Rural Economic Development
Rural Economic Development programs of the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service provide education, training, and assistance in economic development principles and practices for rural economic developers and local leaders.
Program Objectives
The Program Objectives include enabling local leaders and economic developers to develop and implement programs to revitalize local economic potential.
Program Components
Key Program Components include assistance in conducting economic analysis of the local economy, workshops on different techniques for economic improvement, and elements of successful overall economic development programming.
Project Leader
Dr. Robert Coppedge, the Project Leader, has over thirty years experience in business and economic development for companies, communities, and countries. In 2002-2003, Dr. Coppedge served as Interim Director of Extension in New Mexico. His current position is Professor and Economic Development Project leader.
His major program area is developing and conducting business and economic development training and capacity building programs for business people, community groups, and community leaders.
A current focus is identifying economic clusters and value chains suitable for economic development efforts to integrate businesses and communities into the global economy and the electronic age. This has led to creation of materials in e-commerce for rural businesses.
He has recently conducted economic analysis and developed policies and programs for emerging private sector companies in Latin America. Previous work includes identifying problems and developing solutions for existing businesses as a source of jobs, income and tax base.