FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2003

Rural Evening: CHSS Welcomes OMAF
How to effectively run a rural business and succession planning for farmers are growing concerns or rural business owners. On Tuesday, March 25th 2003, Center Hastings Secondary School along with Friends of Centre Hastings welcomes the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF), Kemptville College and the University of Guelph to Madoc.

OMAF will host two seminars to speak to the needs of rural business operators discussing how to access the world through OMAF’s Web site. Farmers will hear information from OMAF Succession Planning Specialist, Peter Coughler. Peter will deliver a one-hour presentation on how to successfully plan for your farm’s next generation of management. Handbooks will be available plus tips on how to begin implementation.

The OMAF Rural Evening is designed to be an excellent opportunity for growth, development and learning. Peter Coughler believes that, “These seminars are an excellent opportunity for the farm and rural community to hear about some of the up-to-date business management information available through the OMAF Web site and also gain a better understanding of some of the basic technical and non-technical issues related to farm business succession planning.” The entire population of Madoc and surrounding communities are invited to attend.

A second seminar will show rural business owners how to access the world through the use of the Internet and design a Web site to suit your rural business needs.

Kemptville College/University of Guelph will be on hand with an information-based exhibit to answer questions about college and university programs available.

The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with seminars starting at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. Refreshments provided by Friends of Centre Hastings.

For information contact :
• Christine Walker-Bird, Principal, Center Hastings Secondary School, (613) 473-4251