PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - September 2, 2010) - The 2010 Algae Biomass Summit, the official conference of the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) and the algae industry's premier event, today announced Judy Canales, Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative programs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Agency, as a keynote speaker. An expert on rural development, Canales will address the promising role of algae and other renewable energy crops in creating jobs and spurring economic development in America's rural communities.
"Judy Canales's remarks will be a fantastic addition to an already exciting conference. The USDA continues to be a strong supporter and advocate for the algae industry and recognizes that algae are crops that hold great promise," said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of ABO. "We look forward to her insight on the role that algae can play in bringing jobs and revenue to our nation's rural communities."
In her role as Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative Programs, Canales is responsible for overseeing the national rural business and cooperative programs portfolio for USDA. Rural Business and Cooperative Programs promote a dynamic business environment in rural America by working in partnership with the private sector, public bodies and community-based organizations.
Speakers and attendees at the Algae Biomass Summit, which will be held September 28-30 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona, will include national and international technologists, producers, scientists, investors, and policymakers. During the course of the event, leaders and attendees will discuss issues of critical importance to the emerging algae industry, including the commercial viability of algal production, current government and private initiatives, evolving technologies, processing concepts, lifecycle analysis and venture/project finance.
The full agenda, including a list of current speakers, is available at: http://www.algalbiomass.org/events/2010-algae-biomass-summit/agenda/. Last year's Algae Biomass Summit, held in San Diego, California, was attended by more than 700 stakeholders from across the algae industry.
Canales was appointed as Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative programs in USDA's Rural Development agency by President Barack Obama in May 2009. Prior to joining the USDA in 2009, Canales served as the Executive Director of the Maverick County Development Corporation in Eagle Pass, Texas. In 1996, Canales was appointed by President Bill Clinton as the Acting Associate Administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business and Cooperative Service in Washington D.C. She served as Deputy State Director for USDA Rural Development Texas Office. She also was appointed the Legislative Officer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office in Washington D.C.
About the ABO
The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algalbiomass.org.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
John Williams
Scoville PR for ABO
206-625-0075 x1
jwilliams@scovillepr.com