September 2014
www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com
Grow Your Own “Unretirement” - Minnesota Hmong on the Farm
Lunch And
The Hampton Roads Messenger 7
Learn Present BY CHRIS FARRELL MINNEAPOLIS--If you know
any farmers, you know that, for them, retirement is an elusive concept. Nearly 29 percent of the nation’s farmers (principal operators) are 55 to 64; a third are 65-plus.
But there’s another reason for
the high average age of farmers: The retire-to-farm movement.
part-time
It’s an eclectic group that includes farmers;
second-career
farmers; semi-retired farmers; hobby farmers with a few acres; immigrants carving out a new life for themselves and their families, such as the families I recently met through the St. Paul-based Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA).
Not Only for Corporate Unretirees Many retire-to-farm migrants rely
on savings and pensions earned in a
different occupation, although not all. A look at “beginning” farmers
shows one-third are 55 or older; more than 10 percent are over 65.
Some are “encore-career”
farmers, people who did well in their careers and see farming as a way to enjoy their later years with a sense of purpose, in some cases with several hundred acres to plant and harvest.
“A lot of people are retiring to
farm,” observes W. Michael Slattery, 68, a former international business executive in New York and Tokyo who farms in Maribel, Wisc.
But the retire-to-farm movement
isn’t only for corporate unretirees who’ve harbored a dream of a rural lifestyle. Necessity pushes others into farming, including members of the Hmong community in St. Paul, Minn.
The Hmong started arriving in
Minnesota in the late 1970s, mostly UNRETIREMENT PAGE 11
Workshop
HU Business Incubator Building Bridges To Contracting Success
Do you want a bigger piece of the pie? If you are like most contractors everybody does! Ten you should attend this dynamic workshop Tursday September 11, 2014 from 11:30 am -1:30 pm at the Hampton University Business Incubator and learn how major contractors develop collaborations with sub contractors who seek to engage in cre- ating opportunities to promote diversity among Women, Minorities and Veteran Owned companies. Subject matter experts and CEO's from the Carolinas/Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council, Hourigan Construction, Team Henry Enterprises, S.B. Ballard Construction, and Ntuitive Ngen Group will participate in a provocative panel discussion and review their respective organizational goals to promote and increase diversity and create a landscape of inclusiveness among sub contractors throughout Hampton Roads. Learn why some companies get the opportunities and others don't! Te economic landscape is rapidly changing and increasingly companies are realizing the value of diversity and are initiating efforts to attract Women, Minority, and Veteran owned companies for contracting opportunities. Te Hampton University Business Incubator is assisting to help pave they way for greater opportunities in contracting throughout the Hampton Roads region. Let's explore why some companies are challenged with finding the right sub-contractors to provide placement on larger jobs. Learn great fundamentals for building your business, excellent networking.
Join us, for workshop registration details go to
huincubatorbuildingbridges.eventbrite.com?s=28024595 and RSVP today! Free and Open to the public. However Limited seating is available and advance registration is required. Networking reception to follow.....
This is one workshop you don’t want to miss!
S.B. BALLARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WOULD LIKE TO INVITE ALL
Small, Women, Minority Owned Business BROAD CREEK IB CAMPOSTELLA STEM
OCEAN VIEW ES CAMP ALLEN ES LARCHMONT ES
S.B. Ballard Construction Company is soliciting building package bids from certified Small, Women Minority Owned Businesses to participate as subcontractors and/or suppliers for the construction of the Norfolk Public Schools Multiple School Modernization in Norfolk, Virginia. Bid packages will be available on September 15, 2014. Please contact Candy Henning if you would like to register for plans & specs in order to provide a pro- posal via e-mail at
chennig@sbballard.com or via facsimile at (757) 451-2873. Workplace. 2828 Shipps Corner Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 | (757) 440-5555
SBBCC is EOE/Drug Free
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