FEATURES

The Edge
High-tech co-op delivers cutting-edge computer services
By Dan Campbell

Prospering in Rural America
Rural development issues in spotlight at Outlook Forum

By Dan Campbell

Ethanol plant to use new coal technology
By Stephen Thompson

Southern Exposure
Hazelnut Co-op sourcing product, members in South America

By Catherine Merlo

Dollywood East
Roanoke Electric Co-op key partner
in N.C. entertainment complex

By Steven Johnson

Co-op rendering operation
yields biodiesel & more

By Stephen Thompson

Mastering Co-op Management
Can managers build healthy businesses
based on co-op principles & values?

By Jane Livingston

LO’L sales hit $7.6 billion;
co-op earns $128 million



DEPARTMENTS

COMMENTARY
LEGAL CORNER
NEWSLINE
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INSIDE RURAL DEVELOPMENT


On the Cover:
Providing innovative information technology for its member electric and telecom
co-ops is the mission of NISC, formed in 2000 through the merger of two
technology co-ops. Photos courtesy NISC






Mike Johanns, Secretary of Agriculture
Thomas C. Dorr, Under Secretary, USDA Rural Development
Jack Gleason, Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Programs
Roberta D. Purcell, Deputy Administrator, USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Dan Campbell, Editor
Vision Integrated Marketing/KOTA, Design

Have a cooperative-related question?
Call (202) 720-6483, or
Fax (202) 720-4641, Information Director

RURAL COOPERATIVES (1088-8845) is published bimonthly by Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Stop 0705, Washington, DC. 20250-0705 The Secretary of Agriculture has determined that publication of this periodical is necessary in the transaction of public business required by law of the Department. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, DC. and additional mailing offices. Copies may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 20402, at $23 per year. Postmaster: send address change to: Rural Cooperatives, USDA/RBS, Stop 3255, Wash., DC 20250-3255.

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