MSU Product Center recognizes USDA Rural Development Michigan director of business programs at Making It In Michigan event

Wendy Wieland<wieland5@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Bobbie Morrison was presented with the 2023 Director’s Award for her critical support of Michigan businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.

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Bobbie Morrison was recognized by the MSU Product Center with the 2023 Director's Award at the Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show.

Bobbie Morrison, director of the Michigan state office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s business programs, received the Michigan State University Product Center Director’s Award at the Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show on April 20, 2023. Morrison was recognized as a long-time and valuable partner of Michigan State University Extension and the MSU Product Center.

MSU Product Center director, Mollie Woods, commended Morrison for her “critical and unwavering support to Michigan businesses, entrepreneurs and communities.” Morrison has been the consummate ‘public servant’ as she has supported the USDA’s mission to promote rural prosperity throughout Michigan.

USDA Rural Development conducts a wide range of initiatives that impact communities on many levels, including developing facilities, infrastructure and housing, as well as promoting small businesses and entrepreneurship, economic development and energy conservation.

Morrison has worked with many of the MSU Product Center’s clients as they seek out and secure funding to grow their food or agriculture businesses. In a long-standing collaboration with the Center, the partners have conducted statewide workshops to highlight a program of particular importance to farmers, the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant. This program provides funds for economic planning activities or eligible working capital expenses to enable agricultural producers to develop businesses that produce and market value-added agricultural products, and to create marketing opportunities for such businesses.

MSU Product Center

Diversifying a farm or food business brings rewards and potential challenges. In making these strategic decisions, consider partnering with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Product Center. The MSU Product Center is an organization that brings together on-campus expertise in the sectors of food, agriculture, and natural resources to help entrepreneurs define and launch innovative products. Field-based innovation counselors advise entrepreneurs on business planning, regulatory requirements, and product development needs. To access business development assistance, visit the MSU Product Center website or call 517-432-8750.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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