Dear Friend of Extension,
Many of you are keenly aware of the constant challenges regarding resource development for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. Although the Association continues to maintain county funding, pursues grant and contract funding, and conducts local fundraising efforts, financial challenges always exist.
With that in mind, I offer several points to ponder:
- Some brochures, pamphlets and fact sheets are provided free of charge. Contributions are always welcome to help this continue this way.
- If you are receiving publications from Cornell Cooperative Extension, and you move, please notify the office as soon as possible. If these publications go to your old address and they are not forwarded, we receive them back in the mail and are charged for the return postage.
- Please consider placing an ad for your business in the Town and Country newsletter. Or pass it along to those with whom you do business and suggest they advertise with us. The Town & Country is a bi-monthly, magazine-format newsletter. About 300 hard copies are distributed to local libraries, senior centers, and other public places. You may subscribe at a cost of $10 per year and the publication will be mailed to your home or office. Countless more read the publication electronically - it can be downloaded from this website.
- The office has the capability to produce documents in PDF format. We are working to make a variety of forms, publications, fact sheets and other frequently requested materials available on the website in this format. We hope this will cut down on postage costs as well as make accessibility easier and more convenient.
- As revenue sources have remained flat or decreased, basic operational costs continue to increase. For that reason, as well as our goal to remain in the lead regarding meeting the educational needs of our community, we work tirelessly to find outside sources of funding for program and operations.
- In an effort to make the most of what we have, we are always looking at a variety of ways to restructure resources. This should allow us to make even better use of the talents and expertise of current staff members and volunteers, as well as cash and in-kind resources.
2010 marks the 96th year for Cooperative Extension in Montgomery County, and the 93rd year for Cooperative Extension in Fulton County. Even though times have changed, the fundamentals have remained strong. However, the primary sources of funding and the governmental loyalties have eroded.
We must look to the future of Extension rather than relying solely on its past. We must be willing to embrace innovative ways to thrive rather than just tweaking what we are familiar with to survive.
All the best!
Marilyn J. Smith, Executive Director
Please visit the How can I support Cooperative Extension page on this website.
