Center News Releases

REAP Holding Community Informational Meeting in Gibbon

Elisha Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:54:25 +0000

Release Date:

07/06/2009

Contact(s):

Nancy Flock, nancyf@cfra.org, REAP Business Specialist, Phone: (308) 534-3508

Note: You will find the information in Spanish at the end of this release

Lyons, Nebraska - On Wednesday, July 15, 2009 Nancy Flock, Business Specialist with the Center for Rural Affairs' Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) will hold an informational community meeting at the Gibbon Public Library in Gibbon, Nebraska located at 116 La Barre. Nancy will discuss entrepreneurship, and services of REAP and the Hispanic Business Center from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in Spanish.

The Center for Rural Affairs' REAP program provides lending, training, networking, and technical assistance opportunities for startup and existing small businesses.

"If you have your own business or are thinking about starting one, please join us for the opportunity to network with others and learn more about REAP," commented Flock. "Networking and knowledge are important in business. This meeting will provide the opportunity to network while learning about a small business resource that is available for Hispanic Nebraskan's in rural communities."

For more information, contact: Nancy Flock, REAP Hispanic Business Specialist at (308)-534-3508 or nancyf@cfra.org

More information about REAP can be found at www.cfra.org/reap. The Center for Rural Affairs receives funding for REAP from the Nebraska Microenterprise Development Act, Community Development Block Grants through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Small Business Administration, United States Department of Agriculture and other sources.

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El Proyecto de Asistencia Empresarial Rural (REAP) es un proyecto del Centro de Asuntos Rurales, para el desarrollo de pequeños negocios. REAP consiste en cuatro elementos: Trabajar en Red, Capacitación para la grenecia de negocios, Créditos y Asistencia Técnica.

Si usted tiene su propio negocio o un deseo a comenzar uno, REAP se complace en invitarlo a una junta el 15 de Julio a las 6 de la tarde en la biblioteca de Gibbon para informarse de los servicios que REAP Centro de Negocios Hispanos ofrece para el desarollo de pequeños negocios y la oportunidad a trabajar en red. "Establecimiento de una red y el conocimiento de recursos es importante en el negocio. Ésta es una reunión que ofrece la oportunidad a formar un red y aprender sobre un recurso para pequeñas empresas que está disponible para Hispános en comunidades rurales en Nebraska". comento Nancy Flock, REAP Especialista de Negocios.

Para mayor información comuníquese con: Nancy Flock, REAP Especialista de Negocios (308)-534-3508 o nancyf@cfra.org

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Scottsbluff Holding REAP Office Hours

Elisha Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:45:34 +0000

Release Date:

07/06/2009

Contact(s):

Nancy Flock, nancyf@cfra.org, REAP Business Specialist, Phone: (308) 534-3508

Lyons, Nebraska - On Wednesday, July 22, Nancy Flock, Business Specialist with the Center for Rural Affairs' Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Hispanic Business Center (HBC), will hold office hours in Scottsbluff. Hours will be 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Guadalupe Center located at 1200 East 9th St.

The Center for Rural Affairs' REAP HBC program provides lending, training, networking and technical assistance opportunities for start up and existing Hispanic small businesses.

"Business planning is crucial during tough economic times and by making an appointment for a meeting they could have access to one-on-one assistance," commented Flock. "This is an opportunity to learn more about the services REAP HBC offers. Entrepreneurs can also learn more about training opportunities available and be able to provide input on trainings they would like to see available."

Flock will provide information in Spanish about the REAP HBC and will meet with Hispanics who are interested in starting their own business or currently are in business.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Nancy Flock, REAP Hispanic Business Specialist at 308.534.3508 or nancyf@cfra.org

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El Miércoles 22 de Julio, Nancy Flock, Especialista de Negocios con el Proyecto de Asistencia Empresarial Rural (REAP), Centro de Negocios Hispános (HBC), presenta horas de oficina en Scottsbluff.

Las horas serán de las 2 de la tarde hasta 7 de la tarde en el Centro de Guadalupe situado en 1200 9th St. Citas se pueden hacer llamando (308) 534-3508 o por correo electronico.

