Consumer Protection Workshop Tuesday

In today’s troubled economy consumers need protection more than ever. With unemployment high, rising costs, and con artists working overtime to come up with new and clever ways to target and exploit the vulnerable, consumers need information and education in order to defend themselves against fraud and make wise choices in the marketplace.

In observance of National Consumer Protection Week (March 2 – 8), several state and federal agencies and private sector partners are offering a Consumer Protection Workshop on Tuesday, March 3, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, 3600 Forest Drive, Columbia. The workshop is free to consumers and will include a light lunch for the first 100 people to register, sponsored by Silver Nation.

The workshop will include presentations on general scams and fraud, Identity Theft and the new legislation in South Carolina, credit repair, mortgage fraud, investment basics and investment scams. Representatives from the US Postal Inspection Service, US Attorney, Federal Trade Commission, IRS, FBI, Attorney General, Lt. Governor, and the Department of Consumer Affairs will be on hand for presentations and to answer questions, as well as having informational exhibits and take home materials available.

For more information on the Consumer Protection Workshop or to register for this important conference, call 803-734-4296

Farmers’ Conference to Focus on Selling Locally

Selling locally—it’s a solution for farmers seeking new buyers for their products. Learn how at the Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. Offered by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), this sixth annual conference provides farmers with training and networking opportunities they need to sustain their farms in changing markets.

Workshops, ranging from the introductory Marketing Basics for the New Farmer to specialized topics such as Marketing Grass Fed Meats, Successful Tailgate Marketing in Rural Areas, and Successful Models of Cooperative Marketing, are about promoting farm products.

Workshops are taught by fellow farmers, agriculture professionals, and marketing specialists.

Farmers and those seriously considering farming as a profession should attend. Potential buyers of locally-grown goods are also invited to attend the full conference, or come to network for no charge. Opportunities for farmer/buyer meetings are planned.

The cost for the conference is $30, or $40 per two farm partners if you register before February 1st. The cost is $35, or $50 per two farm partners beginning February 1. Price includes light breakfast, local foods lunch, and resource notebook

For more information or to register, visit http://www.asapconnections.org/MOFF.html or call (828) 236-1282.