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FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will host three agritourism summits across the Commonwealth in an effort to help businesses in the fledgling industry increase their profits.
“Several Kentucky farmers have opened their farms to visitors to help make up for the loss of tobacco income,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “These summits will give them information that will help them run their businesses successfully.”
The summits are scheduled for Feb. 17 at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Feb. 24 at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton, and March 24 at Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz.
Each summit will begin at 9 a.m. local time. Workshop topics will include:
- “Happy Employees + Happy Visitors = Success: Effective Employee Management”
- “Keeping Your Customers Happy ... and Coming Back for More: Handling Customer Complaints”
- “Making the Most of Your 15 Minutes of Fame: Developing Media-Savvy Practices”
- “Getting the Word Out About Your Agritourism Operation: Successful Promotional Campaigns”
- “Developing Effective School Tours” (offered only Feb. 24 at General Butler)
The Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy will make a presentation on the Agritourism Competitive Grant Program from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The summit will conclude by breaking into five work stations from 4-7 p.m. Topics include assistance with grant program applications, Internet training and extranet registration, product labeling, value-added ideas, and food safety issues.
The fee for each summit is $15. The fee covers a continental breakfast and lunch. Participants must pre-register before each summit in order for a meal count to be taken. To request a registration form or for more information, contact Kelly Ludwig, director of the KDA’s Division of Agritourism, at (502) 564-4983 or Kelly.Ludwig@ky.gov.
Overnight accommodations are available at each site. Guest rooms are available for $39 per night plus tax. For reservations, call the park where you wish to attend (Jenny Wiley at 1-800-325-0142, General Butler at 1-866-462-8853 and Lake Barkley at 1-800-325-1708) and mention that you are attending the agritourism summit.
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