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R E S E A R C H A N D R E S E A R C H A N D R E S E A R C H A N D R E S E A R C H A N D R E S E A R C H A N D P U B L I C S E R V I C E P U B L I C S E R V I C E P U B L I C S E R V I C E P U B L I C S E R V I C E P U B L I C S E R V I C E N E W S L E T T E R N E W S L E T T E R N E W S L E T T E R N E W S L E T T E R N E W S L E T T E R U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E V I R G I N I S L A N D S U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E V I R G I N I S L A N D S U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E V I R G I N I S L A N D S U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E V I R G I N I S L A N D S U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E V I R G I N I S L A N D S Volume 7, No. 3 News from the UVI Research and Public Service Component November 2004 & R PS I N S I D E I N S I D E I N S I D E I N S I D E I N S I D E 2 New Caribbean Writer Published 3 SBDC Collaborates on Small Business Resource Guide for USVI and Puerto Rico 4 CMES: Is the Nassau Grouper Coming Back? 5 SBA Administrator Visits USVI 6 Aquaculture Holds 6th Annual Fish Short Course 7 CDC Science Briefs 7 CES’ Charles Smith Retires 9 CES Hosts Urban Forestry Conference 10 CES Co-recipient of $60,000 EPA Grant 11 UVI Helps St. Croix Celebrate Mango Melee CARIBBEAN FOOD CROPS CARIBBEAN FOOD CROPS CARIBBEAN FOOD CROPS CARIBBEAN FOOD CROPS CARIBBEAN FOOD CROPS SOCIETY MEETS ON ST. JOHN SOCIETY MEETS ON ST. JOHN SOCIETY MEETS ON ST. JOHN SOCIETY MEETS ON ST. JOHN SOCIETY MEETS ON ST. JOHN The 40th meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS) was convened on St. John, USVI, July 19-23, 2004, at the Westin Resort and Villas. The CFCS is an independent, professional organization of agri- cultural scientists representing 22 countries. Hosted by the University’s Extension Service, the annual meet- ings of the society provide an opportunity for research- ers, producers, extension personnel and other profes- sionals to discuss and share information pertaining to the production, processing and distribution of food com- modities in the Caribbean. The theme of this year’s conference was “Strengthening Partnerships for Sus- taining Caribbean Agriculture.” The five-day conference was attended by 175 par- ticipants, and it consisted of technical sessions, field tours and a farmers’ forum. The technical or scientific presentations covered topics on Information Technol- ogy Application, Crop Production, Integrated Pest Man- agement, Agronomy, Livestock Production, Soils and Water, Marketing/Economic Development and Capacity Building for Developing Caribbean Agriculture. These presentations were delivered by a broad representa- tion of scientists from the region and generated mean- ingful interaction and information exchange. Regional countries and islands represented at the conference included Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Trinidad, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Grenada and St. Vincent. Technical pa- pers were also presented by participants from the U.S. mainland. Two optional field tours were offered to provide conference participants with an overview of local agri- cultural production systems. The first tour introduced participants to an integrated crop and livestock farm in Coral Bay, St. John, owned by the Roller family. This farm features a wide variety of organically grown veg- etables and culinary herbs which are sold fresh to lo- cal restaurants and hotels. It also consists of a small flock of sheep, a pond for the production of tilapia fish, and an active compost operation to recycle all organic waste products generated by the farm. This tour con- tinued with a visit to the farm of Mr. Randy Laplace, a full-time farmer on St. Thomas, who owns a success- Continued on p. 2 THEME WAS ‘STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS THEME WAS ‘STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS THEME WAS ‘STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS THEME WAS ‘STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS THEME WAS ‘STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINING CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURE’ FOR SUSTAINING CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURE’ FOR SUSTAINING CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURE’ FOR SUSTAINING CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURE’ FOR SUSTAINING CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURE’ “HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY’S EXTENSION HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY’S EXTENSION HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY’S EXTENSION HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY’S EXTENSION HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY’S EXTENSION SERVICE, THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE SERVICE, THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE SERVICE, THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE SERVICE, THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE SERVICE, THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIETY PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIETY PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIETY PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIETY PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESEARCHERS, PRODUCERS, EXTENSION RESEARCHERS, PRODUCERS, EXTENSION RESEARCHERS, PRODUCERS, EXTENSION RESEARCHERS, PRODUCERS, EXTENSION RESEARCHERS, PRODUCERS, EXTENSION PERSONNEL AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS TO PERSONNEL AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS TO PERSONNEL AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS TO PERSONNEL AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS TO PERSONNEL AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS TO DISCUSS AND SHARE INFORMATION DISCUSS AND SHARE INFORMATION DISCUSS AND SHARE INFORMATION DISCUSS AND SHARE INFORMATION DISCUSS AND SHARE INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCTION, PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCTION, PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCTION, PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCTION, PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD COMMODITIES IN THE CARIBBEAN. COMMODITIES IN THE CARIBBEAN. COMMODITIES IN THE CARIBBEAN. COMMODITIES IN THE CARIBBEAN. COMMODITIES IN THE CARIBBEAN. ” Kwame Garcia, Sr., CES State Director and President of this year’s CFCS conference accepting award from Dr. Alberto Beale, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Caribbean Food Crops Society 2 RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL BOARD VELMA ELMA ELMA ELMA ELMA A A A A ABRAMSEN BRAMSEN BRAMSEN BRAMSEN BRAMSEN, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT LORNA ORNA ORNA ORNA ORNA C C C C CHESTERFIELD HESTERFIELD HESTERFIELD HESTERFIELD HESTERFIELD, ASSISTANT TO THE VICE PROVOST CLARICE LARICE LARICE LARICE LARICE C. C C. C C. C C. C C. CLARKE LARKE LARKE LARKE LARKE, PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST HELEN ELEN ELEN ELEN ELEN D D D D DOOKHAN OOKHAN OOKHAN OOKHAN OOKHAN, ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST MANUEL ANUEL ANUEL ANUEL ANUEL P P P P PALADA ALADA ALADA ALADA ALADA, P , P , P , P , PH.D. .D. .D. .D. .D. AES RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR RAQUEL AQUEL AQUEL AQUEL AQUEL S S S S SANTIAGO ANTIAGO ANTIAGO ANTIAGO ANTIAGO S S S S SILVER ILVER ILVER ILVER ILVER, ADMINISTRATOR JACQUELINE ACQUELINE ACQUELINE ACQUELINE ACQUELINE S S S S SOMERSALL OMERSALL OMERSALL OMERSALL OMERSALL- BERRY ERRY ERRY ERRY ERRY, FORMER ASSISTANT TO THE ECC DIRECTOR PATRICE ATRICE ATRICE ATRICE ATRICE J J J J JOHNSON OHNSON OHNSON OHNSON OHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS MARVIN ARVIN ARVIN ARVIN ARVIN W W W W WILLIAMS ILLIAMS ILLIAMS ILLIAMS ILLIAMS, EDITOR, THE CARIBBEAN WRITER LAYOUT & DESIGN LAYOUT & DESIGN LAYOUT & DESIGN LAYOUT & DESIGN LAYOUT & DESIGN ROBIN OBIN OBIN OBIN OBIN S S S S STERNS TERNS TERNS TERNS TERNS, P , P , P , P , PH.D. .D. .D. .D. .D. DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION KIMA IMA IMA IMA IMA G G G G GATON ATON ATON ATON ATON MAIL AIL AIL AIL AIL LETTERS LETTERS LETTERS LETTERS LETTERS OR OR OR OR OR COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS TO TO TO TO TO: LORNA ORNA ORNA ORNA ORNA C C C C CHESTERFIELD HESTERFIELD HESTERFIELD HESTERFIELD HESTERFIELD UVI R UVI R UVI R UVI R UVI RESEARCH ESEARCH ESEARCH ESEARCH ESEARCH & P & P & P & P & PUBLIC UBLIC UBLIC UBLIC UBLIC S S S S SERVICE ERVICE ERVICE ERVICE ERVICE #2 J #2 J #2 J #2 J #2 JOHN OHN OHN OHN OHN B B B B BREWERS REWERS REWERS REWERS REWERS B B B B BAY AY AY AY AY ST. T . T . T . T . THOMAS HOMAS HOMAS HOMAS HOMAS, VI 00802 , VI 00802 , VI 00802 , VI 00802 , VI 00802 TELEPHONE ELEPHONE ELEPHONE ELEPHONE ELEPHONE: (340) 693-1061 : (340) 693-1061 : (340) 693-1061 : (340) 693-1061 : (340) 693-1061 FAX AX AX AX AX: (340) 693-1065 : (340) 693-1065 : (340) 693-1065 : (340) 693-1065 : (340) 693-1065 LCHESTE LCHESTE LCHESTE LCHESTE LCHESTE@UVI UVI UVI UVI UVI.EDU EDU EDU EDU EDU THE HE HE HE HE U U U U UNIVERSITY NIVERSITY NIVERSITY NIVERSITY NIVERSITY OF OF OF OF OF THE THE THE THE THE V V V V VIRGIN IRGIN IRGIN IRGIN IRGIN I I I I ISLANDS SLANDS SLANDS SLANDS SLANDS ISISISISIS