As a follow-up to his participation at the Aspen Design Summit, which was co-sponsored by AIGA and the Winterhouse Institute in November 2009, Sam is continuing to work with the 12-member Aspen team, led by Charlie Cannon, on Alabama Innovation Engine (AIE). AIE seeks to demonstrate how national design talent and resources can support rural economic development. The University of Alabama, Auburn University and AIE project manager Matthew Leavell are launching the project this fall and the Aspen team is working with the AIGA Birmingham chapter to determine the next steps for reaching out to the local design community to seek additional support and involvement.