USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR TO SPEAK AT M.A.C.B. CONFERENCE, REVIEW LOCAL FOODS PROGRAM

 WHAT:                    Business and Cooperatives Administrator for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Judith Canales will speak at the Michigan Association of Community Bankers conference on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 8 to 8:30 a.m.

Following her remarks, Canales will attend a gathering of the Food & Farming Network at Suttons Bay from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 

WHEN:                    Thursday,   Oct. 1, 2009.  Speech: 8 a.m.  Media availability: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.                                          

WHERE:                 Morning Speech:  Grand Traverse Resort.

                                 Local Foods Meeting:  Black Star Farms, 10844 E. Revold Rd., Suttons Bay  

PHOTOS/INTERVIEWS: 

                     Canales will be available to provide information on how USDA

                     Rural Development is supporting rural entrepreneurs in Michigan and will examine how the “local foods” movement is assisting Traverse City area growers, producers and residents by bringing fresh, nutritious food to local markets.         

CONTACT:             Alec Lloyd                                             

                                 USDA Rural Development (Michigan)

                                 (517) 324-5204