Subscribe to NewsSeptember 21, 2007
KSU - The Center For Engagement & Community Development Receives USDA Rural Development Funding Approval
University's "Business Enhancement for Rural Grocery Stores" Program Benefits
David Procter, director of the Center for Engagement & Community Development, accepts the $50,000 check from the USDA.
Manhattan, KS - State Director Chuck Banks today presented Kansas State University's Center for Engagement & Community Development with a ceremonial check for $50,000 in Agency funding approved under the USDA's Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program. The Center for Engagement & Community Development will utilize the Rural Business Opportunity Grant funds to assist with their "Business Enhancement for Rural Grocery Stores" program.
"USDA Rural Development is committed to investing in the future of Kansas," commented State Director Banks in his announcement remarks. "Working together with KSU and local communities, the Agency can bring new economic opportunities, resulting in an improved quality of life for rural Kansans."
Dr. Procter, Director of The Center for Engagement & Community Development said, "We are very pleased to receive this USDA Rural Business Opportunity grant to assist Kansas rural grocery stores. Rural grocery store sustainability is important for both economic and nutrition reasons. This funding will help rural grocers state-wide through the creation of resources and a communication network for store owners."
USDA Rural Development Rural Business Opportunity Grants help sustain economic development in communities with exceptional needs by supporting their economic planning, technical assistance and business training costs.
During today's announcement, State Director Banks thanked the Kansas Congressional Delegation for their continued support of the Agency's Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program, along with the many other USDA Rural Development programs. "Over the past six years, the Agency's Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program has contributed over $278,000 in added growth to the Sunflower State's economy. This represents 265 jobs created and/or saved in communities across Kansas," remarked Banks.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for rural Americans. As a venture capital entity, USDA Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America. Since 2001, USDA Rural Development has delivered over $1 billion for Kansas covering all Agency programs, supporting well over $5 billion in future economic development for the Sunflower State.
For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, interested parties may call the Agency's state headquarters at 785-271-2700 or log onto the state's USDA Rural Development website.
USDA Rural Development - Committed to the Future of Rural Communities.
Contact:Harold Alford
Public Information Coordinator
Committed to the future of rural communities
harold.alford@ks.usda.gov
785-271-2701