A SPECIAL THANKSTO OUR PLANNING TEAM

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PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

RECORDING SECRETARY

CORRRESPONDENCE SECRETARY

HISTORIAN

PARLIAMENTARIAN

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

EAST & NHA

MIDWEST

NORTHERN PLAINS

SOUTH CENTRAL

SOUTHEAST

WEST

James Ford, Retiree Georgia

Horace Hodge, PVAM Texas

Bennie Clark, NRCS Retired

Leon Tillman, NRCS Tennessee

Yolanda Jackson, NRCS MS

Jacqueline Horne, NRCS FTW

Sheldon Hightower, NRCS Kansas

Drenda Williams, NRCS Texas

Joni Franklin, NRCS NHQ

Kendrick Flowers, NRCS MI

Keith Williams, NRCS KS

Joe Buford, NRCS OK

Katherine Burse, NRCS TN

Tony Tillman, NRCS CA

2017 - 2018Executive Board

Executive board.................................5

Welcome to Atlanta, Georgia.......6-7

Conference Agenda.....................8-10

Course Descriptions........................11

Biographies

Expo Note Pages

Networking Notes

Hotel Floor Plan Map

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It is with distinct honor that I welcome you to the 6th annual NOPBNRCSE Outreach and Education Expo, but more importantly we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary. Twenty-Five years is a lifetime for many organizations. Atlanta is the city where the Organization held its first meeting. It is fitting that we celebrate our 25th Anniversary in a city that had a motto of “A City Too Busy To Hate”. The contempo-rary motto is “Resurgens” (Latin for rising again.) Both mottos are appropriate to who we are. In twen-ty-five years many people have stepped up to the plate with their leadership ability to hold this organi-zation together. A new generation of leaders will be needed for the next 25 years.

The highlight of our meeting from a historical perspective is a session “The Journey of the Early Trav-elers”. I know this will be an exciting session for all, but more especially for young members. I trust also that younger members will benefit from the experiences of the Early Travelers, and use their words and expressions as a springboard for their career development and life skills.

As we continue to grow and prosper as an organization, it is my vision that we will obtain additional resources to provide consistent activity through the year to elevate this organization to truly be “A Bea-con on a Hill.”

The success of this Expo is a result of some excellent teamwork between the Committee of Judges, the Executive Board, Committees, Volunteers, Sponsors and last but not least the Planning Committee who have done an excellent job of organizing the anniversary activities.

Just as trees shed their leaves and begin preparation for a new season, so are we with new leadership in this organization. I urge you to take the opportunity to join the new leadership to help keep this or-ganization strong and a viable player in conservation, outreach and education for those who need our services, and also help develop employees and new leaders who can keep the legacy of this organiza-tion strong.

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet new friends, get reacquainted with old friends and benefit from the educational opportunities that will be presented to you.

Thank you for your attendance and continued support to this great organization.

James FordNOPBNRCSE President

Welcome!

James FordNational Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees

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On behalf of the Peach State’s dedicated USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service employees and our conservation partners, I want to welcome you back to Georgia! Georgia is honored once again to host this conference The 25th Anniversity of the National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees.

If you are a first time attendee or an annual participant, we hope you will take the time to see, touch and feel some of the historic places around here that makes Georgia a special place in our lives and the legacy of The Organization.

NOPBNRSCE’s 2017 conference is honoring a man who has spent a lifetime of serving the public and along the way made tremendous contributions to this organization, our agency and our country. Mr. Reed’s leadership challenged the status quo and offered solutions to many of the challenges that we all faced, Georgia was no exception. His efforts were driven with a passion to make USDA a model organization for all to work for and to do business with. That is a passion I share and one that our employees in Georgia are working to help achieve.

While the current Acting Chief, Leonard Jordan has several priorities, his first, and in my opinion the most important one, is Delivering excellent and innovative service. If we start there, and set out to achieve it, all the other challenges we face can be overcome. I think that is something that Mr. Reed would agree with and be most proud of.

So if you are an NRCS employee, partner or customer - as you hear the many speakers and listen to others who are in attendance with you here this week, I hope you’ll look for little pieces of wisdom to take back with you to your office, your farm and your community and plant those seeds for tomorrow. Because if we can look first to serve others better, we will find the drive to make this world a better place. And much like Mr. Reed’s efforts began long ago, they began. Will you begin your effort today? I hope so. I can help you get started, please don’t hesitate to let me know how.

Have a great conference and again, “Welcome Home!”

Terrance O. Rudolph State Conservationist

Welcome back to Georgia!

Terrance O. RudolphUSDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

State Conservationist - Georgia

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On behalf of the Peach State’s dedicated USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service employees and our conservation partners, I want to welcome you back to Georgia! We are honored once again to help host this conference and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees.

