Delivering Annie’s Project in ND ElectronicallyBy: Willie Huot

State Project Coordinator

Empowering women to become better business partners

2006 Program in ND

Partnered with Minnesota Funded largely by a RMA grant Delivered to 5 sites

Fargo, Grand Forks, Grafton, Minot, Jamestown 95 participants In ND

Registration fees: $50.00

2006 Sites

Two sites with all local presenters Three sites with presentations done via IVN

What we learned about electronic delivery

Can be used as an effective delivery tool Greatly reduces costs Can be challenging if used exclusively for

the delivery method Requires scheduling many months in

advance Requires special skills for presenters

2007 Program in ND

No grant funds Partnered with private businesses Delivered to sixteen sites in ND Enrollment of 300 participants Registration fees of $100.00

State Wide Sponsors

2007

State Wide Sponsorships (Minimum: $1,000)

Help pay the overall costs of project Software Portfolios Marketing & Promotion Speaker fees/honorariums Site expenses (except for food/meals)

Local Sponsorships

Help offset local meal costs for participants

Provide for some scholarships

No minimum $ amount or deadline

Sponsor recognition State wide

Recognition on all promotional pieces relating to project.

Local SponsorshipsRecognized locally.

Program Delivery

Part of each program delivered over the Interactive Video Network

Part of each program delivered at each location by local professionals

Each session approximately 3 hours long Each session begins with light meal to foster

networking and sharing within group

Local experts

Program content

Human resources, personality profiles Women & finances Farm & ranch financial records Using spreadsheet & other software Crop & livestock marketing Business Plans- Bringing it all together

ND Sites for Annie’s Project in 2007

Minot Class 2007

2008 Project

Planned for approximately 300 participants 23 locations Most new sites were in the Western part of

the state Registration fee remained @ $100.00 No major change in delivery methods Began 3rd week in January

Developed Facilitator’s Manual

Edited by facilitators

Detailed descriptions

Used in 2008

Valuable resource

Reduced “anxiety”

Program Promotions Web site:

www.ag.ndsu.edu/anniesproject Program brochures Ads (AGWEEK and FARM & RANCH)

Newsletters & feature stories Radio advertising Word of mouth

2008 State Wide Sponsors

Registration Process for 2008

Registrations began in Oct 2007 On line: www.ag.ndsu.edu/anniesproject

MSWord or PDF List updated daily

Cost: $100.00 per person (Must accompany registration application)

January 9, 2008 registration deadline $35.00 late fee after this date

Classes began week of January 21, 2008

What past participants have said

“Farming is a partnership between husband and wife, not just the husband’s career”

“I changed my mind about letting my husband make all the marketing decisions. I fee the best decisions will now be made jointly”

“Every women in farming should take this course. The knowledge, sharing and empowerment are priceless!!

I wish I would have known all this years ago!!

Financial Overview

No Extension staff receive additional $$ for being involved in the project

Non Extension presenters receive honorariums

$100.00 registration fees pay for about 75% of participant’s cost (No complaints about registration fee)

Financial Overview (Continued)

Statewide sponsorships generates $7500 - $10,000 per year (Farm Credit Services & North Dakota Grain Growers)

Local sponsors @ each site pay for all meals All revenues from registrations & state

sponsors sent to central location. Counties receive reimbursement for:

Room/lab rent, copying costs, misc. expenses

Keys for Successful Program Delivery

Very committed staff In-Service training (two per year) State-wide plan for promotion, administration

& coordination Partnering with the private sector

Statewide & Local sponsors Website www.ag.ndsu.edu/anniesproject Work closely with Annie’s Project founders!!

Questions???