Leaders prepare for annual development conference

Lucinda Thornton, director of Workforce Training Program, Southern University Shreveport, Brenda DeRouen, program coordinator, Southern University Ag Center, and Bishop Larry Brandon, pastor of Praise Temple Cathedral, listen as Kenyetta Nelson-Smith, assistant specialist of community and economic development, Southern University Ag Center, speaks to Shreveport media during a news conference announcing the 2008 Community and Faith Leadership Development Conference.

Nearly 300 faith and community leaders will gather in Shreveport next month to learn best practices and methods for community and economic development during Southern University Ag Center's Community and Faith Leadership Development Conference.

The center has presented the annual conference for 11 consecutive years in cities throughout the state. The conference will be held September 24-26 at the Clarion Hotel in Shreveport. Leaders of non-profit organizations, congregations, and religious associations are invited to participate in the three-day event.

The conference's theme, "New Beginnings: Expanding beyond Charity," will help participants set strategies on marketing, grantsmanship, Web site development, church leadership, housing, community collaborations, health ministries, and workforce development.

"Whether the leaders have social programs, housing developments, or other not-for-profit programs, they will leave the conference with additional resources and specific solutions to further their development and programmatic goals," said Gina Eubanks, conference organizer and vice chancellor for extension.

Michael Roberts, president of The Roberts Group, will be the keynote speaker. Roberts has transformed blighted buildings and restored hotel complexes throughout the southern region. He will touch on concepts found in his best-seller Action Has No Season.

Other speakers and presenters include representatives from HUD, SCORE, Scroggins Consulting, World Link of Churches and Ministries, and the Louisiana State Grants Management Section.

Online registration continues through August 29, 2008, at www.suagcenter.com. For more information, contact Kenyetta Nelson-Smith, assistant specialist, community and economic development, Southern University Ag Center, (225) 771-2242 ext. 315 or email leadershipconference@suagcenter.com.