AN AN AN AN AN EQUAL EQUAL EQUAL EQUAL EQUAL OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE AFFIRMATIVE AFFIRMATIVE AFFIRMATIVE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ACTION ACTION ACTION ACTION, TITLE ITLE ITLE ITLE ITLE IX, S IX, S IX, S IX, S IX, SECTION ECTION ECTION ECTION ECTION 504, 504, 504, 504, 504, PL 101-542 PL 101-542 PL 101-542 PL 101-542 PL 101-542 EDUCATOR EDUCATOR EDUCATOR EDUCATOR EDUCATOR AND AND AND AND AND EMPLOYER EMPLOYER EMPLOYER EMPLOYER EMPLOYER. VICE PROVOST VICE PROVOST VICE PROVOST VICE PROVOST VICE PROVOST HENRY ENRY ENRY ENRY ENRY H. S H. S H. S H. S H. SMITH MITH MITH MITH MITH, P , P , P , P , PH.D. .D. .D. .D. .D. THE HE HE HE HE U U U U UNIVERSITY NIVERSITY NIVERSITY NIVERSITY NIVERSITY OF OF OF OF OF THE THE THE THE THE V V V V VIRGIN IRGIN IRGIN IRGIN IRGIN I I I I ISLANDS SLANDS SLANDS SLANDS SLANDS RESEARCH ESEARCH ESEARCH ESEARCH ESEARCH & P & P & P & P & PUBLIC UBLIC UBLIC UBLIC UBLIC SERVICE ERVICE ERVICE ERVICE ERVICE (R&PS) (R&PS) (R&PS) (R&PS) (R&PS) NEWSLETTER EWSLETTER EWSLETTER EWSLETTER EWSLETTER ISISISISIS AN AN AN AN AN INFORMATIONAL INFORMATIONAL INFORMATIONAL INFORMATIONAL INFORMATIONAL NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER ON ON ON ON ON THE THE THE THE THE UNITS UNITS UNITS UNITS UNITS THAT THAT THAT THAT THAT MAKE MAKE MAKE MAKE MAKE UP UP UP UP UP THE THE THE THE THE R&PS C R&PS C R&PS C R&PS C R&PS COMPONENT OMPONENT OMPONENT OMPONENT OMPONENT. HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP:// :// :// :// ://RPS RPS RPS RPS RPS.UVI UVI UVI UVI UVI.EDU EDU EDU EDU EDU/ (photo coming) NEW CARIBBEAN WRITER CARIBBEAN WRITER CARIBBEAN WRITER CARIBBEAN WRITER CARIBBEAN WRITER PUBLISHED ful intercropping operation of rare fruits, vegetables, medicinal and culinary herbs. On the final stop of the tour, Mr. Myron Henneman and Mr. Arthur Hartman hosted our group at their sheep and goat farm on St. Thomas, the largest livestock farm on the island. The second optional tour was conducted on our sister islands in the British Virgin Islands where con- ference attendees visited several crop and livestock farms in Tortola and Virgin Gorda. This tour was sponsored by the BVI Department of Agriculture and served to strengthen the professional ties between our territories. The week-long meeting concluded with a Farm- ers’ Forum which focused on the economic develop- CFCS MEETS ON ST. JOHN CFCS MEETS ON ST. JOHN CFCS MEETS ON ST. JOHN CFCS MEETS ON ST. JOHN CFCS MEETS ON ST. JOHN Continued from p. 1 The Caribbean Writer, an international literary anthology published in the summer of each year by the University of the Virgin Islands, has recently released Volume 18 in its series. The anthology retains a Caribbean focus and features the work of writers in the region and abroad. Among the highlights in the current vol- ume are a special section on the renowned Haitian writer, Edwidge Danticat, and on two cultural icons from the U.S. Virgin Islands, the semi-mythical Butty and the influential artist Charles Abramson. The poetry and fiction components include work by Virgil Suarez, Thomas Reiter, Garfield Ellis and Kei Miller. Finally, the journal highlights art by Virgin Is- landers and book reviews by an international gather- ing of critics and intellectuals. Prize winners of the previous volume include the Dr. LaVerne Ragster, UVI President, giving the keynote address at the opening of the 40th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society on St. John Above, participants visit a small pineapple plot at the Department of Agriculture on Tortola ment of the territory through agricultural initiatives. Or- ganizations represented at the Farmers Forum in- cluded the St. Croix Farmers in Action, We Grow Food, Inc., and the V.I. Institute for Agricultural Development. Representatives of the local organizations deliv- ered presentations on their respective organizations’ plans for the development of agricultural initiatives, and subsequent economic benefits for the territory. Ideas and comments from farmers included: • the development of a farm land tax • the construction of farmers’ market facilities • the construction of processing facilities • the re-instatement of an agriculture curriculum in grades K-12, and at the University of the Virgin Islands. As a result of this conference many professional and institutional partnerships were strengthened and new linkages were formed for future regional collabo- rations. Sponsors of the conference were the V.I. De- partment of Agriculture, the V.I. Port Authority, the De- partment of Tourism, the West Indian Company, Ltd., and the Caribbean Food Crops Society. Daily News Prize for poetry awarded to Berkley Wendell Semple, The Canute A. Brodhurst Prize for short fiction won by Opal Palmer Adisa, The Charlotte and Isidor Paiewonsky Prize for first-time publication earned by Michael Winston Bachoo, The David Hough Literary Prize for an author re- siding in the Caribbean awarded to Willi Chen, and The Marguerite Cobb McKay Prize for a Virgin Islands author received by Win- ston Nugent. Volume 18 of The Caribbean Writer is available at Education Central, Memories of St. Croix, Undercover Books, Dockside Bookshop on St. Thomas and both UVI bookstores. Copies can also be ordered directly from The Caribbean Writer’s office by calling (340) 692-4152, e-mailing qmars@uvi.edu or orders@thecaribbeanwriter.com or from our secure server website at www.TheCaribbeanWriter.com. 3 NOVEMBER 2004 & R PS HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP:// :// :// :// ://RPS RPS RPS RPS RPS.UVI UVI UVI UVI UVI.EDU EDU EDU EDU EDU/ Recently, UVI-SBDC, in collaboration with the United States Small Business Administration, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands District Office and RENI Publishing, produced a comprehensive Small Business Resource Guide for the USVI and Puerto Rican districts. This guide is targeted for use by emerging, existing and expanding entrepreneurs who may need assistance with understanding the various resources and procedures inherent in doing busi- ness in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The contents of the guide include the following key points: • Getting Started: everything you need to know about setting up, marketing and managing the revenue of a business; • Regulations: what local and federal authorities want from you and the best way to meet the requirements; • Websites of Interest: the best business resources that cyberspace has to offer; • Entrepreneurial Development: resources, like the UVI-SBDC and others, who can help guide an en- trepreneur through the process; SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE FOR USVI AND PUERTO RICO SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE FOR USVI AND PUERTO RICO SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE FOR USVI AND PUERTO RICO SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE FOR USVI AND PUERTO RICO SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE FOR USVI AND PUERTO RICO • Financing: where to look for it and what to do to get the financing you need. This section also in- cludes the various types of SBA loan programs, business financing requirements and a listing of the Territory’s business lending institutions; • Government Contracting: find out how to become a partner with local and federal agencies; • Minority Business Development: outlines federal programs that are designed specifically to help mi- norities with starting their own business. The uniqueness of this guide is that it is pre- sented in English and Spanish which accommo- dates the English- and Spanish-speaking resi- dents in both districts. It is also free and will help to foster inter-is- land business exchange. Residents in Puerto Rico who are interested in doing business in the Virgin Islands and vice versa will have all of the neces- sary contact information at their disposal to facili- tate that process. For more information on the guide and for a copy, please contact the SBDC offices at (340) 776- 3206 (STT) and (340) 692-5270 (STX). Participants in the workshop included Kwame Garcia, Sr., CES State Director (3rd left), Sommer Sibilly, Extension Assistant (center) and Lois Sanders, CES Assistant Director (right) CES EXPANDS TO CARIBBEAN AREA CES EXPANDS TO CARIBBEAN AREA CES EXPANDS TO CARIBBEAN AREA CES EXPANDS TO CARIBBEAN AREA CES EXPANDS TO CARIBBEAN AREA On June 9-10, 2004, the Cooperative Extension Service, in collaboration with the University of Florida Extension, held the first of three workshops as part of a National Initiative of Internationalizing Exten- sion. Funded by CSREES- United States Depart- ment of Agriculture (USDA), these new initiatives are designed to assist land-grant universities in bring- ing an international focus to extension programming. Funded for the first year with a $9,000 grant, the program involves collaborative work with institutions in Grenada, Dominica and the British Virgin Islands. Greetings were extended by Mr. Kwame Garcia, CES State Director; Mr. Kofi Boateng, Associate Di- rector; and Ms. Jennifer Jackson, Chancellor of the St. Croix Campus. Dr. Peter Vergott and Ms. Monica Brinkley from the University of Florida opened the session, lay- ing the foundation for understanding the interna- tionalizing of extension efforts. Mr. Alex Bolques further expanded the discussion on extension by sharing information regarding Florida A & M Uni- versity. A former 4-H Program