El Proyecto de Asistencia Empresarial Rural (REAP) es un proyecto del Centro de Asuntos Rurales, para el desarrollo de pequeños negocios. REAP consiste en cuatro elementos: Trabajar en Red, Capacitación para la grenecia de negocios, Créditos y Asistencia Técnica.

La "planificación de empresas es crucial durante épocas económicas resistentes y haciendo una cita para una reunión podrían tener acceso a asistencia individual para su negocio. Tambien es una oportunidad de aprender sobre los servicios que ofrece REAP HBC y las oportunidades de entrenamiento disponibles y poder dar opinión en entrenamientos que quisieran ver disponible," comento Flock

Flock presenta la información individualmente sobre REAP y HBC en Español con a Hispanos que están interesados en comenzar su propio negocio o están actualmente en negocio.

Para más información o para obtener su sita comuníquese con Nancy Flock REAP Especialista de Negocios en 308.534.3508 o nancyf@cfra.org

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Iowa Small Business Supports Health Care Reform

Elisha Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:34:53 +0000

Release Date:

06/30/2009

Contact(s):

John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs, (563) 581-2867

Lyons, NE - A recent survey conducted by the Small Business Majority found that 70% of Iowa small businesses say health care reform is important to getting the economy on track. And 85% of those Iowa small businesses not offering health insurance say they cannot afford to, while 52% of those who do offer it say they are struggling to do so.

On Tuesday, July 7th at 10:00 a.m. CDT, the Small Business Majority will release their survey of Iowa small business owners' attitudes regarding health care reform. Organizational experts, including John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority, and Jon Bailey, Rural Research and Analysis Director for the Center for Rural Affairs, will comment in further detail on the survey results and take questions from media on a media conference call officially releasing the results at 10:00 a.m. CDT, on July 7th. An Iowa farmer and rural small business owner will also be available for comment and questions on the call.

Members of the media are asked to contact John Crabtree (johnc@cfra.org or 563.581.2867) or Elisha Smith (elishas@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 ext 1007) to RSVP and obtain additional information about the media conference call.

A full copy of the survey results and accompanying report can be viewed and downloaded at files.cfra.org/pdf/Iowa_research_report_62209.pdf .

Key Findings

Iowa small business owners view access to health insurance as a significant barrier to entrepreneurship, see reform as necessary and important to getting the economy back on track, and see themselves as part of the solution, working together with the federal government, insurers and providers. Other key findings include:

The number one concern for Iowa small business owners in health care reform is controlling costs, followed by having coverage that is guaranteed and covers everybody.

85% of those businesses not offering health insurance say they can't afford to, while 52% of those who do offer it say they are struggling to do so.

84% of small businesses want to eliminate preexisting condition rules, and 76% see these rules as a barrier to starting a business.

70% say health care reform is important to getting the economy back on track.

69% support the choice of a private or public health insurance plan.

54% say their company has a responsibility to provide health coverage for its employees.

Small Business Majority is a leading national small business advocacy organization focused on health care reform. The organization conducts original scientific research exploring the experiences and opinions of small business owners about health care reform throughout the nation, and projects this voice to policymakers through a network of small business spokespeople.

The Center for Rural Affairs (www.cfra.org) was established in 1973 by rural Nebraskans concerned about family farms and rural communities, and we work to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Nebraska Small Business Supports Health Care Reform

Elisha Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:24:52 +0000

Release Date:

06/30/2009

Contact(s):

John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Lyons, NE - A recent survey conducted by the Small Business Majority found that 63% of Nebraska small businesses say health care reform is important to getting the economy on track. And 82% of those Nebraska small businesses not offering health insurance say they cannot afford to, while 72% of those who do offer it say they are struggling to do so.

On Tuesday, July 7th at 10:00 a.m. CDT, the Small Business Majority will release their survey of Nebraska small business owners' attitudes regarding health care reform. Organizational experts, including John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority, and Jon Bailey, Rural Research and Analysis Director for the Center for Rural Affairs, will comment in further detail on the survey results and take questions from media on a media conference call officially releasing the results at 10:00 a.m. CDT, on July 7th. A Nebraska farmer and rural small business owner will also be available for comment and questions on the call.

