An impassioned advocate for communities and local businesses, Ellen brings a blend of deep expertise, thoughtful analysis, and wry humor. She has presented on the importance of community empowerment and economic localism at conferences and universities across the United States, and she has trained dozens of communities in her methods. She is a frequent and trusted source of information for city officials and economic development professionals as well as journalists, podcasters, and documentary filmmakers. In her training sessions, Ellen offers inspiring stories, practical strategies, and hands-on tools from the many communities in which she has worked.