employee at UVI- CES, Mr. Bolques, who is now employed with the University of Florida, presented a valuable, unique perspective. Over 25 participants engaged in two days of in- formation sharing, experiences, and expertise rela- tive to the Extension Service. Presentations were made by representatives from the British Virgin Is- lands, Mr. Urban Martin, Chief Agriculture Officer; Dr. Malachy Dottin from Grenada who is the Direc- tor of Research; and Mr. Kwame Garcia, UVI Exten- sion Director. Cross-cultural Communication and Participatory Methodologies presentations were made by UVI’s Dr. Jeannette Lovern and Dr. Aletha Baumann, re- spectively, to assist in putting the varied complexi- ties and issues in perspective as internationaliza- tion occurs. The next session, on Global Exchange and In- terdependence presented by Dr. Solomon Kabuka, focused on globalization and its implications related to agriculture and consumer consumption and other issues inextricably related to the interdependence of varied facets within society. The final session allowed for professional ex- change and questions and answers. Participants also had an opportunity to visit a local farm to view an animal production and horticulture production site. Participants were asked to complete a workshop evaluation and to make suggestions regarding the next workshop on internationalization and global- ization. For more information on the internationalizing extension effort go to www.msue.msu.edu/intext/ natinit.htm, or to speak with the CES contact, Mr. Kofi Boateng, call (340) 692-4066, or e-mail: kboaten@uvi.edu. “THESE NEW THESE NEW THESE NEW THESE NEW THESE NEW INITIATIVES ARE INITIATIVES ARE INITIATIVES ARE INITIATIVES ARE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO ASSIST DESIGNED TO ASSIST DESIGNED TO ASSIST DESIGNED TO ASSIST DESIGNED TO ASSIST LAND-GRANT LAND-GRANT LAND-GRANT LAND-GRANT LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES IN UNIVERSITIES IN UNIVERSITIES IN UNIVERSITIES IN UNIVERSITIES IN BRINGING AN BRINGING AN BRINGING AN BRINGING AN BRINGING AN INTERNATIONAL FOCUS INTERNATIONAL FOCUS INTERNATIONAL FOCUS INTERNATIONAL FOCUS INTERNATIONAL FOCUS TO EXTENSION TO EXTENSION TO EXTENSION TO EXTENSION TO EXTENSION PROGRAMMING. PROGRAMMING. PROGRAMMING. PROGRAMMING. PROGRAMMING. FUNDED FOR THE FIRST FUNDED FOR THE FIRST FUNDED FOR THE FIRST FUNDED FOR THE FIRST FUNDED FOR THE FIRST YEAR WITH A $9,000 YEAR WITH A $9,000 YEAR WITH A $9,000 YEAR WITH A $9,000 YEAR WITH A $9,000 GRANT, THE PROGRAM GRANT, THE PROGRAM GRANT, THE PROGRAM GRANT, THE PROGRAM GRANT, THE PROGRAM INVOLVES INVOLVES INVOLVES INVOLVES INVOLVES COLLABORATIVE WORK COLLABORATIVE WORK COLLABORATIVE WORK COLLABORATIVE WORK COLLABORATIVE WORK WITH INSTITUTIONS IN WITH INSTITUTIONS IN WITH INSTITUTIONS IN WITH INSTITUTIONS IN WITH INSTITUTIONS IN GRENADA, DOMINICA GRENADA, DOMINICA GRENADA, DOMINICA GRENADA, DOMINICA GRENADA, DOMINICA AND THE BRITISH AND THE BRITISH AND THE BRITISH AND THE BRITISH AND THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. VIRGIN ISLANDS. VIRGIN ISLANDS. VIRGIN ISLANDS. VIRGIN ISLANDS. ” 4 RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE NEWSLETTER IS THE NASSAU GROUPER COMING BACK? IS THE NASSAU GROUPER COMING BACK? IS THE NASSAU GROUPER COMING BACK? IS THE NASSAU GROUPER COMING BACK? IS THE NASSAU GROUPER COMING BACK? Perhaps one of the most popular fish in the Bahamas and the northern Caribbean is the Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus). A large and very striking fish, the once prolific Nassau grouper has been historically dominant both culturally and economically in Caribbean fisheries. In a book written in 1900 on the fish of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Nassau grouper is described as “a common and very important food fish, reaching a weight of 50 pounds or more.” Today the fish is virtually extinct over most of its historical range. Of over 150 large tropical groupers worldwide, of which most are se- verely over-harvested and threatened, the Nassau is considered one of the most endangered. Besides being an extremely palatable fish, several of the Nassau grouper’s behaviors and life history characteristics have contributed to its decline. It is a naturally curious and aggressive fish and approaches spear fishers and traps without hesitation. The fish occurs in shallow water close to shore during much of its lifetime and is fairly omnivorous, making it easily caught by both traps and hook and line. Probably most instrumental in its demise, however, is the fact that Nassau grouper aggregates in huge groups each year in order to spawn. During the non-reproductive time of the year, the Nassau grou- per is a solitary and territorial fish, exhibiting a strong affinity for a particular home site. One month prior to spawning, fish abandon their territories and swim sometimes over 100 miles to an estab- lished aggregation site. It is unknown how the grouper find the site, but it is believed to be at least partly learned behavior. Typi- cally the aggregation builds up for a period of days prior to spawn- ing. In healthy aggregations, thousands of fish may be present by the time reproduction finally occurs. Most known spawning aggre- gations in the Caribbean coincide with the full moon of two con- secutive months between November and March. Because of their predictability and the sheer density of fish, spawning aggregations of Nassau grouper in the Caribbean have been targeted by fisher- men for generations. Over the past 30 years, severe overfishing of these sites has led to the collapse of stocks in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, mandating a federal closure of the fishery in the 1990’s. In 1996 the Nassau grouper was listed as endangered on the IUCN (the World Conservation Union) and it is currently a can- didate under the United States Endangered Species Act. The historical spawning site of the Nassau grouper in the USVI lies approximately 10 miles south of St. Thomas on a relatively small deep-water coral reef, at the edge of the Puerto Rican shelf. Thou- sands of pounds of Nassau were harvested annually from this one- mile-long bank in the 1980’s. By 1990 the stock had collapsed. Since then the bank is fished by only a few fishermen who are now targeting the yellowfin grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa), a species that also uses the site to spawn. In March of 2003 researchers from UVI’s Cen- ter for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES), headed by Dr. Ri- chard Nemeth, surveyed the deep-water bank using scuba as part of an investigation into the status of the yellowfin grouper spawning ag- gregation that reportedly occurs there. A small number of Nassau groupers were seen on the bank along with other large groupers, including the yellowfin, tiger (Mycteroperca tigris) and yellowmouth (Mycteroperca interstitialis). In 2004 the bank was surveyed again and fished more extensively by the CMES research team. They were surprised to find many more fish, measuring and tagging over 70 Nassau grouper in March and April. Although no actual spawning was observed, it appeared that the grouper were again using the site for that purpose. Pre-spawning behavior and coloration were observed, and the majority of fish tested with ultrasound equipment contained ripe ovaries and testes. Based on this data, CMES biologists have recommended that the spawning bank be closed to fishing during the months of Febru- ary through May. Although illegal for possession or sale, the Nassau grouper is still in danger on the unprotected bank because it arrives to spawn at the same time of year as the yellowfin grouper and is a bycatch of that fishery. The Caribbean Fisheries Management Coun- cil has agreed, and the area will be temporarily closed to all fishing from February through April beginning in 2005. Although the num- bers are still relatively very small, with careful management of the species and the aggregation site, perhaps the waters of the Virgin Islands can again become the home of the Nassau grouper. Dr. Rick Nemeth holding a Nassau grouper which was tagged and released on the grouper bank in March 2004 Nassau grouper in its natural habitat 5 NOVEMBER 2004 The University of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center, in col- laboration with corporate sponsors, FirstBank Virgin Islands and the St. Tho- mas/St. John Chamber of Commerce, played host to the Honorable Hector V. Barreto, the 21st Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). The July 2004 trip was the first offi- cial U.S. Virgin Islands visit by the Adminis- trator since he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in July 2001. Mr. Barreto was accompanied by a traveling delegation of SBA executives which also included SBA’s District Manager, Ms. Carmen Culpepper; USVI Project Officer, Carl Christensen; and SBA’s Assistant Adminis- trator (Office of Public Communications), Mr. Raul Cisneros. To commemorate the occasion, UVI- SBDC and co-sponsors FirstBank Virgin Is- lands and the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce, coordinated a private USVI welcoming reception at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef and Morningstar Beach Resort. Invited public and private sector partners and stakeholders had this opportunity to meet and interact with the Administrator and his delegation in a very relaxed, social atmo- sphere. UVI-SBDC also sponsored