News Release

Contact: Tim McNeilly, (202) 690-0498

USDA APPOINTS EDDIE BROWNING TO HEAD RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN ARIZONA

     WASHINGTON, August 31, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today appointed Eddie Browning as the Arizona State Director for USDA Rural Development.

     Browning, from Willcox, Ariz., is the Executive Director of the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. In that capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the chamber's tourism, economic and business, and 'Main Street' programs. In addition, Browning serves as the director of the Southeastern Arizona Center for Agribusiness Development.

     Browning has led economic and community development efforts in Willcox and southeastern Arizona as the Director of the Willcox Economic Development Group, Chairman of the Cochise County Tourism Council, and through his service on the Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission. He is a member of the Arizona Chamber Executives and serves on the Chamber's Board of Directors. He also is a member of the Arizona Association of Economic Development. Browning graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Arizona in 1975.

     USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs, and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development programs can be obtained by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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