Published: May 20, 2008 04:15 am         

Otsego 2000's April conference focuses on rural economics

Rural economic development opportunities and strategies that maintain rural and community character were the focus of Otsego 2000's spring conference, "Revitalize and Reinvest: Strengthening Regional Economies in Rural New York."

More than 80 people attended the April 4 event, representing six counties. Among those in the audience were area town board members, county planning department staff and village officials. Also in attendance were students from Cooperstown Central School's advanced placement environmental science class, led by Dr. Fran Hess.

Hess said the conference was relevant to her group of juniors and seniors because it applied a number of concepts covered in the class curriculum, including sustainability and economic and social relationships. Topics of most interest, she added, were use of local resources, economic growth as relates to tourism, and food products.

"I hope this conference has helped students gain insight into local issues and concerns, taught them what resources are available, and given them some personal contacts," Hess said.

The day kicked off with Duncan Hilchey, a senior Extension associate with Cornell University's Community and Rural Development Institute in the department of sociology. Hilchey's talk, titled "Planting the Seeds for Economic Success," outlined ways communities can support local agriculture and, conversely, how farms, farmers and farmland can contribute to community and economic development and quality of life.

Joe Rabito, the director of the Office of Small Cities, spoke about "Finding Funding: How State and Federally-funded Development Programs Are Helping Rural New York State Businesses and Communities." He outlined the New York State Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program which, among other things, provides resources to smaller, rural communities to create jobs and expand business opportunities, and to implement a variety of community and economic development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development and improved community facilities and services.

Otsego 2000 is a regionally focused nonprofit organization, the mission of which is to preserve and protect the Otsego Lake region and its environs. For more information, visit www.otsego2000.org or call 547-8881.