a Bankers’ Roundtable at the SBDC’s Training Facility (Nisky Center, St. Thomas), where Mr. Barreto delivered the keynote address to the Territory’s banking community and other stakeholders. Mr. Barreto’s position, and his lifetime of involvement with the small business commu- ADMINISTRATOR OF U.S. SMALL ADMINISTRATOR OF U.S. SMALL ADMINISTRATOR OF U.S. SMALL ADMINISTRATOR OF U.S. SMALL ADMINISTRATOR OF U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION VISITS USVI BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION VISITS USVI BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION VISITS USVI BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION VISITS USVI BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION VISITS USVI nity, has also made him America’s highest-ranking small business advocate. In his capacity as SBA’s Administrator, he meets daily with small business owners and trade associations that represent them. This affords him the opportunity and privi- lege of keeping in constant touch with the needs and pri- orities of America’s small businesses and sharing those priorities with the President of the United States. President Bush has said that Barreto is “a fine leader who cares deeply about the small businesses of America…and he and I know that small businesses are the back- bone of our economy.” The President has also pointed out that Barreto “understands that the role of government is not to create wealth, but to create an environment in which entrepreneurs from all walks of life have a chance to succeed.” Barreto has received special recogni- tion for his contributions to America’s small business community from the U.S. Con- gress, the California Legislature, the Ameri- can Heart Association and the American Red Cross. Recognized by Hispanic Busi- ness magazine as one of America’s “100 Most Influential Hispanics,” he has also been praised by the Latino Coalition for be- ing a role model to Latino youth, and the Hispanic College Fund has also com- mended his leadership in advancing His- panic businesses. The Management and Leadership of the University of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center, FirstBank Virgin Islands and the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce are particularly proud of the opportunity to have hosted the SBA’s Administrator. With a portfolio of di- rect and guaranteed business loans worth more than $45 billion, SBA is the largest single financial backer and facilitator of tech- nical assistance and contracting opportuni- ties for the nation’s small businesses. Admin- istrator Barreto’s commentary was centered on the premise that small businesses drive the economy. The 25 million small businesses in the United States, he said, employ 50 per- cent of the workforce. “They are the engine that fuels the economy,” and the SBA provides much of the capital - $220 billion since its inception in the 1950s - that Barreto called “the oxygen that small businesses breathe.” Barreto added that in the USVI, there is a definite opportunity to capitalize on the SBA’s 504 Guaranty Program, a program spe- cifically earmarked for real estate or large equipment purchases by what Barreto called “certified development companies.” “I have $5 billion I can put in the hands of small busi- nesses for buildings and large equipment,” he said. The SBDC, SBA, and the USVI’s com- munity lending partners are all encouraged to continue collaborating with and assisting the small business owners in every way fea- sible. Warren Bush, UVI-SBDC State Direc- tor, was very pleased to have had the oppor- tunity for the SBDC (and co-sponsors) to be a part of this historic visit. Mr. Bush added, “it is an honor and dis- tinct privilege for the Administrator and his del- egation to visit the United States Virgin Is- lands. There is also a deep sense of appre- ciation for the vast support and cooperation received by the primary co-sponsors, FirstBank Virgin Islands and the St. Thomas/ St. John Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Cassan Pancham, First Vice President and General Manager of FirstBank Virgin Islands, as well as President of the STT/STJ Chamber of Commerce, has always demonstrated a com- mitted dedication to the upward mobility of the Territory’s economic development initiatives. FirstBank’s and the Chamber’s invaluable co- operation and contribution were a true testa- ment of their continuing support of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the UVI- SBDC, and the USVI community in general.” Mr. Barreto made a similar visit to neigh- boring Puerto Rico to attend similar activities before returning to the U.S. mainland. He has visited 55 of the 77 Small Business Develop- ment Center facilities in the United States and its territories as part of his commitment to the entrepreneurs he serves. Pictured from left to right are Warren T. Bush, UVI-SBDC State Director; Hon. Hector V. Barreto, Administator, U.S. SBA; Carmen Culpepper, U.S. SBA’s District Manager; Carl Christensen, U.S. SBA’s USVI Officer in Charge “THE JULY 2004 TRIP BY HONORABLE HECTOR V. BARRETO, THE 21ST THE JULY 2004 TRIP BY HONORABLE HECTOR V. BARRETO, THE 21ST THE JULY 2004 TRIP BY HONORABLE HECTOR V. BARRETO, THE 21ST THE JULY 2004 TRIP BY HONORABLE HECTOR V. BARRETO, THE 21ST THE JULY 2004 TRIP BY HONORABLE HECTOR V. BARRETO, THE 21ST ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, WAS THE FIRST OFFICIAL U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS VISIT ADMINISTRATION, WAS THE FIRST OFFICIAL U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS VISIT ADMINISTRATION, WAS THE FIRST OFFICIAL U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS VISIT ADMINISTRATION, WAS THE FIRST OFFICIAL U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS VISIT ADMINISTRATION, WAS THE FIRST OFFICIAL U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS VISIT BY THE ADMINISTRATOR SINCE HE WAS UNANIMOUSLY CONFIRMED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR SINCE HE WAS UNANIMOUSLY CONFIRMED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR SINCE HE WAS UNANIMOUSLY CONFIRMED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR SINCE HE WAS UNANIMOUSLY CONFIRMED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR SINCE HE WAS UNANIMOUSLY CONFIRMED BY THE U.S. SENATE IN JULY 2001. BY THE U.S. SENATE IN JULY 2001. BY THE U.S. SENATE IN JULY 2001. BY THE U.S. SENATE IN JULY 2001. BY THE U.S. SENATE IN JULY 2001.” 6 RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE NEWSLETTER The Agricultural Experiment Station’s Aquaculture Program hosted another successful “Aquaponics and Tilapia Aquaculture Short Course,” June 20-26, 2004. For the second straight year, attendance reached full capacity of 33 students. The students came from three territories (U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Ameri- can Samoa), 12 states (Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Pennsyl- vania, Texas, Washington and West Virginia) and five countries (Canada, Dominican Republic, Grand Cay- man, St. Martin and South Africa). In six offerings, the course has attracted 141 students from 26 states, four territories and 25 countries. The popularity of the course is due to the two unique and relevant technologies that have been de- veloped by the Aquaculture Program. Greenwater tank culture and aquaponics are very attractive production systems for many regions because they produce fish very intensively, conserve water and recycle nutrients. As a result, these systems use very little land and wa- ter resources and produce valuable plant crops from nutrients that normally are discharged into water bod- ies where they may cause pollution. UVI’s greenwater and aquaponic systems repre- sent a winning combination of loads of fish, small land requirement, water reuse, nutrient recovery and valu- able plant byproducts. In the aquaponic system the plants not only recover nutrients but also purify the cul- ture water. What started out as a small project to ad- dress a local problem has grown into a popular topic with worldwide appeal. It turns out there are many other AQUACULTURE HOLDS 6TH AQUACULTURE HOLDS 6TH AQUACULTURE HOLDS 6TH AQUACULTURE HOLDS 6TH AQUACULTURE HOLDS 6TH ANNUAL FISH SHORT COURSE ANNUAL FISH SHORT COURSE ANNUAL FISH SHORT COURSE ANNUAL FISH SHORT COURSE ANNUAL FISH SHORT COURSE areas in the world with limited land and water resources and the need for locally grown fish and vegetables. As stated in the June 26 St. Croix Avis, student Joel Francis from the Cayman Islands said he took the course to explore the benefits of combining aquac- ulture with hydroponics. He said one “tremendous” ben- efit of aquaponics is that it is ideal for regions where water is scarce and the soil is not fit for farming. Another attractive feature of the UVI greenwater tank culture and aquaponic systems is that they are relatively simple to construct and easy to manage. They represent appropriate or intermediate technology, and the systems have proven to be reliable and robust. The course was team-taught by James Rakocy, Donald Bailey, Eric Thoman and Charlie Shultz. Help was also provided this year by Gaetan Gentius, a UVI undergraduate student in math and science. With 24 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of hands- on fieldwork, it is a challenge to provide a seamless educational experience to students ranging from Ph.D.s in aquaculture to entrepreneurs with no fish