Leadership

Ag Leader Program Grooms Best, Brightest For the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program, the vision is to develop leaders who can tackle challenges. The reality is a program that has produced more than 275 graduates since 1988. New class begins LSU AgCenter leadership program (Distributed 01/17/08) Twenty-five men and women from across Louisiana began a two-year venture in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program when they attended their first class last week (Jan. 8-10) in Baton Rouge. Ag Leaders visit nation’s Capitol (Distributed 06/30/08) Participants in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program visited Washington, D.C., in mid-June as part of the two-year study program. Briefings on agricultural issues and visits with Louisiana’s legislative delegation were some of the highlights of the June 10-14 study tour to Washington, D.C., for this 11th class to participate in the program coordinated by the LSU AgCenter. Chalkley family The Chalkley family of Lake Charles established an endowed chair for Ag Leadership that attracted a $400,000 match from the state of Louisiana. Ag Leaders Experience China’s Potential Seventeen graduates of the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program participated in an 11 -day agricultural study tour of China. LSU AgCenter honors top faculty, staff with 2007 awards (Distributed 12/21/07) The LSU AgCenter honored five individuals and two teams with its top awards for faculty members as well as two staff members for their outstanding service during its annual conference Dec. 17-18 in Baton Rouge. more...

Disaster Resilient Communities

LSU AgCenter Lessons Help Students Learn About Storms, Coastal Erosion, More Students at South Cameron Elementary School recently learned about beach erosion control by using an LSU AgCenter lesson plan about hurricanes. The educational material, which is being made available to schools throughout the area, includes details on how storms are formed, Hurricane Rita’s effects on agriculture in the area, hurricane terms, hurricane preparation measures and more. Take ‘Hurricane Quiz’ To Determine If You’re Prepared Having the right answers before a storm comes your way can help you be prepared if a hurricane strikes. Protect Your Boat During Hurricane Season You need to take some precautions during hurricane season if you have a boat moored, docked or stored in a recreational harbor along the Gulf Coast, an LSU AgCenter expert says. more...

Public Policy

Louisiana's Rural Poverty This fact sheet breaks down the poverty rates by parish and population density. It includes a map of the areas of persistent poverty in Louisiana. more...

Economic Development

10 Frequently Asked Questions for Small Business Start-Ups Every person starting or wanting to start a business has questions.As soon as one question is answered another one arises. In fact, most people ask several questions at once. Of all the questions asked, below are the ten asked most frequently. Christmas tree still valuable after the holidays (Radio News 01/07/08) The holidays are over, and the decorations have come down, but LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed says your Christmas tree still has some value to it. Communities away from the coast may still collect trees to use for mulch. Check with your city or parish government to see if they recycle trees and what dates to set your tree curbside. If recycling isn’t available, other options exist. Evaluating Board Leaders Evaluating the performance of leaders is critical to the development oforganizations and communities. From a review of the work by Collins (2001), we develop a list of ten questions that provide one way to measure the performance of leaders. The tool can be used to define performance expectations of leaders, which can prevent misunderstandings among board members and their respective leaders, and in turn, unresolvedconflicts. Virtual Malls Expanding into Global Markets - Virtual Mall is an Internet site that looks and functions like a shopping mall or department store. It is an online "one stop" destination to buy a variety of goods and services. Creating Your Own E-Business In 10 Easy Steps There are many advantages to opening an e-business. An e-business eliminates the need for a storefront and allows the owner to have flexible hours. It can also expand markets for existing brick-and-mortar businesses. In addition, owning an e-business is an advantage for some people who have physical challenges and cannot work in a normal work environment. Louisiana Community Economic Readiness Index Worksheet A tool for community groups to assess their readiness for economic development. more...