Members of the media are asked to contact John Crabtree (johnc@cfra.org or 563.581.2867) or Elisha Smith (elishas@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 ext 1007) to RSVP and obtain additional information about the media conference call.
A full copy of the survey results and accompanying report can be viewed and downloaded at files.cfra.org/pdf/Nebraska_research_report_62609.pdf

Key Findings

Nebraska small business owners view access to health insurance as a significant barrier to entrepreneurship, see reform as necessary and important to getting the economy back on track, and see themselves as part of the solution, working together with the federal government, insurers and providers. Other key findings include:

    * The number one concern for Nebraska small business owners in health care reform is controlling costs, followed by having coverage that is guaranteed and covers everybody.

    * 82% of those businesses not offering health insurance say they can't afford to, while 72% of those who do offer it say they are struggling to do so.

    * 80% of small businesses want to eliminate preexisting condition rules, and 63% see these rules as a barrier to starting a business.

    * 63% say health care reform is important to getting the economy back on track.

    * 70% support the choice of a private or public health insurance plan.

    * 51% say their company has a responsibility to provide health coverage for its employees.

Small Business Majority is a leading national small business advocacy organization focused on health care reform. The organization conducts original scientific research exploring the experiences and opinions of small business owners about health care reform throughout the nation, and projects this voice to policymakers through a network of small business spokespeople.

The Center for Rural Affairs (www.cfra.org) was established in 1973 by rural Nebraskans concerned about family farms and rural communities, and we work to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

Back to News Releases.

The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Computer Basics Workshops Coming to Northeast Nebraska

Elisha Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:10:41 +0000

Release Date:

06/29/2009

Contact(s):

Adriana Dungan, REAP HBC Director, adungan@msn.com, Phone: (402) 494-1013

Note: You will find the information in Spanish at the end of this release

Lyons, Nebraska - Two Computer Basics Workshops will be offered in July by the Center for Rural Affairs' Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Hispanic Business Center in partnership with the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension, Northeast Community College, and the Wakefield Gardner Public Library. The workshops will be located in West Point and Wakefield.

The classes will be conducted in Spanish. Topics involved include how to operate a mouse, open and close files and programs, create an email address, use the internet, protect a computer against viruses, and how to use Microsoft Word.

"These classes will help business owners get more familiar with the use of a computer," commented Adriana Dungan, Center for Rural Affairs. "One of our goals is to increase the use of computers within the business to help business owners with their record keeping."

What: Computer Basics Workshops in Spanish

When and Where:
July 7, 9 and 10, 2009
Northeast Community College Campus
West Point, Nebraska
202 Anna Stalp Ave.
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
(Registration Deadline is July 6, 2009)

July 14, 16 & 17
Gardner Public Library
Wakefield, Nebraska
114 W 3rd
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
(Registration deadline is July 13, 2009)

For more information, contact Adriana Dungan, adrianad@cfra.org or 402.494.1013.

The Center for Rural Affairs' REAP program provides lending, training, networking, and technical assistance opportunities for startup and existing small businesses.

More information about REAP can be found at www.cfra.org/reap. The Center for Rural Affairs receives funding for REAP from the Nebraska Microenterprise Development Act, Community Development Block Grants through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Small Business Administration, United States Department of Agriculture and other sources.

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DESPLEGADO DE PRENSA
Del Centro para Asuntos Rurales - Junio 29, 2009

Contacte a: Adriana Dungan, Directora del Centro de Negocios Hispanos de REAP, adungan@msn.com, Teléfono: (402) 494-1013

Cursos de Computación Básica en el Noreste de Nebraska
Los Cursos Serán En Dos Localidades Completamente en Español

Lyons, Nebraska - Dos Cursos de Compuatción Básica serán ofrecidos durante el mes de Julio por el Centro de Negocios Hispanos del Proyecto de Asistencia a la Microempresa Rural (REAP) del Centro Para Asuntos Rurales y en conjución con la Oficina de Extensión de la Universidad de Nebraska (UNL-Extension), el Colegio Comunitario del Noreste (Northeast Community College) y la Biblioteca Pública Gardner de Wakefield, (Gardner Public Library). Los cursos serán ofrecidos en West Point y Wakefield.