culture experience at all. The goal is to train everyone to a level where they will be able to design and construct a commercial operation, raise tons of fresh fish and veg- etables, and then sell their products at a profit. Stu- dents are encouraged to keep in touch, continue to ask questions and communicate their successes. It is a pleasure to report the recent news that there is a new UVI aquaponic system producing tilapia and fresh vegetables for the citizens of Beirut, Lebanon. The Aquaculture Program is truly “globally interactive.” & R PS HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP:// :// :// :// ://RPS RPS RPS RPS RPS.UVI UVI UVI UVI UVI.EDU EDU EDU EDU EDU/ AES Aquaculture Short Course Class of 2004 “UVI’S GREENWATER UVI’S GREENWATER UVI’S GREENWATER UVI’S GREENWATER UVI’S GREENWATER AND AQUAPONIC AND AQUAPONIC AND AQUAPONIC AND AQUAPONIC AND AQUAPONIC SYSTEMS REPRESENT A SYSTEMS REPRESENT A SYSTEMS REPRESENT A SYSTEMS REPRESENT A SYSTEMS REPRESENT A WINNING WINNING WINNING WINNING WINNING COMBINATION OF COMBINATION OF COMBINATION OF COMBINATION OF COMBINATION OF LOADS OF FISH, SMALL LOADS OF FISH, SMALL LOADS OF FISH, SMALL LOADS OF FISH, SMALL LOADS OF FISH, SMALL LAND REQUIREMENT, LAND REQUIREMENT, LAND REQUIREMENT, LAND REQUIREMENT, LAND REQUIREMENT, WATER REUSE, WATER REUSE, WATER REUSE, WATER REUSE, WATER REUSE, NUTRIENT RECOVERY NUTRIENT RECOVERY NUTRIENT RECOVERY NUTRIENT RECOVERY NUTRIENT RECOVERY AND VALUABLE AND VALUABLE AND VALUABLE AND VALUABLE AND VALUABLE PLANT BYPRODUCTS. PLANT BYPRODUCTS. PLANT BYPRODUCTS. PLANT BYPRODUCTS. PLANT BYPRODUCTS. IN THE AQUAPONIC IN THE AQUAPONIC IN THE AQUAPONIC IN THE AQUAPONIC IN THE AQUAPONIC SYSTEM THE PLANTS SYSTEM THE PLANTS SYSTEM THE PLANTS SYSTEM THE PLANTS SYSTEM THE PLANTS NOT ONLY RECOVER NOT ONLY RECOVER NOT ONLY RECOVER NOT ONLY RECOVER NOT ONLY RECOVER NUTRIENTS BUT ALSO NUTRIENTS BUT ALSO NUTRIENTS BUT ALSO NUTRIENTS BUT ALSO NUTRIENTS BUT ALSO PURIFY THE CULTURE PURIFY THE CULTURE PURIFY THE CULTURE PURIFY THE CULTURE PURIFY THE CULTURE WATER. WHAT WATER. WHAT WATER. WHAT WATER. WHAT WATER. WHAT STARTED OUT AS A STARTED OUT AS A STARTED OUT AS A STARTED OUT AS A STARTED OUT AS A SMALL PROJECT TO SMALL PROJECT TO SMALL PROJECT TO SMALL PROJECT TO SMALL PROJECT TO ADDRESS A LOCAL ADDRESS A LOCAL ADDRESS A LOCAL ADDRESS A LOCAL ADDRESS A LOCAL PROBLEM HAS GROWN PROBLEM HAS GROWN PROBLEM HAS GROWN PROBLEM HAS GROWN PROBLEM HAS GROWN INTO A POPULAR INTO A POPULAR INTO A POPULAR INTO A POPULAR INTO A POPULAR TOPIC WITH TOPIC WITH TOPIC WITH TOPIC WITH TOPIC WITH WORLDWIDE APPEAL. WORLDWIDE APPEAL. WORLDWIDE APPEAL. WORLDWIDE APPEAL. WORLDWIDE APPEAL.” 7 NOVEMBER 2004 CDC SCIENCE BRIEFS CDC SCIENCE BRIEFS CDC SCIENCE BRIEFS CDC SCIENCE BRIEFS CDC SCIENCE BRIEFS CORAL BAY WATERSHED ASSOC. CORAL BAY WATERSHED ASSOC. CORAL BAY WATERSHED ASSOC. CORAL BAY WATERSHED ASSOC. CORAL BAY WATERSHED ASSOC. Through a USGS/WRRI grant of $38,000, the Conservation Data Center is assisting the residents of the Coral Bay Watershed, St. John, to organize a Residents Association to address pressing environmental and social concerns. One of the largest and fastest growing areas in the Virgin Islands, more than 150 residents and volunteers have joined the non-profit Coral Bay Community Council. The group is hosting infor- mational meetings, working with DPNR/CZM and V.I. Police to protect the quality of life and ad- dress emerging issues. The grant is providing funds for organization, printing, an informational brochure, a preliminary Stormwater Management Plan, a GIS Watershed Atlas for planning, stormwater chemistry sampling and a road/ home locater system for emergency services. V.I. STATE OF THE REEFS REPORT V.I. STATE OF THE REEFS REPORT V.I. STATE OF THE REEFS REPORT V.I. STATE OF THE REEFS REPORT V.I. STATE OF THE REEFS REPORT The CDC has partnered with Nicolas Drayton of The Ocean Conservancy and Caroline Rogers of USGS to complete the tech- nical editing of a publication funded by the Na- tional Fish and Wildlife Federation. The report, being published by The Ocean Conservancy, is meant to be used to inform the public, decision makers and visitors about coral reef resources and issues that threaten their health. Scientists from around the Territory have assisted with pre- paring individual sections. Publication and local unveiling is scheduled for January 2005 when Dr. Sylvia Earle will introduce the booklet. WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN AREAS FINAL REPORT AREAS FINAL REPORT AREAS FINAL REPORT AREAS FINAL REPORT AREAS FINAL REPORT The CDC Chief Scientist, Principal Investi- gator for the project, has completed the final re- port for Phase I. Stevie Henry, CDC Data Man- ager, and Pedro Nieves, Assistant Data Man- ager and field scientist, helped produce the final deliverables for the project. Partnered with Is- land Resources Foundation, the two groups com- pleted a pilot study of 18 priority watersheds and the wetland systems they contain. These data will help to characterize the rare wetland com- munities of the V.I. and provide the first compre- hensive data about ecological health, water qual- ity, vegetation communities and sedimentation history for use in DPNR management efforts. Phase II of this project will refine these methods and complete the inventory and assessment of many of the 600+ wetlands in the Territory. DISNEY CONSERVATION FUNDS DISNEY CONSERVATION FUNDS DISNEY CONSERVATION FUNDS DISNEY CONSERVATION FUNDS DISNEY CONSERVATION FUNDS CORAL DISEASE RESEARCH CORAL DISEASE RESEARCH CORAL DISEASE RESEARCH CORAL DISEASE RESEARCH CORAL DISEASE RESEARCH In late July, aboard the cruise ship “Disney Magic,” a $14,000 donation from the Disney Conservation Fund was made to Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park. CDC, partnering with Caroline Rogers of USGS, prepared a grant re- quest to Disney for continuing research into the health of Elkhorn Coral Reefs around St. John. The funds will allow CDC and USGS to map the incidence of White Band Disease and White Pox around the island. Data on the patterns of dis- ease can be used to determine outbreak loca- tions and possible sources of pathogens deci- mating valuable nearshore reefs. YACHT HAVEN WATER TESTING YACHT HAVEN WATER TESTING YACHT HAVEN WATER TESTING YACHT HAVEN WATER TESTING YACHT HAVEN WATER TESTING The CDC was hired by Island Development and IN-USVI to provide the field team to monitor water quality during the restoration of the Yacht Haven site. In May 2004, preliminary testing on dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform and turbidity were done to establish baseline values for Char- lotte Harbor. In July, over water and dredging work began. CDC is monitoring water quality twice weekly and providing records and reports to DPNR and CZM inspectors. RECENT DEPOSITIONAL HISTORY RECENT DEPOSITIONAL HISTORY RECENT DEPOSITIONAL HISTORY RECENT DEPOSITIONAL HISTORY RECENT DEPOSITIONAL HISTORY OF ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN OF ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN OF ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN OF ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN OF ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN The CDC, partnering with Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Fla., has completed a field study and report entitled “Detecting Anthropogenic Impacts in the Sedimentary Record.” More than 20 sediment cores were taken from 13 coastal wetlands surrounding St. Thomas-St. John, some pristine and some highly disturbed. The cores, when analyzed, record the natural coastal development of the islands during the last sea- level rise and show a final disturbing phase of human impact from the excesses of develop- ment. The record of human impact is most evi- dent in wetlands below heavily developed ar- eas along the west coast of St. John and the east and southeast coasts of St. Thomas. These data will assist DPNR in setting priorities for management efforts in preserving and protect- ing coastal environments. COASTAL AREA IMPACT COASTAL AREA IMPACT COASTAL AREA IMPACT COASTAL AREA IMPACT COASTAL AREA IMPACT MAPPING FOR PRIORITY BAYS MAPPING FOR PRIORITY BAYS MAPPING FOR PRIORITY BAYS MAPPING FOR PRIORITY BAYS MAPPING FOR PRIORITY BAYS CDC has been notified of the approval of a $24,500 grant from the V.I. Non-Point Source Committee to complete sediment core work primarily in St. Croix and St. Thomas in prior- ity watersheds and bays. Working with Eckerd College Marine Laboratory, CDC will sample many bays for the first time and use an X- Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique to determine the extent of the marine impact area for coastal watersheds. While watersheds are easily defined, the size of the marine area they can influence is largely unknown. The data will be applied by DPNR in its Watershed Res- toration Action Strategies. ADDITIONAL PROJECTS ADDITIONAL PROJECTS ADDITIONAL PROJECTS ADDITIONAL PROJECTS ADDITIONAL PROJECTS -Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan maps -Lameshur Bay Mangrove Restoration As- sessment -VIERS Laboratory Renovation and Permitting Charles Smith (left) at his retirement party. Stafford Crossman (right), Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, gives remarks. Kwame Garcia (center), UVI Extension Director After working 22 years at UVI, Charles Smith, who had been an Extension Assis- tant IV with the Cooperative