Rural Issues Forum to be Held September 23

September 17, 2004

The Southeast Colorado Rural Issues Forum will be held Thursday, September 23, at the Kiowa County Fairgrounds Community Building beginning at 8:45 a.m. with registration and continental breakfast. The day concludes at 3:30 p.m.

Through the generosity and sponsorship of Arkansas Valley Area Marketing Coalition, Southern Colorado Economic Development District and Southeastern Colorado Power Association the event will be free to attendees and will include a complimentary breakfast, beverages, and lunch! Be sure to RSVP! For more information and to RSVP contact Sophie Faust at 303-866-4918 or sophie.faust@state.co.us

Join us for an interactive learning experience on the following topics: *Value Added Agriculture – Adding value to what we produce. A discussion of why and how a community should look at value added agriculture. *Tourism and Entrepreneurship – A discussion about regional tourism opportunities for southeastern Colorado and initiatives already underway in the region. *Financial and Technical Assistance – A discussion about resources to assist communities in their development efforts. *Beyond Surviving – Tools to not just survive as a community, but THRIVE!! A discussion of how to engage citizens in community organizing, revitalize your community pride, and promote your community both within and outside of the community.

Presenters will include: Judy Walden, Colorado University Center for Sustainable Tourism; Darlene Scott, Office of Economic Development and International Trade,

Southeast Region Business Development Representative; Jim Rubingh, Department of Agriculture, Division of Markets Director.

Plan now to attend this worthwhile meeting and be sure go get your RSVP in to Sophie Faust.