Oklahoma Statewide Women in Agriculture & Small Business Conference

Managing Risk Successfully is the theme for the Fifth Annual Statewide Women in Agriculture & Small Business Conference on September 18th and 19th, 2008 at the Moore Norman Technology Center located on SW 134th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City. The conference is hosted by the USDA Risk Management Agency and the Great Plains Resource Conservation & Development in cooperation with a team of dedicated professionals and generous sponsors.

This conference will address personal, family, business and agriculture issues that present unique challenges to women. The focus of the breakouts will be on Agriculture, Business & Finance and Alternative Enterprises. These sessions will provide helpful information on regulations for food related business, agri-tourism, Quicken 2008 for farm financial records, Farm Bill information, stress management and many others that will assist women as they work to be successful in their endeavors.

Keynote speaker for Thursday and Friday will be Jolene Brown, Professional speaker, from West Branch, Iowa. Jolene’s Thursday topic “It’s a Jungle Out There!” will focus on economic risks, rules and regulations, animal welfare, global competition, technology trends, and much more! Jolene’s Friday topic “Who’s Hiding the Humor?” focuses on the benefits of having a positive sense of humor extend to better health, understanding of rural issues, and positive farm family relationships.

Jenifer Reynolds, Host of Discover Oklahoma will kick off the conference on Thursday morning sharing her experience and knowledge. Friday’s guest speaker Mike Klemme, the official Photographer of the Oklahoma Centennial will share from his amazing photographic collection, dubbed “Celebrating Oklahoma!” This collection beautifully illustrates the strength and joy that defines Oklahoma. Subjects include cities, small towns, farms, the state’s energy industry, landscapes, architecture, people, water, festivals and daily life.

An excellent networking opportunity will be offered during Thursday’s luncheon. Specific tables will be designated for discussions by topic or theme. Some topics will be facilitated by speakers from the breakout sessions others will focus on topics you have suggested. Everyone will have the freedom to choose a table for the luncheon and also the option of changing tables if desired. The planning committee encourages everyone to maximize this opportunity to share ideas, stories and learn from the experience of others! There will also be quiet tables and others available for last minute topics.

The “Taste of Oklahoma” evening reception will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Best Western Barsana Hotel & Suites Reception room. The reception will feature free wine tasting by an Oklahoma winery along with Oklahoma food products. Every conference participant is welcome to participate even if they are not staying at the designated hotel.

Educational Exhibits and a unique Made in Oklahoma Mini Mall will be available for attendees to visit during the conference breaks. This year’s breaks have been extended to thirty and forty-five minutes to allow attendees more networking and shopping time.

We are going GREEN this year by providing reusable shopping bags to all attendees along with many other free items that have been donated by our generous sponsors. Over $1,000 in door prizes will also be given away during the conference.

Early registration fee is $40 until September 5th, after that date the cost will be $45. Registration includes breaks, lunches, materials and Thursday’s evening “Taste of Oklahoma” reception. For more information contact the Great Plains RC&D office at (580) 832-3661 or visit us online at www.greatplainsrcd.org.

All programs and services of the Natural Resources Conservation Service are provided in a nondiscriminatory manner.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

< Back to the previous page