NATCHEZ &045;&045; Partnerships can be key to economic success in small communities, said Brenda Buck, whose agency is sponsoring the Community Leadership, Business and Technology Development Conference June 15 and 16 at the Natchez Convention Center.

&uot;The conference is designed to inform entrepreneurs, nonprofits, community leaders and technical personnel about the impact of partnerships,&uot; said Buck, director of the Alcorn State University Center for Rural Life and Economic Development. &uot;In tough economic times, we have to develop partnerships to develop the economy.&uot;

The theme for the conference is &uot;Partnering to Improve Community and Economic Development in Southwest Mississippi.&uot; Sharing information, networking with one another and nurturing nonprofit organizations will be among the opportunities offered at the conference, she said.

&uot;For example, a lot of federal programs now are outsourced to private businesses. Our people need to know about those.&uot;

Bringing a diverse group together, from the most successful businessman to the novice entrepreneur will make the program most effective, Buck said. &uot;We want a diverse group, stakeholders from every component in the community, including the area’s faith-based organizations.&uot;

The program will begin with a &uot;meet-and-greet&uot; social time in the evening on June 15, she said, and continue on June 16 with seven seminars focusing on topics that pertain to leadership, entrepreneurship, technology and nonprofits.

&uot;We hope some of the retired people will come and help to mentor some of the younger people who are just getting started,&uot; Buck said. &uot;We need their wisdom. This is not just an opportunity to come and listen but also a chance to dialogue with others.&uot;

Learning ways technology can improve one’s business or nonprofit will be among the important topics, she said. &uot;A lot of people don’t know the difference technology can make,&uot; she said. &uot;It’s going to take everybody, not just the EDA (Economic Development Authority) to develop the economy.&uot;

Leaders of the community, both elected and civic leaders, will make a difference in the program if they attend, Buck said. &uot;People can have an impact just by coming.&uot;

Registration for the program begins on June 15, 3 to 7 p.m. and includes a $15 fee for covering costs of the reception and luncheon.

However, Buck suggests anyone interested in attending register in advance. Call the center at 601-877-6119 for information about early registration. The reception on June 15 is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Registration continues on June 16 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., with a general session beginning at 8:30 and smaller sessions beginning at 9:40 a.m.

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. with a panel discussion afterwards. The program ends at 2 p.m.

Assisting in the funding and the program for the conference are Traceway Community Development Corporation, USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service and the Mississippi Development Authority.