Extension Ser- vice, retired. He was instrumental in sell- ing the concept of box gardening to Virgin Islanders, particularly those on St. Croix. “When we think of the Agriculture and Food Fair, Mango Melee, World Food Day, Box Gardening in the Schools and the Farmers’ Committee,” said Kwame Garcia, Sr., Extension State Director, we think of Charles Smith. “When we look at the let- ters of appreciation and the certificates awarded by schools, Virgin Islands’ Hous- ing Authority, and institutions like the Uni- versity of the West Indies, we applaud Charles Smith. When, at CES, we cel- ebrated birthdays, births, and when we offered condolences and grieved with col- leagues, we thank Charles Smith, because he was a member of CES’ Sunshine Com- mittee.” Smith received awards for his urban gardening exhibit for World Food Day. A very resourceful person, Smith usually an- ticipated problems, knew how to overcome them, and resolved them successfully. Smith worked with the Young Farm- ers and Beautification Club of the St. Patrick Catholic School, with the REACH Gardening Cluster Activity at the Ricardo Richards Elementary School, the Flamboy- ant Gardens for the Elderly and introduced organic farming to participants in the Vir- gin Islands’ Housing Authority’s After- School Tutorial Program. He was commended for his participa- tion in the Organic Farming and Extension Workshop on St. Vincent and the Grena- dines, sponsored by the University of the West Indies, and he also worked exten- sively with the small livestock program. “The Extension staff extends sincere gratitude to Charles Smith for his invalu- able contribution to the University, to the community and to the Caribbean region. We will fill your place, but we can never fill your shoes,” Mr. Garcia said. CES’ SMITH RETIRES CES’ SMITH RETIRES CES’ SMITH RETIRES CES’ SMITH RETIRES CES’ SMITH RETIRES 8 RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE NEWSLETTER In recognition of the small business community’s contributions to the American economy and society, the President of The United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrated National Small Business Week the week of May 9, 2004. The highlight of the week is the presenta- tion of awards in recognition of the outstanding contributions of small business persons and ad- vocates at the territorial and national levels. The 2004 SBDC Awards were presented in St. Thomas as part of the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours Reception. This event was hosted by the SBDC from its lead office in Nisky Center. It was a re- sounding success, attended by an estimated 100 guests and supporters. A similar SBDC awards banquet was held on the island of St. Croix the following day in collaboration with the St. Croix Chamber of Com- merce. SBDC is pleased once again to recog- nize and congratulate the following honorees: 2004 UVI-SBDC Small Business Person of the Year Award Recipients -Mariel, Akinyemi, and Felicia Blake, co-owners, Ital Ase Botanica and Wedding Services (STT) -Mr. Jason Budsan, owner, Caribbean Herbals & Candles (STT) -Ulysess and Ulric Pilgrim, co-owners, Pilgrim Terrace (STT) -Ms. Beatrice Ramos, owner, Wild Orchid Gift & Flowers (STX) -Ms. Gertrude Gumbs, Gertrude’s Restaurant (STX) -Mr. Elsworth Jones, owner, Two Plus Two Night Club & Restaurant, Inc. (STX) Pictured above: Cassan Pancham (left), First Vice President and General Manager of FirstBank Virgin Islands accepts FirstBank’s 2004 SBDC’s V.I. Community Advocate of the Year Award from Warren T. Bush, SBDC ‘s State Director and Carl Christensen, U.S. SBA’s USVI Officer in Charge. Pictured at right: STX honorees assemble for a group picture including (from left) Banco Popular de Puerto Rico’s Abraham Edwards; Gertrude Restaurant’s Gertrude Gumbs; Two Plus Two Owner Elsworth Jones; Angela Weber, 2004 UVI-SBDC Business Advocate of the Year Award Recipient; Dive Experience’s Michelle Pugh; and Beatrice Ramos of Wild Orchid and Gifts SBDC, SBA RECOGNIZE VI ENTREPRENEURS AT AWARDS BANQUETS SBDC, SBA RECOGNIZE VI ENTREPRENEURS AT AWARDS BANQUETS SBDC, SBA RECOGNIZE VI ENTREPRENEURS AT AWARDS BANQUETS SBDC, SBA RECOGNIZE VI ENTREPRENEURS AT AWARDS BANQUETS SBDC, SBA RECOGNIZE VI ENTREPRENEURS AT AWARDS BANQUETS 2004 UVI-SBDC Citizen Award - V.I. Commu- nity Advocate of the Year -Dr. Alexander Randall V (STT) 2004 UVI-SBDC Corporate Awards - V.I. Com- munity Advocates of the Year -FirstBank VI, Mr. Cassan Pancham, First Se- nior Vice President/General Manager -V.I. Economic Development Authority, Mr. Frank Schulterbrandt, Chief Executive Officer 2004 UVI-SBDC Entrepreneurial Success Award Recipient -Ms. Michelle Pugh, Dive Experience (STX) 2004 UVI-SBDC Business Advocate of the Year Award Recipient -Ms. Angela Weber (STX) Mr. Carl Christensen, USVI Officer in Charge of the U.S. SBA, presented awards to the follow- ing USVI honorees: U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Persons of the Year -Anton and Kelly Kuipers, Frederiksted Hotel (STX) -Allison and Beverly Petrus, Subway Franchise Owners (STT) U.S. Small Business Administration’s USVI Bank of the Year -Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Warren Bush, State Director, applauded the efforts of the deserving entrepreneurs and institutions recognized at these cer- emonies: “To their credit, they have all per- severed and have attained major mile- stones that they, and all of their supporters, should be extremely proud of.” Mr. Bush went on to thank the STT/STJ Chamber of Commerce and his (SBDC) staff for their efforts in helping to establish first-rate cer- emonies. The SBDC is pleased to report that for the third quarter of fiscal year 2004, the Center con- ducted 63 training programs territorywide, serv- ing approximately 412 attendees. The Center also has received a highly favorable approval rating on these programs as verified from stake- holder evaluations. The trainings conducted in- cluded collaborative programming with the Fam- ily Life Center (Basic Business Exposure), U.S. SBA (St. John and St. Thomas informational ses- sion), Women in Business (featuring USVI fe- male entrepreneurs Yvette deLaubanque, Joan Lynch, Lorna Webster), New Image Foundation (Grant Writing), and St. Croix Credit Bureau (Credit Report). In addition, approximately 162 client cases were handled territorywide via the Center’s free business counseling services. A total of 862 hours were spent providing business counseling assis- tance, an average of 5.32 hours spent per case. The SBDC will continue to sponsor innova- tive and cutting-edge training and counseling to address the entrepreneurial and economic devel- opment potential of aspiring and existing business owners and their employees. For more informa- tion on these past programs and upcoming events, please contact the SBDC at (340) 776-3206 (STT) or (340) 692-5270 (STX). SBDC’S THIRD-QUARTER SBDC’S THIRD-QUARTER SBDC’S THIRD-QUARTER SBDC’S THIRD-QUARTER SBDC’S THIRD-QUARTER TRAINING AND BUSINESS TRAINING AND BUSINESS TRAINING AND BUSINESS TRAINING AND BUSINESS TRAINING AND BUSINESS COUNSELING RESULTS COUNSELING RESULTS COUNSELING RESULTS COUNSELING RESULTS COUNSELING RESULTS 9 NOVEMBER 2004 The 9th Annual Caribbean Urban and Commu- nity Forestry Conference was held June 14-18, 2004, at the beautiful Westin Resort and Villas in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Approximately 100 individuals participated in the five-day event which included poster and oral presentations, a working field trip and an awards ceremony and banquet. There were three keynote addresses centering on the confer- ence theme “Managing the Caribbean Urban and Community Forest.” The conference officially opened with Dr. Louis E. Petersen, Jr., District Supervisor of UVI Coop- erative Extension Service, followed by remarks by Mr. Kwame Garcia, State Director of Cooperative Ex- tension Service. The other speakers were Mr. Terry Hueth, S.P.F. Manager, USDA Forest Service; Hon. Lawrence Lewis, Ph.D., Commissioner of the V.I. Department of Agriculture; Dr. Henry Smith , UVI Vice Provost for Research and Public Service; and Hon. Louis P. Hill, Chair of Planning and Environmental Protection Committee of the Virgin Islands Legisla- ture. The keynote addresses on the opening day were given by Mark Buscaino who spoke on the “National Program for Urban and Community Forestry.” Eleanor Gibney, who has lived on St. John for many years, spoke on “The St. John Forest Through Time: An Overview of the Climate and Human Influences That Have Shaped the Forest Vegetation Today.” The final keynote address was given on Wednesday by John Pipoly III and was entitled “Organization of the Caribbean Vegetation Monitoring Network.” Over the course of three days, participants lis- tened to presentations in four general categories: Agency Program Overview which dealt with gov- ernment agencies that produce urban forestry pro- grams, Management of Urban Forest, Community Initiative and Hazard Assessment Workshop. The latter presentations highlighted the efforts of non- profit and community-based groups that manage the urban forest in their neighborhood or region. One of the more interactive sessions was the Haz- ard Tree Assessment Workshop. The presenters helped the audience to access three actual ex- amples where trees were involved in hazardous situations. Each year, the conference planners include a field trip or technical tour to an urban forest or botanical garden or some related site as