1. Coaching the Development of a Rural Tourism Organization Cynthia Pilcher, Ed.D. Kay Tettleton, Ed.D. LSU AgCenter

2. Start? Idea originated in Lake Providence, Nov. 2004 LSU AgCenter CED agents Facilitated organization of a regional meeting, Jan. 2005 The rest is history...

3. How? 300 community leaders and elected officials gathered in Tallulah over a period of 4 months Parishes chose Board members Met and organized for 7 months Katrina & Rita

4. Louisiana Delta 65, Inc. Officially formed December 2005 Open House/membership drive Marketing

5. Community Coaching What is it? How does it work? Pros and cons Team coaching/co-coaching Role

6. Mission of LA Delta 65, Inc. Promote rural tourism along the U.S. Highway 65 corridor, an agricultural region

7. Implications Higher education Engaged universities Community & economic development Civic engagement Leadership development Policy advocacy

8. Role of Higher Education LSU AgCenter Customer Relations Skills Leadership Development Entrepreneurship Community & Technical Colleges Emerging curriculum needs Increase enrollment

9. Contact Dr. Cynthia Pilcher LSU AgCenter cpilcher@agcenter.lsu.edu Dr. Kay Tettleton LSU AgCenter ktettleton@agcenter.lsu.edu