Las clases serán impartidas en Español. Algunos de los temas a tratar serán, como usar el ratón, como abrir y cerrar archivos y programas, como crear un correo electrónico, como usar el Internet, como usar el programa Word y como proteger su computadora contra viruses.

"Estas clases ayudarán a los dueños de negocios a sentirse más familiarizados con el uso de la computadora" comentó Adriana Dungan del Centro Para Asuntos Rurales. "Una de nuestras metas es incrementar el uso de la computadora en el manejo del Negocio, esto ayudará a Dueños de Negocios con el control y manejo del mismo."

Cursos de Computación Básica en Español

Cuando y Donde:
Julio 7, 9 y 10, 2009
Campus del Northeast Community College
West Point, Nebraska
202 Anna Stalp Ave.
De 6:00 a 9:00 p.m.
(Fecha límite de Registración es el 6 de Julio, 2009)

Julio 14, 16 y 17
Gardner Public Library
Wakefield, Nebraska
114 W 3rd
De 6:00 a 8:00 p.m.
(Fecha límite de Registración es el 13 de Julio, 2009)

Para mayor información contacte a: Adriana Dungan, al 402.494.1013 o en el correo electrónico: adrianad@cfra.org.

El Programa REAP del Centro de Asuntos Rurales (Center for Rural Affairs) provee préstamos, capacitación, conexión en red y asistencia técnica para negocios que van iniciando o para los ya exitentes.

Para mayor información acerca del Programa REAP vaya a la página de Internet: www.cfra.org/reap. El Centro de Asuntos Rurales recibe fondos para el Programa REAP de las siguientes organizaciones: Nebraska Microenterprise Development Act, Community Development Block Grants a través del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico, La Administración de Pequeños Negocios de Los Estados Unidos y el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos, entre otros.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Uninsured Farm and Ranch Families Feel Pinch of Health Care Costs

Elisha Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:46:17 +0000

Release Date:

06/25/2009

Contact(s):

John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs or, Jon Bailey, jonb@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Lyons, NE - A new report released Wednesday, June 24 by The Access Project found that farm and ranch operators, like many self-employed Americans, cannot afford the cost of health insurance offered to small business owners. While family farmers and ranchers are insured at a rate higher than the general population, still one in ten (10%) was uninsured, or had an uninsured family member, sometime during the previous year.

The report, Who is Uninsured? is based on data gathered through the 2007 survey of farm and ranch operators in seven Great Plains states. The report found that uninsured farm and ranch operators were more likely to say that their principal occupation was farming or ranching than their insured counterparts. They also had lower incomes and were more likely to live alone.

"Those most reliant on income derived from the family farm or ranch are least likely to be able to afford private health insurance," said Carol Pryor, lead author of the report and Policy Director at The Access Project. "This threatens both their health and their livelihoods. Washington must act to develop alternatives to a private market that is unwilling or unable to provide affordable protection to the self employed and small business owners."

The survey found that more than one-third of the uninsured farm and ranch operators spent more than 10% of their income on health care costs. They were also four times more likely to have incomes under $20,000 than those with insurance.

The Access Project's report is the fifth in a series of issue briefs based on a 2007 survey of farm and ranch operators in seven Great Plains states: Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Access Project and its partners at Brandeis University and the University of North Dakota School of Medicine's Center for Rural Health contracted with the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service to survey more than 2,000 non-corporate farm and ranch operators (those operating as sole proprietors or partnerships).

