The evolution of a farm show: International Agri-Center Moves From Yearly Farm Show Host To Agriculture Hub).A seed was planted in 1967 as three businessmen traveled the five-our trip from a farm show in Colusa, Calif., to Tulare, Calif. The travelers recognized a need for a regional farm exhibition and established the California Field and Row Crop Show located at the Tulare County Fair Grounds. After 35 years, a few name changes and the move to a new location, The World Ag Expo The World Ag Expo is the world's largest agricultural exposition. Each year it is held in Tulare, California, in the United States during the second week of February. Prior to its 2001 rename, the event was titled "California Farm Equipment Show and International Exposition. is the largest agricultural show An Agricultural Show is a public event showcasing the equipment, animals, sports and recreation associated with the occupations of agriculture and animal husbandry. The largest of these comprise a Livestock show in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. and boasts international recognition for its ability to show foreign buyers what American agriculture has to offer Today, The World Ag Expo is much more than a once-per-year farm show. It has a permanent home with the International Agri-Center, a nonprofit organization Nonprofit Organization An association that is given tax-free status. Donations to a non-profit organization are often tax deductible as well. Notes: Examples of non-profit organizations are charities, hospitals and schools. that exists to promote agriculture through sponsorship of the show and hundreds of events throughout the year. Gary Schulz, general manager of the International Agri-Center, says that the Heritage Complex, a 57,000 square foot facility on the 200-acre grounds of the Agri-Center, is a center for agriculture learning. "The Heritage Complex is a tool we use to extend the enthusiasm of The World Ag Expo by holding meetings, seminars and tours throughout the year." Heritage Complex houses a farm equipment museum, gift shop, cafe-deli, international trade center, banquet hall Definition A banquet hall is a room used for social gatherings like receptions, reunions, parties, and business events. , multimedia theatre, and agricultural learning center One of the main objectives of the complex is to acquaint young and old alike with agriculture, the careers associated with it and the economic impact agriculture delivers. "The facility is really a focal point focal point n. See focus. for California agriculture," Schulz explains. "One example is a film we commissioned called, `A Day in the Life of a California Farmer,' which we show to urban visitors and young people who visit ." In addition, Heritage Complex is close to the headquarters of the International Agri-Center Inc., Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, Edison's AgTAC (Agricultural Technology Application Center), the Tulare County Ag Commissioner's Headquarters and the Tulare County Office of the University of California The University of California has a combined student body of more than 191,000 students, over 1,340,000 living alumni, and a combined systemwide and campus endowment of just over $7.3 billion (8th largest in the United States). Cooperative Extension. INTERNATIONAL FLAIR (language) FLAIR - An early system on the IBM 650. [Listed in CACM 2(5):16 (May 1959)]. If gaining entry into international markets is on your company's to-do list, then The World Ag Expo is the place to catch the attention of more than 1,000 international buyers and guests. More than 1,400 companies exhibit at the show each year, which provides 2.1 million square feet of exhibit space. The sheer size and diversity of the show is exactly what attracts so many international guests. The World Ag Expo is also fortunate to be one of 28 trade shows nationwide accepted into the 2003 and 2004 U.S. Department of Commerce International Buyer Program, which Schulz likens to the "Good Housekeeping Good Housekeeping is a women's magazine owned by the Hearst Corporation, featuring articles about women's interests, product testing by The Good Housekeeping Institute, recipes, diet, health as well as literary articles. Seal of Approval." He says the World Ag Expo has participated in this program before and typically sees a leap in international attendance when endorsed by the program. With the increase in attendance, you can bet guests will be flocking flocking 1. counterpart of herding but for a flock. 2. precipitation, usually by the addition of a chemical, of protein in a solution for the purpose of clarifying it. to the international trade center This facility offers international guests office space, facilitates VIP meetings and conducts professional seminars during the farm show. "The International Trade Center is great for foreign embassies and buyers to build and establish relationships within U.S. agriculture," Schulz says. "International guests don't have to be referred to another location after the February show. We always have a place for them to meet." Another unique aspect of the International Agri-Center is the customer service that it extends to exhibitors and guests. Nearly 1,000 volunteers keep the farm show, antique show and daily tours running smoothly. "We want visitors to get the most out of any experience we provide--the volunteers make that possible," Schulz says. "Our volunteers take care of everything from name badges to news distribution." The 2003 World Ag Expo will be held February 11-13 in Tulare, Calif. For more information, visit www.farmshow.org or call 800/999-9186. |
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