If you are a first-time attendee or an annual participant, we hope you will take the time to see, touch and feel some of the historic places around here that makes Georgia a special place in our lives and the legacy of The Organization.

NOPBNRSCE’s 2017 conference is honoring a man who has spent a lifetime of serving the public and along the way made tremendous contributions to this organization, our agency and our country. Mr. Pearlie S. Reed’s leadership challenged the status quo and offered solutions to many of the challenges that we all faced, Georgia was no exception. His efforts were driven with a passion to make USDA a model organization for all to work for and to do business with. That is a passion I share and one that our employees in Georgia are working to help achieve.

While the current Acting Chief, Leonard Jordan has several priorities, his first, and in my opinion the most important one, is to carry on our push to deliver excellent and innovative service. If we start there, and set out to achieve it, all the other challenges we face can be overcome. I think that is something that Mr. Reed would agree with and be most proud of.

As I have stressed before, regardless if you are an NRCS employee, partner or customer - as you hear the many speakers and listen to others who are in attendance with you here this week, I hope you’ll look for little pieces of wisdom to take back with you to your office, your farm and your community and plant those seeds for tomorrow. Because if we look to serve others first, we will find the drive to make this world a better place. And much like Mr. Reed’s efforts that began long ago, they began. Will you begin your effort today? I hope so. If I can help you get started, please don’t hesitate to let me know how.

Have a great conference and again, “Welcome Home!”

Terrance O. RudolphState Conservationist

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“2017 Outreach and ag Education Expo”

2017 Conference and Expo, Atlanta, GA

Track 1

Track 2

Track 3

Using Collaboration as a Powerful Tool for Change

Building on your Altitude to reflect A Positive Attitude

Being Proactive in Your Career Development

REGISTRATION 3:00pm - 5:00pm

REGISTRATION 7:30am - 11:30pm

USDA ON-SITE HIRE 8:00am - 5:00pm

1890 HBCU Scholar Session

Health and Wellness – College Park RoomMs. Rhonda Fowler, Health and Physical Therapist

LUNCH (ON YOUR OWN)

Exhibit/Vendor Set-Up (8)

NOPBNRCSE Members Business Meeting

“The Journey of the Early Travelers”Grand Ballroom Rounds (Lloyd Wright)

Moderator: Maxine Barron

Break

Grand BallroomPresidents Reception for Retirees and Social Gathering

Announcement of the Silent Auction

RIVERDALE SUITE

Using Colloration as a Powerful Tool for Change

Presenter:James AmpsModerator:

COLLEGE PARK SUITE

Building on your Altitude to Reflect a Positive Attitude

Presenter:Carvelle BennetModerator:

BRUNSWICK SUITE

Being Proactive in Your Career Development

Presenter:Constance SlaughterModerator:

Regional Meetings(Check the hotel prompter for your Meeting Room)

“Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees”

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Friday, December 1, 2017

Friday, December 1, 2017

10:00am -11:00pm

11:00am – 12:00pm

12:00pm – 1:00pm

12:00am – 5:00pm

11:00am – 12:00pm

1:00pm – 2:00pm

2:00pm - 3:30pm

3:30pm - 4:30pm

4:30pm - 5:30pm

5:30pm - 7:30pm

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8:00am - 4:00pm REGISTRATION

Continental Breakfast

Opening of the General Session (Grand Ballroom)

Presentation of ColorsNational Anthem

Welcome and Opening Remarks: James Ford, Interim NOPBNRCSE President

Conference Blessing

RemarksLeonard Jordan, Acting NRCS Chief

Terrence Rudolph, State Conservationist, Georgia

Introduction of the Keynote SpeakerJoni Franklin

Guest Keynote Speaker Tina Lifford, Actress, Queen Sugar

Break

“Fire in the Belly” Landowner Forum Frank Taylor and Community Based Organizations

Dr. Dwayne Goldman, Kalvin King and Cornelius BlandingModerator: Yolanda Jackson

Break

Lloyd Wright Small Farmer Awards Luncheon (ROUNDS)

Introduction of Speaker Dr. Homer L. Wilkes

Keynote Speaker Congressman Bennie Thompson,

2nd Congressional District, Mississippi

2017 Conference and Expo, Atlanta, GA

Track 1

Track 2

Track 3

Track 4

Track 5

It’s a Generational Thing ( Heir Property)

Road Map to a Successful Farm

Your Application Process

A Woman in Agriculture

Know your Eligibility Potential on Federal USDA Programs and Crop Insurance

Saturday December 2nd, 2017

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7:00am - 8:00am

8:00am - 9:30am

9:30am - 10:00am

10:00am - 11:30am

11:30am - 12:00pm

12:00pm - 1:30pm

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Know your Eligibility Potential on Federal USDA Programs and Crop Insurance, 2018 Farm Bill (Calling all Farmers, Landowners and Socially Disadvantaged) Track 5