The report finds that uninsured farmers and ranchers face much greater barriers to getting care and suffer higher levels of financial hardship than those with insurance. They delayed needed care more than twice as frequently as those with insurance - more than a third of the uninsured delayed care (34%) versus 15% of the insured. Compared to the insured, the uninsured were also more likely to:

    * Draw down resources, such as withdrawing money from savings or taking out loans, to pay for health care (40% vs. 25%);

    * Spend more than ten percent of their income on health care (34% vs. 29%);

    * Report that health care costs contributed to financial problems (32% vs. 22%);

    * Accrue medical debt (32% versus 16%).

While these figures demonstrate the challenges faced by uninsured farm and ranch operators, they cannot describe the fear and frustration they face. Isa Kirk, who owns a horse ranch in South Dakota with her husband Jack, was uninsured when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. It was only because she was able to get coverage from All Women Count, a program run by the South Dakota Department of Health, and from Medicaid, that she was able to afford care. She said, "If not for All Women Count, Jack and I might have lost our home, ranch and livelihood due to medical bills." But now that she no longer qualifies for those programs, she is once again uninsured. She said, "We are determined to continue to live a healthy lifestyle and have faith, since it seems very unlikely for me to obtain health coverage, at least affordable coverage."

Jon Bailey, Director of Rural Research and Analysis at the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons Nebraska, noted that plans to reform the health care system nationally must take into account the needs of rural businesses and communities. "Health reform that continues to rely solely on the private insurance market and attempts to strengthen employer-provided insurance, no matter how regulated or reformed, will be irrelevant to a large number of rural people. If you want farmers to continue growing the food for our families, and if you want rural communities to thrive, then availability of affordable and quality health insurance must be effectively addressed."

The findings from this report raise questions regarding the availability and affordability of health insurance coverage, especially for those families without access to employer-based coverage. Their lack of insurance may not only put their health at risk, but also their businesses. The Access Project urges policymakers, as they work to reform our nation's health care system, to consider options for expanding the availability of comprehensive insurance coverage and ensuring that this coverage is affordable for lower income families.

The full report is available online at: www.cfra.org/files/AccessProject-2007-Health-Insurance-FarmRanchSurvey.pdf

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

National Debate over Health Care Reform comes to Harvey

Elisha Smith — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:10:44 +0000

Release Date:

06/19/2009

Contact(s):

Steph Larsen, StephL@cfra.org, (402) 687-2103 ext. 1014

Harvey, ND - The Center for Rural Affairs will host a breakfast health care forum on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, in Harvey, ND at 8:00 am.

Community members will have the opportunity to speak their mind on health care and hear from others about efforts to reform the broken elements of America's health care system. Participants will have an informal conversation with Center for Rural Affairs staff about the greatest health care needs in rural North Dakota and discuss how their experiences fit into the health reform currently moving through Congress. Refreshments will be provided.

"Our current health care system is not working for rural America," commented Steph Larsen, Center for Rural Affairs. "Too often farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners as well as their employees are forced to purchase coverage they cannot afford. Without adequate, affordable health care, farms, ranches, and mainstreet businesses struggle, rural economic development fails, and rural communities suffer."

What: A Breakfast Health Care Forum

When:
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Breakfast Health Care Forum - 8:00 am

Where:
St. Aloisius Medical Center
Presentation Center
325 East Brewster St.
Harvey, ND

Please RSVP to Steph Larsen at (402) 687-2100 or StephL@cfra.org.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Montana Talks Health Care

Elisha Smith — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:06:41 +0000

Release Date:

06/17/2009

Contact(s):

Steph Larsen, StephL@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Hamilton, MT - The Center for Rural Affairs along with 18 other organizations will host nine health care reform town meetings on Monday, June 29, 2009, across the state of Montana.

Montana residents will have the opportunity to speak their mind on health care and hear from others dealing with a broken health care system. Participants will learn the latest health care reform proposals and their status.

Steph Larsen, policy organizer with the Center for Rural Affairs, said, "The debate over the future of our health care system is in full swing and Senator Max Baucus is at the center of that debate. Health care reform must address the unique needs of rural communities. In order for that to happen, rural people must speak up and let Sen. Baucus know what rural Montanans think."

