Kosciusko County residents are invited to attend a Community Conversation on Oct. 30 at Grace College called “Competing for the future: The role of community in building world-class talent.”

The event will feature guest speakers and breakout sessions for attendees to discuss ways to maximize Kosciusko County’s strengths and position it for the future.

The series is part of the Community Conversations program, organized and facilitated by Indiana Humanities and the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University. After an application period in early 2012, Kosciusko County was one of five communities in the state of Indiana to be selected for a Community Conversation. Kosciusko County also hosted a Community Conversation in 2010.

The program will be from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 30 at the Orthopaedic Capital Center, Grace College, 610 Wooster Rd., Winona Lake.

Gerry Dick, creator and host of Inside INdiana Business, will emcee the event. Speakers include community planning expert Aaron Renn, venture capitalist Aron Starosta and Jim Walker, a Warsaw-native and founder of Big Car in Indianapolis.

“We look forward to learning from experts with deep and broad knowledge and people with real-world experience about what helps communities compete for world-class talent,” said Suzie Light, executive director of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. “We think those presentations will lead to engaging conversations about our people, our community and our future.”

Local partners also include Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, Warsaw Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, Grace College and OrthoWorx.

“Kosciusko County has a promising future. However, community leaders know that it takes a strong vision to be successful in the 21st century,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities.

“This type of conversation, which explores best practices, encourages critical thinking and fosters civil dialogue, allows the entire community to shape that vision.”

Registration is available on the Warsaw Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce website.