Walter Williams, Under Secretary, U. S. Department of Commerce.... Morris L. McGough, Executive Vice President, Asheville (N. Car.) Dr. David D. Henry, President, University of Illinois. O. Hatfield Chilson, Under Secretary, U. S. Department of the Hon. Brooks Hays, President, Southern Baptist Convention.... Page iii iv V Dr. Richard 0. Comfort, Executive Director, Department of Town and Millard Cass, Deputy Under Secretary, U. S. Department of Labor..... Hon. Charles N. Shepardson, Member, Board of Governors, Federal Wendall Barnes, Administrator, U. S. Small Business Administration... DISCUSSION GROUP REPORTS I. Education Beyond the High School..... II. 100 V. VI. VII. Rural Sources of Income--Tourists, Scenic, Recreational.. 112 117 121 INTRODUCTION On June 16-17, 1958, prominent national leaders in agriculture, business, religious and civic affairs, education and other fields met in Memphis, Tenn., to review progress in the Rural Development Program, the contribution of private organizations to the long-term betterment of the nation's under-developed rural areas and ways to promote more rapid progress. The Rural Development Program, now going forward on a demonstration basis in 30 States, is a program directed by local leadership with federal and State cooperation to promote farm, industry and community development in rural areas which have many underemployed people. About 350 persons, representing more than 100 private organizations, 32 Land Grant Colleges and Universities, and Federal and State agencies were present at the Memphis conference. The meeting consisted of general sessions attended by all participants at which prominent speakers presented their views; 10 individual discussion groups permitting more intensive consideration of specific problems and needs in rural area development; and luncheon meetings encouraging a more informal, "brainstorming" type of discussion. Following the Memphis Conference, Under Secretary of Agriculture True D. Morse, Chairman of the Committee for Rural Development Program, commented, "This meeting was the first step on the path of closer cooperation among agencies and organizations with a vital stake in the program. National leaders attending the Conference gained a better understanding of problems and needs in the nation's underdeveloped rural areas. The major effect of the Conference will be seen in coming months as we speed and perfect the Rural Development Program. There will be more participation and general support by private organizations and citizens. This will be seen at all levels--national, State, county and community--as the Rural Development Program moves forward with more vigor--opening wider the doors of opportunity for rural people." STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT Statement of President Eisenhower after meeting June 5, 1958, with Under Secretary of Agriculture True D. Morse, Chairman of the Committee for Rural Development Program, and Dean Harry J. Reed, Coordinator for the program. The meeting was held to inform the President of final plans for the Conference on Rural Development in Memphis, Tenn., June 16-17. The President's statement: "Under the leadership of Dean Harry J. Reed, the Rural I want all those who will be participating in the Conference on the Rural Development Program in Memphis on June 16th and 17th--as well as the hundreds of other citizens giving leadership to the program--to know how grateful I am for all their work and leadership. They especially have the gratitude of farm people who see in these efforts new opportunities ahead for higher incomes and better living." Another in a continuing series of studies and working conferences at the local, state, regional and national level designed to perfect the Rural Development Program and widen its impact. In addition to the many local "grass roots" meetings have been the following: Planning Conference, Rural Development Program, Memphis, Tennessee, Work Conference on the Rural Development Program, Washington, D. C., Regional Conference--Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee -- Lexington, • Regional Conference --Louisiana, Texas-- Shreveport, Louisiana, ■ Regional Conference-- Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico-- Fort Smith, Tri-State Conference of Extension Workers on Rural Development • Regional Conference-- Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico -- • Regional Conference-- Virginia, North Carolina -- Asheville, North The Rural Development Program - "The first truly broad-scale attack on the problems of low income V 9:45 10:00 10:50 Walter Williams, Chairman Under Secretary, U. S. Department of Commerce Welcome to Memphis Honorable Edmund Orgill, Mayor Plan and Purpose of the Conference - True D. Morse, Under Secretary, Underemployment of Farm Families - Charles B. Shuman, Industries in Rural Areas - James C. Worthy, Vice President, Sears, Roebuck & Company and President, Sears, Roebuck Foundation 11:40 Rural Development Program in Action - A picture story. 12:00 Lunch (Participants are asked to continue discussions and develop suggestions while at lunch) 2:00 2:20 Edward Foss Wilson, Chairman Assistant Secretary, U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Rural Development Pays - Western North Carolina 9-Year Record Morris L. McGough, Executive Vice President, Asheville Agricultural Development Council, Inc., Asheville, North Carolina Education Beyond The High School Need for Action Dr. David D. Henry, vi |