Several communities across the state will be linked by teleconference bringing together ordinary Montanans to lend their voice to health care reform. The event will begin at 6:00 pm.

What: A statewide forum on health care reform in rural America

When and Where:
Monday June, 29, 2009
6:00 pm

Teleconference Locations Include:

Billings
MSU Billings Downtown
214 N. Broadway

Bozeman
Burns Center
108 & 126

Great Falls
Benefis East, Classroom 5
1101 26th St. S.

Havre
MSU Northern
300 11th St. W

Helena
College of Technology, Room 208
1115 N. Roberts St.

Kalispell
Flathead Valley Community College
LC 120
777 Grandview Drive

Libby
Lincoln County Campus, Room 215
225 Commerce Way

Miles City
Miles City Community College
2715 Dickenson Street

Missoula
University of Montana
Galagher 104

RSVP for the event in your community at http://action.acscan.org/mttownmeeting or for more information call (406)-373-8490.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

National Debate over Health Care Reform comes to Mandan

Elisha Smith — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:02:32 +0000

Release Date:

06/17/2009

Contact(s):

Steph Larsen, StephL@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Mandan, ND - The Center for Rural Affairs will host a health care forum and leadership training on Monday, June 29, 2009, in Mandan, ND.

Community residents will have the opportunity to speak their mind on health care and hear from others about efforts to reform the broken elements of America's health care system. Participants will learn the latest health care reform proposals and their status, learn skills to influence legislators and learn how to use the media effectively. Food will be provided at 5:30 pm for training participants.

"Our current health care system is not working for rural America," commented Steph Larsen, Center for Rural Affairs. "Too often farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners as well as their employees are forced to purchase coverage they cannot afford. Without adequate, affordable health care, farms, ranches, and mainstreet businesses struggle, rural economic development fails, and rural communities suffer."

What: A Health Care Forum & Leadership Training

When:
Monday June 29, 2009
Health Care Forum - 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Leadership Training - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Where:
Mandan Community Center
901 Division Street, Poolside Room
Mandan, ND

Please RSVP to Steph Larsen at (402) 687-2100 or StephL@cfra.org. For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

National Debate over Health Care Reform comes to Hillsboro

Elisha Smith — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:02:56 +0000

Release Date:

06/17/2009

Contact(s):

Steph Larsen, StephL@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Hillsboro, ND - The Center for Rural Affairs will host a health care forum on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, in Hillsboro, ND.

Community residents will have the opportunity to speak their mind on health care and hear from others dealing with a broken health care system. Participants will learn the latest health care reform proposals and their status, learn skills to influence legislators and learn how to use the media effectively. Food will be provided at 5:30pm for training participants.

"Our current health care system is not working for rural America," said Steph Larsen, Center for Rural Affairs. "Too often farmers and rural small businesses are forced to purchase coverage they cannot afford. Without adequate health care, rural communities suffer."

What: A Health Care Forum & Leadership Training

When:
Tuesday June 30, 2009
Health Care Forum - 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Leadership Training - 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Where:
Hillsboro Community Center
19 S. Main Street
Hillsboro, ND

Please RSVP to Steph Larsen at (402) 687-2100 or StephL@cfra.org. For more information visit: www.cfra.org

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Learning to Lead Program a Success in Northeast Nebraska

Elisha Smith — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:02:34 +0000

Release Date:

06/15/2009

Contact(s):

Stephanie Fritz, stephanief@cfra.org, Phone: (402) 687-2103 ext. 1021

LYONS, NE - A leadership program that recently concluded is going to be replicated in other Northeast Nebraska communities.

The successful Learning to Lead in Cedar County Program concluded on May 26. The program consisted of eight classes which provided leadership skills and economic development insights.

Program participants agreed that the opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills is important, and strong leadership skills are an integral part in maintaining a successful community. "I was especially impressed by the Economic and Demographics Trends report that we discussed," commented Diann Ballard, Economic Developer from Pender. "Our small towns and counties have so much to offer but so many of our people don't share in the vision. These classes help everyone to see what we can do to foster entrepreneurial leadership and innovation to produce positive outcomes for our communities."