a means of adding an “in the field” experience for the par- ticipants. Thomas Brandeis and a team from the U.S. Forest Service conducted a Tree Inventory demonstration at the Cinnamon Bay campground trails. For three hours, participants were involved in measuring tree height and diameter, sampling soil and characterizing the understudy of small shrub trees. It involved the use of tools and equip- ment necessary for such a job. This type of activ- ity was a first of its kind for the conference. Another highlight was the annual banquet and awards ceremony. What made this event very spe- cial was that UVI received two of the seven awards given that evening. The St. Croix campus received the “Project Award” for its grounds restoration and Extension Specialist Carlos Robles received the “Outstanding Professional” award for his work in Ur- ban Forestry in the Virgin Islands. By all accounts the conference was a success, and participants benefited not only from the presen- tations but from the networking that occurred throughout the five days. For further information re- garding the conference, please contact Dr. Louis Petersen at (340) 693-1071 or at lpeters@uvi.edu. UVI EXTENSION HOSTS UVI EXTENSION HOSTS UVI EXTENSION HOSTS UVI EXTENSION HOSTS UVI EXTENSION HOSTS CARIBBEAN URBAN FORESTRY CARIBBEAN URBAN FORESTRY CARIBBEAN URBAN FORESTRY CARIBBEAN URBAN FORESTRY CARIBBEAN URBAN FORESTRY CONFERENCE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE & R PS HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP:// :// :// :// ://RPS RPS RPS RPS RPS.UVI UVI UVI UVI UVI.EDU EDU EDU EDU EDU/ James Elden displaying items made from St. Croix mahogany UVI’s Cooperative Extension Service State Director Kwame Garcia bestows the conference’s “Outstanding Professional” award on Carlos Robles, CES Extension Specialist 10 10 10 10 10 RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE NEWSLETTER & R PS HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP HTTP:// :// :// :// ://RPS RPS RPS RPS RPS.UVI UVI UVI UVI UVI.EDU EDU EDU EDU EDU/ LOCAL COMMUNITY, RC&D COUNCIL LOCAL COMMUNITY, RC&D COUNCIL LOCAL COMMUNITY, RC&D COUNCIL LOCAL COMMUNITY, RC&D COUNCIL LOCAL COMMUNITY, RC&D COUNCIL AND UVI EXTENSION TO BENEFIT AND UVI EXTENSION TO BENEFIT AND UVI EXTENSION TO BENEFIT AND UVI EXTENSION TO BENEFIT AND UVI EXTENSION TO BENEFIT FROM $60,000 EPA GRANT FROM $60,000 EPA GRANT FROM $60,000 EPA GRANT FROM $60,000 EPA GRANT FROM $60,000 EPA GRANT U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Jane M. Kenny visited the St. Croix cam- pus of the University of the Virgin Islands and an- nounced the awarding of federal grants that will ben- efit the local community and help revitalize Virgin Is- lands “brownfields.” Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties take development pressures off of undeveloped, open land and both improve and protect the environment. The first grant of $417,000 was presented to the Kwame Garcia, Sr., CES State Director, left, accepting the $60,000 EPA check that CES will use along with RC&D to keep the St. Croix community informed and develop and maintain a repository of environmental information Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Kenny also announced that the Virgin Islands Resource Con- servation & Development Council, Inc. (RC&D) was selected to receive a $60,000 grant. The University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service is a collaborator with RC&D and along with RC&D will use the grant to keep the St. Croix community informed and develop and maintain a repository of environmen- tal information. “The two grants will benefit local communities by promoting the revitalization of abandoned or underused properties and by enhancing the environmental infor- mation available to the citizens,” Kenny said. “THE EPA GRANT WILL THE EPA GRANT WILL THE EPA GRANT WILL THE EPA GRANT WILL THE EPA GRANT WILL HELP REVITALIZE VIRGIN HELP REVITALIZE VIRGIN HELP REVITALIZE VIRGIN HELP REVITALIZE VIRGIN HELP REVITALIZE VIRGIN ISLANDS ‘BROWNFIELDS,’ ISLANDS ‘BROWNFIELDS,’ ISLANDS ‘BROWNFIELDS,’ ISLANDS ‘BROWNFIELDS,’ ISLANDS ‘BROWNFIELDS,’ REAL PROPERTY, THE REAL PROPERTY, THE REAL PROPERTY, THE REAL PROPERTY, THE REAL PROPERTY, THE EXPANSION, EXPANSION, EXPANSION, EXPANSION, EXPANSION, REDEVELOPMENT, OR REDEVELOPMENT, OR REDEVELOPMENT, OR REDEVELOPMENT, OR REDEVELOPMENT, OR REUSE OF WHICH MAY BE REUSE OF WHICH MAY BE REUSE OF WHICH MAY BE REUSE OF WHICH MAY BE REUSE OF WHICH MAY BE COMPLICATED BY THE COMPLICATED BY THE COMPLICATED BY THE COMPLICATED BY THE COMPLICATED BY THE PRESENCE OR POTENTIAL PRESENCE OR POTENTIAL PRESENCE OR POTENTIAL PRESENCE OR POTENTIAL PRESENCE OR POTENTIAL PRESENCE OF A PRESENCE OF A PRESENCE OF A PRESENCE OF A PRESENCE OF A HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, POLLUTANT OR POLLUTANT OR POLLUTANT OR POLLUTANT OR POLLUTANT OR CONTAMINANT. CONTAMINANT. CONTAMINANT. CONTAMINANT. CONTAMINANT. CLEANING UP AND CLEANING UP AND CLEANING UP AND CLEANING UP AND CLEANING UP AND REINVESTING IN THESE REINVESTING IN THESE REINVESTING IN THESE REINVESTING IN THESE REINVESTING IN THESE PROPERTIES TAKE PROPERTIES TAKE PROPERTIES TAKE PROPERTIES TAKE PROPERTIES TAKE DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES OFF OF PRESSURES OFF OF PRESSURES OFF OF PRESSURES OFF OF PRESSURES OFF OF UNDEVELOPED, OPEN UNDEVELOPED, OPEN UNDEVELOPED, OPEN UNDEVELOPED, OPEN UNDEVELOPED, OPEN LAND AND BOTH LAND AND BOTH LAND AND BOTH LAND AND BOTH LAND AND BOTH IMPROVE AND PROTECT IMPROVE AND PROTECT IMPROVE AND PROTECT IMPROVE AND PROTECT IMPROVE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. THE ENVIRONMENT. THE ENVIRONMENT. THE ENVIRONMENT. THE ENVIRONMENT. ” The UVI Small Business Development Center has hosted sev- eral computer based training sessions over the past months, with special emphasis in the St. Croix District. SBDC conducted sessions on QuickBooks Pro, Microsoft Excel, Word, Publisher and Power Point. Many of these modules were introductory. Intermediate and advanced modules will be offered in later sessions and on an as- needed basis. The community has responded quite favorably to the these ses- sions and has expressed interest for continued programming since these applications play such a pivotal role in a business owner’s ability to aggressively compete in today’s market. SBDC’S COMPUTER TRAINING HELPS BUSINESS OWNERS COMPETE SBDC’S COMPUTER TRAINING HELPS BUSINESS OWNERS COMPETE SBDC’S COMPUTER TRAINING HELPS BUSINESS OWNERS COMPETE SBDC’S COMPUTER TRAINING HELPS BUSINESS OWNERS COMPETE SBDC’S COMPUTER TRAINING HELPS BUSINESS OWNERS COMPETE 11 1111 1111 NOVEMBER 2004 In an effort to continue the promotion of mango and other tropical fruits production as a potential vi- able industry for the Virgin Islands, the UVI Coop- erative Extension Service in partnership with the UVI Agricultural Experiment Station, the St. George Vil- lage Botanical Garden, the V.I. Department of Agri- culture, the V.I. Department of Tourism, and BioImpact, Inc., celebrated the 8th Annual Mango Melee and Tropical Fruits Festival July 11, on St. Croix. Over 3,000 community residents and visitors strolled throughout the beautiful setting of St. George Village Botanical Garden grounds to observe and partake of some of the most sumptuous mangoes, other tropical fruits and related value-added prod- ucts that are available in the Virgin Islands. The one-day celebration offered family enjoy- ment with games for our youth, lots of local food and drinks to sample, lively music, nursery plants UVI HELPS ST. CROIX UVI HELPS ST. CROIX UVI HELPS ST. CROIX UVI HELPS ST. CROIX UVI HELPS ST. CROIX CELEBRATE ANNUAL CELEBRATE ANNUAL CELEBRATE ANNUAL CELEBRATE ANNUAL CELEBRATE ANNUAL MANGO MELEE FESTIVAL MANGO MELEE FESTIVAL MANGO MELEE FESTIVAL MANGO MELEE FESTIVAL MANGO MELEE FESTIVAL Left: Children compete in the mango-eating competition; the contest is a major highlight of the festival. Right, Carlos Robles, Extension Specialist, and Errol Chichester, Horticulturist from the V.I. Department of Agriculture, assist with workshop on grafting tropical fruit trees during Mango Melee for sale, and a farmers’ market. Taking center stage was a colorful display of over 40 varieties of man- goes, as well as a large assortment of exotic tropi- cal fruits that are grown on St. Croix. This year’s activities included a “mango dis and dat” competition, mango tasting and evaluation, tropical fruits identification, a silent auction of tropi- cal fruits, and a mango eating contest. As a result of a previous year’s workshop on the processing of tropical fruits delivered by a food technologist from the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute in Trinidad, our farmers and their families displayed and sold a significantly greater amount of processed fruit products at this year’s event. Other educational activities included hands-on demonstrations on how to make mango and tropi- cal fruits ice cream and on the propagation of tropi- cal fruits. The SBDC continues to assist our islands’ youths by increasing their awareness and potential regard- ing financial, business and other issues. To help re- inforce this mission, the SBDC has put on presenta- tions in the Youth Outreach Program for the high schools on St. Croix and St. Thomas regarding “Steps to Starting a Business in the USVI.” SBDC has also been asked to assist the schools in their programs of Life Skills. As a result, the SBDC has been instru- mental