News Release Distributed 03/16/11
LSU AgCenter agritourism coordinator Dora Ann Hatch received the State Distinguished Extension Community Development Service Award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals at the group’s convention in Charleston, S.C., March 7-9.
The award recognizes a member who is actively engaged in extension community development programs and has served more than seven years.
Hatch has 23 years of experience as an extension educator. In July, she assumed statewide responsibilities as agritourism coordinator for the LSU AgCenter.
Hatch has worked with parishes and local governments, which formed an economic development group to take advantage of regional opportunities. She also has helped establish an advisory committee to focus on ecotourism in northeast Louisiana.
She serves as an adviser to the Miss-Lou Rural Tourism Association, a rural tourism promotion group for 33 parishes and counties in Louisiana and Mississippi, and Louisiana Delta 65 Inc., a non-profit organization promoting rural tourism in five parishes.
Mary Ann Van Osdell