The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has requested assistance from the Partners for Rural America (PRA) and the State Rural Development Councils to establish stronger partnerships with key institutions at the state and regional level and in encouraging communities to work together at the regional level.

• The convening will focus on USDA key priorities that are also critical issues facing the region.
• The goal of the convening is to address these issues with a local and regional strategy to promote the creation of new partnerships and regional collaboration
• enable regions to share “best practices”
• focus on utilizing regional partnerships to enhance rural program delivery; shape rural economic development policy
• Conference outcomes will become implementation plans for each region.
• Participation is key – this is an opportunity to ensure USDA hears local views
• Help PRA ensure the regional convening is a success

o Agree to attend the convening

o Help identify participants who need to be at the table

Convening date: May 4-5, 2010

Location: Concourse Hotel in Madison, WI

Conference Theme:   Regional Rural Economic Development, broken into three categories:

• Small Business Development (including entrepreneurship)
• Infrastructure (including energy and broadband)
• Tourism (including local food systems)

Detailed information on the date, location, and registration will be forthcoming.  If you have questions, please contact:

Sharon Gulick, Executive Director

Missouri Rural Development Partners (MRDP)

222 Gentry Hall, Columbia, Missouri  65211

Ph: 573-884-0669 Email: MORuralPartners[AT]gmail[DOT]com    Web: http://mrdp.net