http://www.usda.gov/2009/07/0320.xml
Release No. 0320.09
Contact:
Office of Communication (202) 720-4623
CORRECTED PRESS RELEASE:
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES NAMING STATE DIRECTORS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2009 - The Obama Administration today continued naming individuals who will serve as State Director for Rural Development at the USDA.
"These individuals will be important advocates on behalf of rural communities in states throughout the country and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
IOWA
William Menner: Menner is currently the Executive Director for Poweshiek Iowa Development, where he manages, raises funds and develops strategy for a county-wide non-profit economic development organization. Since 2001, Menner has also been an Executive Director for Grinnell Renaissance where he managed the downtown development organization that made an impact on the Central Business District. Additionally, Menner has been an Executive Director for the Grinnell Tourism Group since 2003 where he manages advertising, organizes community celebrations, develops strategies for increasing local tourism and led a ballot initiative to increase hotel-motel tax. Menner also served as the Senior Program Director to the State Public Policy Group, Inc from 1998-2001 as well accumulating 24 years of public radio experience. He has dedicated many years of service to various boards and committees in Iowa that are committed to innovation and development. Menner holds a master's degree in political science and a bachelor's degree in journalism, both earned from Ohio State University.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Elsie Meeks: Elsie Meeks is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, and was recently the CEO/President of First Nations Oweesta Corporation (OWEESTA) a subsidiary of First Nations Development Institute. OWEESTA provides investment capital, technical assistance and training to help Native communities develop community development financial institutions. Meeks has over 20 years experience working for Native community economic development. Prior to her leadership and work at OWEESTA, she was active for 15 years in the development and management of The Lakota Fund, a small business and microenterprise development loan fund on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Meeks has served on and chaired numerous boards, including the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights where she was the first Native American to serve on the Commission. Meeks attended Oglala Lakota College for General Studies.
USDA's Rural Development administers and manages over 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of over $114 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.
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