Coppedge Elected as Rural Economic Development Forum Chair

Date:  Feb. 17, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- Bob Coppedge, an economic development specialist with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service, has been selected to serve as the first chair of the New Mexico Rural Economic Development Forum.

Coppedge was selected to coordinate activities for the forum, which will be held Oct. 22-24 in Clovis, by the New Mexico Rural Alliance, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and training to New Mexico citizens interested in learning about economic development.

"The purpose of the forum is to educate local leaders and volunteers about economic development in their rural communities," Coppedge said. Individual seminars will focus on improving life in small towns, covering such topics as small business development and marketing the community.

The forum is accredited by the American Economic Development Council. "Professional economic developers can receive credit toward their continuing education," Coppedge said.

The New Mexico Rural Economic Development Forum is sponsored by both public and private organizations and is open to all New Mexicans interested in boosting the economic health of their communities. For more information about the forum, contact Coppedge at (505) 646-4122.