in helping various groups with the concept of money management. By showing the students how to save, when to save and what they can do with saved money, over 35 students at the St. Croix Edu- cational Complex learned the basics of money man- agement during the two-day module. Through this YOUTH OUTREACH AND CASE WORKER TRAINING SBDC FOCAL POINTS YOUTH OUTREACH AND CASE WORKER TRAINING SBDC FOCAL POINTS YOUTH OUTREACH AND CASE WORKER TRAINING SBDC FOCAL POINTS YOUTH OUTREACH AND CASE WORKER TRAINING SBDC FOCAL POINTS YOUTH OUTREACH AND CASE WORKER TRAINING SBDC FOCAL POINTS type of program, the SBDC is providing the students with the full educational value of basic money man- agement and ethics. The Department of Human Services, Office of In- take and Emergency Services, and the SBDC collabo- rated in the same basic skills sets for training case workers. This session helped case workers/counse- lors learn how to stress to their clients the importance of understanding revenue and expenses and how to “make ends meet” financially. The Department has a growing concern that too many of their clients do not have a complete understanding of the concept. There- fore, with the SBDC’s assistance, an immediate, posi- tive impact can be registered on the residents regard- ing their overall financial management skills. “OVER 3,000 OVER 3,000 OVER 3,000 OVER 3,000 OVER 3,000 COMMUNITY RESIDENTS COMMUNITY RESIDENTS COMMUNITY RESIDENTS COMMUNITY RESIDENTS COMMUNITY RESIDENTS AND VISITORS STROLLED AND VISITORS STROLLED AND VISITORS STROLLED AND VISITORS STROLLED AND VISITORS STROLLED THROUGHOUT THE THROUGHOUT THE THROUGHOUT THE THROUGHOUT THE THROUGHOUT THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF ST. GEORGE VILLAGE ST. GEORGE VILLAGE ST. GEORGE VILLAGE ST. GEORGE VILLAGE ST. GEORGE VILLAGE BOTANICAL GARDEN BOTANICAL GARDEN BOTANICAL GARDEN BOTANICAL GARDEN BOTANICAL GARDEN GROUNDS TO OBSERVE GROUNDS TO OBSERVE GROUNDS TO OBSERVE GROUNDS TO OBSERVE GROUNDS TO OBSERVE AND PARTAKE OF SOME AND PARTAKE OF SOME AND PARTAKE OF SOME AND PARTAKE OF SOME AND PARTAKE OF SOME OF THE MOST OF THE MOST OF THE MOST OF THE MOST OF THE MOST SUMPTUOUS MANGOES, SUMPTUOUS MANGOES, SUMPTUOUS MANGOES, SUMPTUOUS MANGOES, SUMPTUOUS MANGOES, OTHER TROPICAL FRUITS OTHER TROPICAL FRUITS OTHER TROPICAL FRUITS OTHER TROPICAL FRUITS OTHER TROPICAL FRUITS AND RELATED VALUE- AND RELATED VALUE- AND RELATED VALUE- AND RELATED VALUE- AND RELATED VALUE- ADDED PRODUCTS THAT ADDED PRODUCTS THAT ADDED PRODUCTS THAT ADDED PRODUCTS THAT ADDED PRODUCTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN THE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. VIRGIN ISLANDS. VIRGIN ISLANDS. VIRGIN ISLANDS. VIRGIN ISLANDS.” 12 12 12 12 12 RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE NEWSLETTER *For more information on these events, contact the sponsoring department. & R PS UVI R UVI R UVI R UVI R UVI RESEARCH ESEARCH ESEARCH ESEARCH ESEARCH & P & P & P & P & PUBLIC UBLIC UBLIC UBLIC UBLIC S S S S SERVICE ERVICE ERVICE ERVICE ERVICE #2 J #2 J #2 J #2 J #2 JOHN OHN OHN OHN OHN B B B B BREWERS REWERS REWERS REWERS REWERS B B B B BAY AY AY AY AY ST. T . T . T . T . THOMAS HOMAS HOMAS HOMAS HOMAS, VI 00802 , VI 00802 , VI 00802 , VI 00802 , VI 00802 NOVEMBER 1-DEC 8 1-DEC 8 1-DEC 8 1-DEC 8 1-DEC 8 SMALL LIVESTOCK COURSE/CES SMALL LIVESTOCK COURSE/CES SMALL LIVESTOCK COURSE/CES SMALL LIVESTOCK COURSE/CES SMALL LIVESTOCK COURSE/CES 3 YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA - BUSINESS PLAN YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA - BUSINESS PLAN YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA - BUSINESS PLAN YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA - BUSINESS PLAN YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA - BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC 4 INSURANCE PLANNING BASICS FOR BUSINESSES/SBDC INSURANCE PLANNING BASICS FOR BUSINESSES/SBDC INSURANCE PLANNING BASICS FOR BUSINESSES/SBDC INSURANCE PLANNING BASICS FOR BUSINESSES/SBDC INSURANCE PLANNING BASICS FOR BUSINESSES/SBDC 8 CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - CHOOSING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - CHOOSING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - CHOOSING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - CHOOSING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - CHOOSING A BUSINESS/SBDC BUSINESS/SBDC BUSINESS/SBDC BUSINESS/SBDC BUSINESS/SBDC 9 CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - FORM OF CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - FORM OF CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - FORM OF CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - FORM OF CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - FORM OF OWNERSHIP/SBDC OWNERSHIP/SBDC OWNERSHIP/SBDC OWNERSHIP/SBDC OWNERSHIP/SBDC 14 14 14 14 14 TURKEY CARVING DEMONSTRATION & PUMPKIN TURKEY CARVING DEMONSTRATION & PUMPKIN TURKEY CARVING DEMONSTRATION & PUMPKIN TURKEY CARVING DEMONSTRATION & PUMPKIN TURKEY CARVING DEMONSTRATION & PUMPKIN WORKSHOP/CES WORKSHOP/CES WORKSHOP/CES WORKSHOP/CES WORKSHOP/CES 15 15 15 15 15 CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN-NARRATIVE/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-NARRATIVE/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-NARRATIVE/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-NARRATIVE/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-NARRATIVE/SBDC 16 16 16 16 16 WNET ROUNDTABLE/SBDC WNET ROUNDTABLE/SBDC WNET ROUNDTABLE/SBDC WNET ROUNDTABLE/SBDC WNET ROUNDTABLE/SBDC 16 16 16 16 16 CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN-FINANCIALS/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-FINANCIALS/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-FINANCIALS/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-FINANCIALS/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-FINANCIALS/SBDC 17 17 17 17 17 PRICING YOUR GOODS AND SERVICES/SBDC PRICING YOUR GOODS AND SERVICES/SBDC PRICING YOUR GOODS AND SERVICES/SBDC PRICING YOUR GOODS AND SERVICES/SBDC PRICING YOUR GOODS AND SERVICES/SBDC 17 & 18 17 & 18 17 & 18 17 & 18 17 & 18 PUMPKIN WORKSHOP/CES PUMPKIN WORKSHOP/CES PUMPKIN WORKSHOP/CES PUMPKIN WORKSHOP/CES PUMPKIN WORKSHOP/CES 19 19 19 19 19 WNET TRAINING/SBDC WNET TRAINING/SBDC WNET TRAINING/SBDC WNET TRAINING/SBDC WNET TRAINING/SBDC 29 29 29 29 29 CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS/SBDC 30 30 30 30 30 CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS LICENSES & ZONING/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS LICENSES & ZONING/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS LICENSES & ZONING/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS LICENSES & ZONING/SBDC BUSINESS PLAN-BUSINESS LICENSES & ZONING/SBDC RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE RESEARCH & PUBLIC SERVICE UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER OVEMBER OVEMBER OVEMBER OVEMBER - D - D - D - D - DECEMBER ECEMBER ECEMBER ECEMBER ECEMBER 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 DECEMBER 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES 1 YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA BUSINESS PLAN YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA BUSINESS PLAN YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA BUSINESS PLAN YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA BUSINESS PLAN YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM: FBLA BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC DEVELOPMENT SERIES/SBDC 2 CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A BUSINESS - WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN-TAX COMPLIANCE & RECORD- BUSINESS PLAN-TAX COMPLIANCE & RECORD- BUSINESS PLAN-TAX COMPLIANCE & RECORD- BUSINESS PLAN-TAX COMPLIANCE & RECORD- BUSINESS PLAN-TAX COMPLIANCE & RECORD- KEEPING/SBDC KEEPING/SBDC KEEPING/SBDC KEEPING/SBDC KEEPING/SBDC 3 HOW TO EFFECTIVELY ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS/ HOW TO EFFECTIVELY ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS/ HOW TO EFFECTIVELY ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS/ HOW TO EFFECTIVELY ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS/ HOW TO EFFECTIVELY ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS/ SBDC SBDC SBDC SBDC SBDC 6-7 6-7 6-7 6-7 6-7 ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN/CES ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN/CES ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN/CES ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN/CES ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN/CES 9 MARKETING STRATEGIES THAT GET RESULTS/SBDC MARKETING STRATEGIES THAT GET RESULTS/SBDC MARKETING STRATEGIES THAT GET RESULTS/SBDC MARKETING STRATEGIES THAT GET RESULTS/SBDC MARKETING STRATEGIES THAT GET RESULTS/SBDC 10 10 10 10 10 HOME DECORATION & GIFT IDEAS DISPLAY/CES HOME DECORATION & GIFT IDEAS DISPLAY/CES HOME DECORATION & GIFT IDEAS DISPLAY/CES HOME DECORATION & GIFT IDEAS DISPLAY/CES HOME DECORATION & GIFT IDEAS DISPLAY/CES 12 12 12 12 12 ECO-HIKE TRAINING WORKSHOP/CES ECO-HIKE TRAINING WORKSHOP/CES ECO-HIKE TRAINING WORKSHOP/CES ECO-HIKE TRAINING WORKSHOP/CES ECO-HIKE TRAINING WORKSHOP/CES 14 14 14 14 14 YOUTH OUTREACH/SBDC YOUTH OUTREACH/SBDC YOUTH OUTREACH/SBDC YOUTH OUTREACH/SBDC YOUTH OUTREACH/SBDC 14-16 14-16 14-16 14-16 14-16 HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOP/CES & R PS