MARKETING EXTENSION KNOWLEDGE ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET
Extension Education
Robert Schultheis
NATURAL RESOURCE ENGINEERING SPECIALIST / COUNTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
MARSHFIELD
Abstract
\r\n The objective of this multi-year endeavor is to broaden the exposure of University of Missouri Extension’s unbiased, research-based knowledge, despite continued budget and staffing cuts that have become the norm for higher education. Webster County, with 36,202 people, has the sixth-fastest population growth out of 114 counties in Missouri, with the 13th lowest per capita income. Operational funds for the county extension center with one specialist are very limited. Using a simple rubber address stamp, a print-as-needed one-page flyer and two tri-fold brochures, word-of-mouth and email, clients are able to learn more about MU Extension resources and obtain them online. As a result of a $50 annual supplies investment, office publications and postage costs declined while making better knowledge more widely available to the public whenever they want it. County website use grew over 400 percent from year 2004 to 335,200 page views in 2011, and donations of funds and in‑kind items to support the local office significantly increased. Other agencies report they use the Webster County Extension website more frequently than their own, because of the wealth of resources MU Extension provides them. Over 10,000 requests for individual advice and services were handled by the Webster County Extension Center in 2011, coming from not only local residents, but from throughout Missouri, the United States, and several foreign countries, making it clear that the marketing effort is successful.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: R. A. Schultheis
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Schultheis, R. Natural Resource Engineering Specialist / County Program Director, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 65706