The Learning to Lead series of classes provided local and regional participants the chance to learn about themselves, others, leadership skills, and economic development.

Organizers cited a strong partnership between UNL Extension, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Rural Development Commission, USDA Rural Development & Housing Services and the Center for Rural Affairs as critical to bring these leadership programs to Hartington and Northeast Nebraska. "These classes encourage individuals develop not only their leadership skills but also their confidence in becoming more involved in their communities," stated Carla Becker, Economic Development Coordinator for Hartington.

"As a result of the Learning to Lead in Cedar County Program, we found a need and an intense desire to further develop strong leadership within Northeast Nebraska," said Stephanie Fritz with the Center for Rural Affairs. "We are taking a regional approach to continued development of future leadership training and project development. We know this is how rural Northeast Nebraska will continue to provide a quality of life we all enjoy."

Those who would like to get involved and provide input for future programs in Northeast Nebraska should contact Carla Becker at 402-254-6357 or devcoor@hartel.net .

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

June REAP Office Hours in McCook

Elisha Smith — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:09:24 +0000

Release Date:

06/09/2009

Contact(s):

Dena Beck, denab@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Dena Beck, central and southwest Nebraska Business Specialist with the Center for Rural Affairs' Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) will hold office hours in McCook on June 19, 2009. Hours will be 10 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will handle the appointments; call 308.345.1200. The MEDC office is located at 301 Norris Avenue, Suite 200.

The Center for Rural Affairs' Rural Enterprise Assistance Project and its services are available to rural communities across Nebraska. REAP offers technical assistance, educational and networking opportunities, and a loan program for small businesses. REAP is designed to assist all types of small businesses, including businesses with 5 or fewer employees, self-employed full-time, part-time, home-based, farm-based, start-up, and store-front businesses. REAP has six regionally based Business Specialists across Nebraska. These Business Specialists can get involved in assisting entrepreneurs at various stages of their business progress.

MEDC is pleased to partner with REAP in order to offer an expanded list of services to businesses of all sizes.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

REAP Holding Informational Meeting in North Platte

Elisha Smith — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:05:49 +0000

Release Date:

06/09/2009

Contact(s):

Nancy Flock, nancyf@cfra.org, REAP Business Specialist, Phone: (308) 534-3508

North Platte, Nebraska - On Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at 6:00 pm the North Platte Area Chamber and Development along with the Center for Rural Affairs will host an informational community meeting at the North Platte Area Chamber and Development office, located at 502 South Dewey.

The meeting will discuss the opportunity to form a Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Roundtable Association in North Platte. These associations help entrepreneurs or potential entrepreneurs receive ongoing training and give them the opportunity to network.

"Networking is one of the best tools for a small business owner to use in growing their business," commented Nancy Flock, Business Specialist with the Center for Rural Affairs' REAP program. "Being part of a REAP Roundtable Association provides great networking opportunities and also gives a business owner a chance to step back and work on their business rather than in it."

REAP uses the rural rountables as a statewide organizing model for the program. Associations of entrepreneurs meet periodically to discuss business topics suggested by REAP staff.

The Center for Rural Affairs' REAP program provides lending, training, networking, and technical assistance opportunities for startup and existing small businesses.

Flock provides REAP services in the following Southwest/ Central Nebraska counties: Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, and Perkins.

For more information, contact Nancy Flock, REAP Business Specialist, nancyf@cfra.org or call (308) 534-3508.

More information about REAP can be found at www.cfra.org/reap. The Center for Rural Affairs receives funding for REAP from the Nebraska Microenterprise Development Act, Community Development Block Grants through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Small Business Administration, United States Department of Agriculture and other sources.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Hair Salon Gets a Stylish Boost

Elisha Smith — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:55:31 +0000

Release Date:

06/09/2009

Contact(s):

Monica Braun, mbraun@windstream.net OR monicab@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs, Phone: (402) 643-2673

Lyons, NE - The Center for Rural Affairs' Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Women's Business Center is pleased to announce that Elaine Mullin is a recipient of a $3,000 award provided by the Women & Co.® Microenterprise Boost Program. Elaine owns and operates Elaine's Hair Studio in Pawnee City, NE and has built a clientele of over 150 people in the area. She has over 30 years of experience working as a hair stylist.

