“Equipping for Excellence” is Theme of 2007 Beltwide Cotton Conferences

MEMPHIS – “Equipping for Excellence” is the theme of the 2007 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, to be held at the New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton New Orleans hotels January 9-12. The National Cotton Council (NCC) is the conferences’ primary coordinator.

The Beltwide Cotton Conferences Steering Committee will meet this summer to develop programming for the 2007 gathering, including the Beltwide Cotton Production Conference general session and its individual seminars and workshops. The Beltwide Technical Conferences’ chairpersons also will gather this summer to plan those meetings.

BWCC Steering Committee Chairman Bill Lovelady said a NCC survey conducted following the 2006 Beltwide Cotton Conferences has provided helpful responses and suggestions for developing the 2007 BWCC programming.

“The goal is to make the forum highly useful and enjoyable for U.S. cotton producers and all other conferees,” Lovelady said. “I am excited to be returning to New Orleans for this world-class information share forum.”

BWCC programming is designed to educate U.S. cotton producers on innovative and effective methods for use in the upcoming growing season and help them plan for long-term viability. The BWCC’s overall objective is bringing together those with a stake in a healthy U.S. cotton production sector, including industry members, university and USDA researchers, Extension personnel, consultants, and service providers, to share ideas and better equip them for a successful season.

To further accommodate those planning to attend the Conferences, the NCC has created a “Frequently Asked Questions” page as part of the BWCC web site at http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/faqs.cfm.

The page includes information on New Orleans’ progress toward regaining its place among world-class tourist destinations and its ability to comfortably host large conventions, such as the 2007 Beltwide Cotton Conferences. For example, as of early May more than 2,630 restaurants have reopened in New Orleans and the city has been declared safe and healthy by city officials. In addition, more police officers per capita are protecting the city than before Hurricane Katrina.

Additional information can be found at the New Orleans Convention &Visitors Bureau site, http://www.neworleanscvb.com.

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Editors/Broadcasters: Please include the following information in your publication’s meeting calendar listing or your station’s public service announcement slots:

2007 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, January 9-12, New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton Hotel, New Orleans, LA. For more information, contact:  National Cotton Council, P.O. Box 820285, Memphis, TN38182 (901) 274-9030 FX (901) 725-0510 email: beltwide@cotton.org