Topics ranging from regional transportation to strategic regional branding will be addressed during the Regional Leaders Retreat Friday and Saturday.

The two-day retreat involving the Junction City, Manhattan, and Wamego Chambers of Commerce will be held at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center.

An Economic Development Leader from the Omaha, Nebraska firm, Olsson Associates, Courtney Dunbar will serve as the facilitator.

Other focus areas will include workforce / target industries, thriving collaboration, and community preparedness.

Speakers will range from the Executive Director of the Flint Hills Regional Task Force Bill Clark to Deputy Commanding General, 1st Infantry  Division, Fort Riley, Colonel ( P ) Frank Muth.

Manhattan Regional Airport Director Peter Van Kuren, MPO and Flint Hills Regional Council Transportation Planner Stephanie Watts, Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency Executive Director Anne Smith,  Flint Hills Regional Council Planner Jeff Adams, plus Lisa Sisley and Kristin Brighton of the New Boston Creative Group are among the scheduled speakers at the Retreat.

KJCK AM, The Talk of JC, will provide coverage from the Retreat both days, beginning with the first report at 11:22 a.m. on Friday. Reports will air during the mid-day and afternoon hours on Friday, and again Saturday morning.