Last updated 02.17.2010
NeighborWorks® in Rural America National Membership Conference to take place in New Iberia, hosted by Southern Mutual Help Association
Southern Mutual Help Association is honored to host the NeighborWorks® in Rural America National Membership Conference at the Ramada Conference Center New Iberia from February 28 to March 2, 2010. SMHA, selected through a competitive process, is preparing to welcome 80 to 100 members of the Neighborworks® Rural Initiative, which focuses on building the capacity of rural community development organizations in the areas of housing and economic development. As host of the conference, SMHA will have the opportunity to describe to nationwide members its successes in the community development of South Louisiana. While attendees are in the city, they will view the revitalization progress in the West End as well as visit the Teche Ridge Traditional Neighborhood Development site and be updated on its plans. Mayor Hilda Daigre is scheduled to welcome the guests to this three-day event, which is a precursor to the NeighborWorks® Training Institute set to begin March 3 in New Orleans. The Training Institute features a day-long Rural Symposium where rural community development corporations will network with each other, with policy makers, regulators, and funders. Guest speakers are also on the Symposium agenda, including SMHA's Executive Director, Lorna Bourg. NeighborWorks® America is a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts. SMHA has been a member of NeighborWorks® since June 2008.