FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2001
Conference on Development of Cooperatives in the Southeastern United States
(Columbia, SC) -The South Carolina State University (SCSU) Center for Rural Cooperative Business Development is leading a multi-institutional effort to organize a conference on Development of Cooperatives in the Southeastern United States. The conference will be held on October 29-30, 2001, at the White Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro, SC, and is being conducted as an activity for National Cooperative Month.
The purpose of the conference is to increase awareness among underrepresented rural communities about the benefits of membership in cooperatives. The program has been designed to enhance collaboration among farm and non-farm cooperatives in the southeastern United States. This conference should be of interest to members of all rural communities, members and staff of non-farm communities, state and federal government representatives, policy makers, and others.
Renowned national and regional leaders of cooperatives are being invited to share their perspectives on Cooperatives in 2020 and Steps in Developing a Cooperative. Four concurrent sessions will address Marketing by Small Farmers, Alternative Farming, Deregulation, and Small Business Development. In addition, a six-member panel from farm and non-farm cooperatives in the southeastern region is being invited to present Success Stories and help identify the essential ingredients for their success. Federal and state agencies, cooperatives and others interested in cooperatives are invited to share information through exhibits at no cost. The program is being finalized and should be available for dissemination in early September.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Lodging will be provided for a limited number of small farmers who pre-register at least two weeks before the conference. The registration fee of $10.00 includes all refreshments, two lunches and dinner on the first night. The fee should be included with the registration form.
For additional information or to request a registration form, please contact SCSU Center for Rural Cooperative Business Development Director, Dr. E. Onunkwo, at (803) 536-8843 or the Co-Director, Dr. S. Sureshwaran at (803) 536-8452.