James Ford, Dr. Dewayne Goldman and Lloyd Wright

Afternoon Break

Adjourn for Evening Event – Pearlie S. Reed Banquet

Evening Presentation and Dinner (Grand Ballroom)Pearlie S. Reed Banquet

Moderator: Terry Cosby, NOPBNRCSE Past President

Acknowledgment of Special Civil Rights Leader and Public Service Mrs. Katherine Johnson

Introduction of Speaker: Terry CosbyKeynote Speaker: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Evening Event in the Grand Ballroom following the Banquet

Disassemble all Exhibits

NOPBNRCSE Strategic Exit Meeting

Past President Forum

NOPBNRCSE 2017-2018

Closing Remarks - Incoming NOPBNRCSE President

BRUNSWICK SUITE

It’s a Generational Thing (Heir Property)

Presenter: Dr. Glenda GloverModerator: Yolanda Jackson

AUGUSTA SUITE

Road Map to a Successful Farm Presenter: Victor HarrisModerator:Drenda Williams

SALON G

Your Application Process

Presenter: Ron HarrisModerator:Leon Tillman

SALON F

A Woman in Agriculture

Presenter: Ebonie AlexanderModerator: Keith Williams

1:30pm - 3:00pm

1:30pm - 3:00pm

3:00pm - 3:30pm

3:30pm - 4:30pm

4:30pm - 5:30pm

5:30pm - 8:00pm

8:30pm - 12:00am

8:00am - 9:00am

8:00am - 10:00am

Sunday, December 3rd, 2017

Saturday December 2nd, 2017 (Continued)

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BRUNSWICK SUITE

It’s a Generational Thing (Heir Property)

Presenter: Dr. Glenda GloverModerator: Yolanda Jackson

AUGUSTA SUITE

Road Map to a Successful Farm Presenter: Victor HarrisModerator:Drenda Williams

SALON G

Your Application Process

Presenter: Ron HarrisModerator:Leon Tillman

SALON F

A Woman in Agriculture

Presenter: Ebonie AlexanderModerator: Keith Williams

Leon Tillman

Leon Tillman

8:30pm - 12:00am

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Concurrent Sessions

NOPBNRCSE PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS

Using Colloration as a Powerful Tool for Change

Building on your Altitude to Reflect a Positive Attitude

Setting Goals that Overcome Obstacles

Objectives• To uncover and understand the routines that they have allowed to exist in their lives.• To identify ways in which you can solve issues instead of placing blame.• To develop new personal and working relationships in their current situations while discovering different experiences. • To understand how to create opportunities in their lives which can lead to possibilities. • To recognize and accept the responsibility and start the process of banishing mediocrity from their lives once and for all.

Partnership and Landowner Workshops

It’s a Generational Thing ( Heir Property)

Road Map to a Successful Farm

Grow and Know

A Woman in Agriculture

Know your Eligibility Potential on Federal USDA Programs and Crop InsuranceThis course will help landowners understand how to become eligible for federal conservation programs. Participants will gain knowledge of how to meet the eligibility criteria that will allow them to utilize federal programs and knowledge of crop insurance.

NOPBNRCSE Professional Workshops

Using Collaboration as a Powerful Tool for Change “Building on your Altitude to Reflect a Positive Attitude”This workshop will focus on first question; What attitude did you bring into this meeting?” Often, you don’t have a high level of attitude awareness, so this workshop will focus on that point. Attitudes motivate the way one perceives the world and the way the world perceives you. Because ultimately we live in a world that your career opportunities and success is centered around your altitude and attitude. “Being Proactive in Your Career”This workshop will address methods and tips on navigating your career path and becoming proactive in the development of your careers.

Partnership and Landowner workshops

“It’s a Generational Thing” (Heir Property)This workshop presents the issues associated with families and heir property. It discusses how property is passed down from generation to generation, and the work of family members to maintain the land and other assets. It also covers which individuals legally are heirs and those who cannot be heirs; and it includes the myths and truths about heir property. “Road Map to a Successful Farm”This workshop will focus on what it means to you as a landowner or farmer in gaining economic growth and sustainability. It will also focus on Farmer success and land ownership “READINESS” in being a successful producer. “The Application Process”This workshop will focus on step by step Farm Bill USDA Programs and how to apply. This discussion will include; Application submission, process and deadlines. “Women in Agriculture”This workshop discussion will be on empowering women in Agriculture to achieve goals in areas of how farmland is managed. Decision making ability; Have knowledge of Farming by being efficiently informed in land use, farming practices, tenant and leasing agreements, conservation measures and good management stewardship.