Purdue News
Purdue News
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February 3, 2004 Agri-tourism workshops offer Hoosiers profitable ideasWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Agri-tourism workshops, sponsored by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension, will offer advice and new information on the development, marketing and promotion of Indiana farms as tourist destinations. "There is a tremendous opportunity in Indiana to profit from our unique rural resources as a tourism destination," said Roy Ballard, Purdue University Cooperative Extension educator in Floyd County. "From the orchards and vineyards in Starlight to the blueberries in northwest Indiana, and everything in between, there is a rich experience offered to tourists, which is complemented by Hoosier hospitality." Ballard said that agri-tourism entrepreneurs first must have the proper tools and planning to successfully market and profit from any new farm product or rural enterprise. These tools and much more will be provided during the annual agri-tourism workshops to be held at five Indiana sites. The conference dates and locations include: * Feb. 23, Hornaday Park, located on State Rd. 56 W in Petersburg, Ind. * Feb. 26, Jennings County Public Library, located at 2375 N. State Road 3 in North Vernon, Ind. * Mar. 2, Pulaski County Highway Garage, 1131 N. U.S. 35 in Winamac, Ind. * Mar. 4, Cerutis Conference Center, 615 Professional Way in Kendallville, Ind. * Mar. 9, Center for Agricultural Science & Heritage, 1201 E. 38th St. in Indianapolis. The seminars will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn by 4 p.m. Sessions include: information on new support at the state level for agri-tourism; liability and risk management issues; how to assess your farm or other rural enterprise from a business perspective; and business planning and funding sources. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with support resources from their areas, such as local convention/visitors bureau personnel, Purdue Extension experts and others. Cost for the conference is $25, which includes a box lunch. There is a registration form available online or by contacting the Hoosier Heartland Resource, Conservation and Development office, (800) 440-7536, ext. 395, or by mail at Hoosier Heartland RC&D Agri-tourism Conference, 5995 Lakeside Blvd., Suite B, Indianapolis, Ind. 46278. The deadline to register for each session is Feb. 16. For more information on the conferences contact Ballard at the Purdue Extension Office in Floyd County at (812) 948-5470, rballard@purdue.edu. Purdue Extension is one of the conference planning partners for the agri-tourism workshops. Writer: Meggie Issler, (765) 494-8402; agnews-stories@purdue.edu Source: Roy Ballard, (812) 948-5470; rballard@purdue.edu Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu Related Web sites:
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