL 36849.

The Economic and Community Development Institute at Auburn University, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Leadership Montgomery sponsor the conference.

The Alabama Community Leadership Network is a group of organizations and individuals committed to building, supporting and enhancing community leadership programs. It equips leaders with necessary skills to better local communities in Alabama. The network consists of community leadership programs for adult and youth, nonprofits, universities, government agencies and private entities throughout the state.

For more information, contact Ann Woodsmall, 215 Extension Hall, Auburn University, 844-5332 or e-mail woodsma@auburn.edu.

Callie Nelson is extension coordinator for Dallas County.