Tim McNeilly, (202) 690-0498
tmcneill@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

USDA APPOINTS JOLINDA LACLAIR TO HEAD RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN VERMONT

     WASHINGTON, April 27, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today appointed Jolinda H. LaClair as the Vermont/New Hampshire State Director for USDA Rural Development.

     LaClair, from Middlesex, Vt., has served as the State Director for U.S. Senator James M. Jeffords since 1991. Her responsibilities included managing the Senator’s state offices, issue management, and outreach to local communities. She also served as Jeffords’ Office Manager during his service in the U.S. House of Representatives. From 1989 to 1990, she served as the Director of Congressional Relations for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

     LaClair serves on the Board of Directors for the Vermont Council on Rural Development, and is the Chair for the U-32 Middle School Parents Advisory Committee. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Vermont.

     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 www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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