Eual Hall with the SU Center for Rural and Small Business Development, attended the 15th Annual Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, Tuskegee University, September 15-17. The event is presented to uphold one of the university's missions of community outreach and service.

Hall shared one of the Center's success stories about "Unique Creations" and received an award on behalf of the Center. The summit was power packed with excellent speakers, presenters and productive concurrent sessions.

Topics focused on revitalizing entrepreneurship and procurement opportunities in small towns and rural communities. The majority of the participants and presenters quickly concurred that most rural communities have the same issues, problems, situations and economic conditions.

Edgar Lewis, Agricultural Economist, USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service and Program Manager for 1890 Entrepreneurial Development Program also received an award for his continued dedication and service to under served communities.

Also in attendance were several USDA, Rural Development representatives including Ronald Davis, Alabama State Director and Judith Canales, USDA Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperatives Programs. Banquet speaker, Ms. Canales renewed her commitment to work closer with the 1890 HBCUs' steering committee leaderships to build assets, introduce governing policies, programs, research, education as well as state and regional coalition participation.

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