On June 16-17, 1958, prominent national leaders in agriculture, business, religious and civic affairs, education and other fields met in Memphis, Tenn., to review progress in the Rural Development Program, the contribution of private organizations to the long-term betterment of the nation's under-developed rural areas and ways to promote more rapid progress. The Rural Development Program, now going forward on a demonstration basis in 30 States, is a program directed by local leadership with federal and State cooperation to promote farm, industry and community development in rural areas which have many underemployed people. About 350 persons, representing more than 100 private organizations, 32 Land Grant Colleges and Universities, and Federal and State agencies were present at the Memphis conference. The meeting consisted of general sessions attended by all participants at which prominent speakers presented their views; 10 individual discussion groups permitting more intensive consideration of specific problems and needs in rural area development; and luncheon meetings encouraging a more informal, "brainstorming" type of discussion.
