NEWS RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C.

Tim McNeilly (202) 690-0498

RURAL DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYEE RECEIVES A SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

     WASHINGTON, June 25, 2005--Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the recipients of the Small Business Awards. Beverly Jones received the Rural Development Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Special Achievement Award.

     "I am proud Beverly Jones received this award. Through her hard work and dedication, Beverly has helped small businesses in rural America thrive and prosper," said Acting Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Gilbert Gonzalez.

     Ms. Jones has been a contract specialist with Rural Development for 14 years. She brings 27 years of federal government contracting experience to USDA. As the senior contract specialist for Rural Development in St. Louis, Mo., she is responsible for procuring all services obtained through St. Louis, Mo. and Washington, D.C. JWOD programs in fiscal years 2003 and 2004.

     USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information about rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or on USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of
discrimination should be sent to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

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