Elaine is one of three award recipients from Nebraska. Monica Braun, REAP Women's Business Center Director said, "Elaine was selected from many eligible REAP clients, and the competition was stiff."

Mullin's first contact with the Center for Rural Affairs-Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) program was back in 2008. She worked with Janelle Moran, the REAP Business Specialist in her area to create a business plan which assisted Elaine in obtaining a bank loan for the construction of a new building.

With a brand new building recently completed, Mullin will use award funds to expand her business, better serve her clients and offer more services. Elaine has big plans for the Boost funds.

"With my award money I plan to purchase a computer for bookkeeping, a sign for the front of the business building, advertising, more equipment, purchasing of another retail line to sell, subscriptions for hair styling books, and a cash register to make bookkeeping easier," said Mullin. She also plans to finish the other side of the newly constructed building so that it can be rented to another business owner.

Along with the cash award, Mullin will also receive business skills training from the REAP Women's Business Center to help her with the growth and development of her business.

Elaine's Hair Studio provides haircuts, perms, shampoo and sets, hot wax treatments, coloring and highlighting services, beard trims and ear piercing along with a retail line of hair care products.

On Wednesday, June 3, 2009, Mullin was presented her Women & Co.® award by Monica Braun and Janelle Moran.

For photos of Elaine Mullin and her business visit:
http://www.cfra.org/files/Elaine Mullin receives W&C Award 609.jpg
http://files.cfra.org/images/Elaine1.jpg
http://files.cfra.org/images/Elaine2.jpg
(Pictures courtesy of the Center for Rural Affairs)

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Deadline Extended for EQIP Funds

Elisha Smith — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:43:27 +0000

Release Date:

06/01/2009

Contact(s):

Traci Bruckner, tracib@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs, (402) 687-2103 ext. 1016

Lyons, NE - A two week extension has been announced for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) organic incentives program. Farmers transitioning to organic farming and those already conducting organic practices have an opportunity to apply for EQIP money to assist their organic efforts. Originally the sign up was to last until Friday, May 29, but has been extended until June 12.

The USDA announced that $50 million out of $1 billion EQIP funds will be set aside for farms converting to organic production or expanding their organic production. Those with existing organic farms who desire to reach even higher levels of environmental performance are also eligible.

Farmers can receive compensation for six core conservation practices (conservation crop rotation, cover cropping, integrated pest management, nutrient management, rotational grazing, and forage harvest management) under the program. These are available on a nationwide basis. Farmers who want to apply for these funds should visit their local District County Natural Resource Conservation Service office.
Farmers can call their State office to find out if their State has extended the application deadline. For State office contact information click on this link. If a State has not extended the application deadline, it is recommended to encourage them to do so.

"This is a very busy time for farmers and it's unfortunate that there is such a small window to sign up for the program, but hopefully the extension allows more farmers to find time to apply," commented Traci Bruckner, Center for Rural Affairs.

According to Bruckner, the Center for Rural Affairs is assisting producers as much as possible during this short application window. The Center is operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing new conservation programs like the EQIP organic initiative.

"I wasn't sure if the EQIP program was for me, so I contacted the Center for Rural Affairs through email," said Emily Levine, farmer from Sand Point, Idaho. "They answered my questions quickly and provided abundant resources so that I can understand what parts of the program might fit my farm."

Bruckner added, "The Center for Rural Affairs has a long history of assisting family farmers and ranchers to access new conservation programs. Through our helpline you will get to speak to a real person who is knowledgeable about the program rules to help you understand how to participate in the program." Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline or send an email to tracib@cfra.org.

The EQIP organic initiative assistance is not the only program covered by the Center's Farm Bill Helpline. Assistance is also available for the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnerships Initiative, the Value Added Agricultural Market Development Program and a host of Beginning Farmer and Rancher provisions.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.