Conference Objectives

The purpose of the Strengthening and Building Partnerships for Workforce Development Conference is to bring together partners, both public and private, in a venue for sharing best practice models of workforce development collaborations. These models will explore the importance of diversity in the workplace, apply the multiple roles of Federal, State, and local agencies and organizations in the advancement of workforce preparation, and showcase success stories of workforce preparation through innovation and research. This conference will provide an opportunity for participants to meet with colleagues at the national, regional, state, and local levels in order to exchange information and identify emerging workforce development issues. The scope of the issues will encompass preparation for entry into the workforce and maintaining a career in a workplace that is constantly in transition.

Hotel Accommodations

The conference will be held at the Orlando Airport Marriott located at 7499 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL 32822. A block of rooms has been reserved in the name of "Southern Rural Development Center." Rates are $109 single/double if booked by the priority date of Monday, February 10, 2003. The hotel will accept reservations three days before and three days after based upon availability. Participants should make their own reservations by calling the hotel directly at 407-851-9000 or by calling the Marriott Central Reservations at 1-800-766-6752.

Registration Information and Fees

Registration is limited to the first 200 paid registrants. Fees are as follows:

Early Registration: February 10--$200
Final Registration: February 26--$250

This fee covers three continental breakfasts, 2 luncheons, heavy hors d'oeuvre reception, morning and afternoon breaks, and on-site conference materials.

Checks should be made payable to the SRDC. Registration refunds will be made for cancellations made three working days prior to the conference. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Bonnie Teater at the SRDC.

To register by fax
Print the registration form, complete it, include purchase order or credit card information and fax to Bonnie Teater at (662) 325-8915.

To register by mail
Print the registration form, complete it, and return it with a check, money order, purchase order or credit card information. Make checks payable to Southern Rural Development Center (Federal ID # 64-6000819).

Mail to: Southern Rural Development Center, Box 9656, Mississippi State, MS 39762.

Conference Planning Committee

Bo Beaulieu, Southern Rural Development Center
Smith Covey, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)
Beth Buehlmann/Karen Elzey, U.S. Chamber of Commerce/Center for Workforce Preparation
Cornelia Flora, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development
Natalie Ferry, Pennsylvania State University
Dave Grusenmeyer, Cornell University
John Beverly/Larry Ludwig, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of National Programs
Pam Peters, U.S. Department of Labor / Office of Small Business and Outreach
Karen Shirer, Michigan State University
Bonnie P. Teater, Southern Rural Development Center
Carolyn Teich, American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
Jim Terry, USDA, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
Charles Whitaker, USDA, Office of Outreach
Rick Williams, Montana State University

The conference agenda can be found at http://srdc.msstate.edu/workforce/agenda.htm.