The Western Colorado Economic Summit announced its lunch keynote address, “The Power & Responsibility of Place,” will be given by Ryan Short, CEO and co-founder of CivicBrand and the author of “The Civic Brand.”

According to a news release from the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, which hosts the summit April 23 at Colorado Mesa University, Short is a nationally recognized leader in place branding and civic identity. He has guided engagement-driven branding, place-making and destination-development initiatives in communities across the United States since 2008, guiding communities toward becoming more vibrant, equitable and lovable places.

Short has been published on Forbes.com and is also the host of the Eyes On The Street podcast, exploring the intersection of community, culture and design through conversations with civic leaders and change-makers.

In his keynote, Short will challenge leaders to rethink place branding not as marketing, but as a strategic tool that shapes policy, investment, governance and long-term economic direction, the news release said. Designed to move beyond inspiration, Short’s presentation will provide a practice framework and real-world case studies to equip leaders with tools they can apply immediately to strengthen their communities and act as regional ambassadors.

“Economic development doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it’s shaped by business owners, community leaders and the decisions they make every day. This is about recognizing the power they have and using it more intentionally,” Short said.

The Western Colorado Economic Summit previously announced the event will open with an Interactive Rural Economic Development Forum, featuring U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, the top Democrat contenders in Colorado’s election for governor this year.

Registration and agenda details for the summit are available at info.gjep.org/western-colorado-economic-summit.