2008 NACD South Central Rgional Meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas

The Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts served as hosts of the 2008 NACD South Central Region at the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Ark. Conference attendees received updates on a variety of conservation topics, including 2008 Farm Bill implementation and the importance of locally-led Conservation, as well as many beneficial presentations on conservation district operations. Providing an update on NACD's many activities was NACD's Second Vice President Bob Cordova.

More than 200 conservation district officials and conservation leaders from across the South Central Region gathered to discuss issues facing conservation districts in the coming year. South Central Region Chair Sonny Jones of Arkansas called the meeting to order. Jones presented three goals for the meeting 1) improving the use of our conservation resources 2) growing the conservation community and 3) strengthening the conservation partnership. NACD Second Vice President Bob Cordova addressed the group, as well as other members of the conservation partnership. The focus of the presentations was on the future of conservation and meeting new challenges in the future.

One highlight of the conference was Susan Schultz, NACD Stewardship & Education, for two separate sessions. Ms. Schultz spoke to NCDEA South central Region employees on the topic of “How to Get Your District Noticed”. Ms. Schultz also gave a “Capacity Building Workshop” emphasizing Grant Proposal Writing. Cynthia Rhoads, Auditor for Arkansas Conservation Districts gave an excellent presentation to the group on Financial Management for Districts, highlighting policies and procedures for fiscal responsibility and way to reduce misuse and theft of district funds.
NCDEA Officers are as follows:
President- Carolann Corado
Vice-President- Vikkie Lafollette
Treasurer- Sharon Underwood
Secretary- Ruth Cunningham
South Central Region Representative- Sharon Underwood

Also at the meeting, Rick Jeans of Oklahoma was elected as the new South Central Region Chair. He will begin his term in at the Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Louisiana will host the 2009 South Central Regional meeting.