Contact: Tara Hendershott, Washington, D.C., 202-224-5444

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      January 23, 2009

Bennett Takes His Rural Business Conference on the Road Visiting Eight Utah Communities

Eighth annual conference aims to provide a boost to rural economies

SALT LAKE CITY – Senator Bob Bennett (R-Utah) will co-host the eighth annual Rural Business Conference in conjunction with the Utah Rural Development Council.  This year, in an effort to reach more Utahns than ever before, the conference will be held at eight different rural communities throughout the state, rather than one location as done in past years.

“The Rural Business Conference takes on new meaning this year, as we strive to do all we can to make sure Utahns not only survive during these challenging economic times, but thrive,” said Bennett. “It is my hope that by holding the conference in more locations than in the past, we will be able to provide our small businesses the tools and tips needed to improve their businesses, giving our rural economy a much needed boost.”

This year, thanks to generous sponsors, the conferences will be free to anyone wishing to attend.  Each of the eight conferences will feature regionalized information, as well as practical advice for the rural entrepreneur.  Presentations will be offered on increasing sales, reaching new markets, economic development and how to be successful in rural Utah.  Senator Bennett will also deliver presentations at each conference, offering Utah small business owners guidance on how to succeed in today’s economy.

While there will be some variation in the conference agenda at each location, the events will generally run about five hours and will include a keynote speaker, several breakout sessions, and a presentation from Senator Bennett on the economy, health care and social security reform, and other issues currently facing our nation. A meal will also be provided at most locations.

The Rural Business Conference is a great opportunity for conference goers to interact and network with representatives of other local businesses and, in some venues, view products on display at the conference’s business exposition.

The Rural Business Conference Schedule is as follows:

Blanding, San Juan County                     February 18, 2009

Moab, Grand County                                  February 19, 2009

Heber Valley, Wasatch County                April 14, 2009

Roosevelt, Duchesne County                  April 15, 2009

Brigham City, Box Elder County              April 17, 2009

Delta, Millard County                                  August 2009

Ephraim, Sanpete County                         August 2009

Richfield, Sevier County                            August 2009

Please visit www.ruralutah.com for additional information or call Senator Bennett’s office (801) 524-5933.

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http://bennett.senate.gov

http://bennett.senate.gov/