Source: David Procter, 785-532-6868, dprocter@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/procterbio.html
http://www.k-state.edu/cecd/
News release prepared by: Andy Badeker, 785-532-6415, abadeker@k-state.edu
Thursday, April 24, 2008
K-STATE'S RURAL GROCERY STORE SUMMIT TO GATHER SMALL-TOWN SOLUTIONS
MANHATTAN -- Continuing a mission to preserve and even restore small towns' vitality, the Center for Engagement and Community Development at Kansas State University has organized a summit for owners of rural grocery stores.
"We expect to hear from owners and others about the challenges they face, as well as how they’ve addressed them," said David Procter, center director. The summit also is an opportunity for elected officials, economic development workers, food distributors and university researchers to meet face to face and exchange ideas.
The June 1 summit, to be 1:30-4:30 p.m. in Inman, grew out of the surveys and in-depth interviews the center has completed as part of its Rural Grocery Store Initiative. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development, the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development and the Kansas Sampler Foundation in Inman are cooperating on the project.
Procter said K-State's Center for Engagement and Community Development has been working closely with stores in five Kansas towns: Alma, Florence, Gove, Onaga and Potwin. The surveys and interviews, which are still being analyzed, reveal common concerns about growing distribution fees, shrinking sales and commuting customers. But such best practices as support for local sports teams and deliveries to older residents could be adopted in other towns, Procter suggested.
Sharing those workable ideas is a big part of the summit. Registration for the free event must be completed by May 15 and can be done online at http://www.ruralgrocery.org/events/
Organizers also hope to hear about what rural store owners need in the way of resources.
"This is where K-State can be a real asset," Procter said. "Whether the need is for business plans, analysis of transportation options or the feasibility of buying equipment like a refrigerated truck to serve a group of stores, we have a tremendous range of expertise on campus, and our faculty and staff are eager to reach out.
"We have had what we feel is a very good response to the grocery store endeavor in Kansas and beyond," Procter said. "We just get these e-mails and phone calls from out of the blue, from states as diverse as Maine and Arizona. This project has generated a lot of passion, a lot of emotion."