ANDERSON, SC - Anderson County has been selected as the host for the Carolina Farm Stewardship (CFSA) Conference which will take place October 30 to November 2, 2008. The Anderson...
ANDERSON, SC - Anderson County has been selected as the host for the Carolina Farm Stewardship (CFSA) Conference which will take place October 30 to November 2, 2008. The Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center (pictured) will be the headquarters for the more than 1,000 delegates.
“Anderson County reputation for being progressive is once again validated with our selection for this convention,” said Anderson County Councilman Ron Wilson. “The Upstate Sustainable Agricultural Summit hosted in January by the County provided a foundation for the new Upstate Chapter of CFSA and led to our County being selected as the host for CFSA’s 23rd Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference. We look forward to the partnerships that will be forged through this venture as well as the benefits to our residents from the green initiatives we are aggressively pursuing.”
“Anderson County’s growth into a convention destination is gaining momentum,” said Anderson County Administrator Joey R. Preston. “This is the second largest convention we have successfully recruited within the last year; the largest being the 2010 National Reunion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Our team has worked together like a well-oiled machine to bring business home. This trend is sure to continue until Anderson County realizes its potential as a destination.”
"Hosting this conference is not only an affirmation of the agricultural tradition of our community,” said Brandon Grace, Anderson County Farmers Market Manager. “It is also an indication of a bright future just over the horizon, where our farmers prosper, our land is conserved, and we all eat better food."
Burriss Nelson, Anderson County Economic Development Commercial and Retail Specialist estimates a direct economic impact of $72,000 from hotel revenue. Additionally, he states that an average visitor typically spends $60 per head for food, etc each day. Anticipating each delegate will be accompanied by at least one family member, that adds up to a minimum of $480,000 for the four-day conference.
“This is a great piece of business that will bring tens of thousands of dollars to Anderson County’s economy,” said Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Glenn Brill. “What won the bid for us was a great team effort involving Anderson County Councilman Ron Wilson, the Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center, Anderson County Farmer’s Market, Anderson County Public Information, Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau and Anderson County Administrator Joey Preston. Working together, we put together a proposal CFSA could not say no to.”
ABOUT CFSA: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association is a 25-year-old non-profit network of over 1,000 members that promotes local organic agriculture in the Carolinas by inspiring, educating and organizing farmers and consumers. Our vision is the creation of a regional food system in the Carolinas that is good for farmers, good for consumers, and good for the land. To learn more, visit www.carolinafarmstewards.org.