Registration now open for 2012 National Value Added Conference!
The Michigan State University Product Center and American Farm Bureau have joined forces to co-host the 14th National Value Added Ag Conference in Traverse City, Michigan on June 24 to 26. This year there is a new focus on improving economic opportunities consistent with the scale and capacity of the community. Fostering civic infrastructure, strengthening the sustainability of agricultural production, and promoting value added products can create new opportunities for rural places. Participants will investigate how partnerships between economic development agencies, communities and businesses can enhance the quality of life for rural residents.
Farm Bureau staff and leaders will join Extension Specialists, Rural Development Specialists, Consultants and Service Providers, State Department of Agriculture Officials, Small Business Development Centers, Agricultural Innovation Centers, Cooperative Development Centers, and more at the conference.
Conference participants will have the opportunity to interact with innovative business owners and economic developers from throughout Michigan and around the US to discuss rural entrepreneurism, adding value to agricultural products, agritourism, and rural economic development. The Conference will include breakout sessions and tours to allow maximum interaction between participants and practitioners. The Agenda is available online.
Grand Traverse Resort
The Conference will be held on June 24th through 26th at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City, Michigan, in the heart of cherry country, along the shores of Lake Michigan. Traverse City is home to an increasingly varied and sophisticated culinary culture with a strong emphasis on local ingredients.
The conference registration fee of $150, due by June 10th, includes a Welcome Reception Sunday evening, lunch and dinner on Monday, and lunch on Tuesday. Use NV2012 as the group registration code to guarantee the room rate of $176.95 for the room, breakfast and resort fee. This rate is available as long as rooms are available. Visit the Conference Venue for more hotel information. Shuttle service is available from the Cherry Capital Airport. There are Resort Discounts available for golf, the golf academy and spa visits.
