Conference program to support new initiatives

The Leopold Center's eight-year-old conference and workshop program has been modified to support the outreach component of the Center's three new ecology, marketing and policy initiatives.

The modified program will provide major support for conferences and other educational events planned by Leopold Center staff and partnering organizations, and limited support for activities planned by other organizations.

In the past, grants for conferences and workshops were awarded quarterly based on proposals submitted by organizers of each event. Between 1993 and 2001, the Leopold Center provided financial assistance for 145 regional conferences and events attended by 18,000 Iowans. In light of legislative cuts to the Leopold Center's budget in May, the program was suspended after the Spring 2001 cycle of grants was completed.

"The quarterly program has worked well and served an important purpose, but it is time for a change," said Rich Pirog, the Center's education coordinator. He added that a survey of program participants in late 2000 supported a more focused and innovative approach for education and outreach.

Guidelines for organizations to request limited support are being developed. An example of the new conference partnering arrangement was the September 18 pork niche conference sponsored by the Leopold Center, Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension.