The first day of the conference was an entrepreneurs' symposium consisting of three tracks. Workshops covered topics on business organization, drafting a business plan, and locating the first round of capital. Hardwicke presented materials in the areas of technology and education. The centerpiece of the forum was a major networking reception and formal dinner for all participants. First National Black Farmers Conference Held Congressman Bobby Scott, from the Third District of Virginia, speaks during the National Black Farmers Association's conference held in August in Richmond.
Visionary farmers are excited about the future of the organization.
Phillip Haynie, III, son of the co-founder, sees the organization in the future focusing on developing programs to assist minorities in tapping into international markets and giving them an opportunity to network in a global marketplace. Nominated by Ted Settle and David Waterman of Virginia Tech's Division of Continuing Education, the award honored Leffel for outstanding service to her institution and UCEA during the past 27 years. President Charles Steger confirmed the nomination with a supporting letter, and Edward Simpson, former national president of UCEA, also provided a supporting letter of nomination. In her 11 years as Director of Program Development, her Program Development team and university faculty completed 4,938 programs serving 339,503 participants. Over the past several years she has played a pivotal role in our efforts to make Tech's educational programs accessible worldwide to diverse populations.