In the book, The Entrepreneur's Dance, the author compares entrepreneurship to a dance: “Like a dancer who is able to perform; applying years of instruction without putting any awkward, single discernable lesson on display, a masterful entrepreneur makes success look like it happened overnight.”
We are boogying around the clock to bring the Farm & Art Tour™ to the Mid-Atlantic, but want to thank a few of our instructors, who have contributed lessons to our entrepreneurial dance.
I wish to acknowledge both Will Culler at Clemson University Extension and staff at the Vermont Fresh Network. Both of their long running and successful farm tours were the inspiration for the Farm & Art Tour™.
They generously shared information on their tours.
And a special thanks to Chanda Cooper of Richland County, South Carolina who provided data, resources, and shared experiences as team lead for her county’s participation in the Ag + Art Tour in South Carolina.
I would also like to thank Scottie Jones, owner of Oregon’s Leaping Lamb Farm & Farm Stay and founder of FarmStay. She continues to provide insights from the farmer’s perspective.
A call out to Sandy Turner, my county’s long time tourism director who is always happy to respond to my many emailed questions.
I also wish to thank Jay Reeder, a community builder and Founder and CEO of Farms2Visit.com. He’s leading the charge in big revitalization efforts in Cornelia, Georgia, and is a national creative force in the agritourism industry.
And finally, thanks to Lydia Howie, a rock star grant consultant who always answers any questions about nonprofits and grants, and Sammy Popat at the University of Maryland, a cheerleader and supporter. His moniker—“the connector”—is well earned.
And special thanks to Emily Sollenberger at the Maryland State Arts Council for sharing information on the arts in Maryland.
On a personal note: thanks to Zia, my longtime California friend who is a very good listener and proofreader. She also provides great cat advice.
See ya on the farm!
