The Executive Director of the Sunbelt Ag Expo is Chip Blalock, seen here at the Southeastern Farmer of the Year luncheon. When I spoke to him he said, “We’ve had truly Chamber of Commerce type weather this week.” I echo that since it was sunny with a nice breeze all the time I was there.
I asked him to tell us a little about the history of the show, especially this unique location on an ex-military airfield. One of the things that has become increasingly important is the relationship with companies that are providing products and services to people who want to live the country life. He says that the rural lifestyle market is well served now at the show.
When it comes to marketing Chip says they depend heavily on their relationship with the media and all farm media. For example, when it comes to radio he says, “On the radio side, we work closely with Southeast AgNet. They cut a wide swath through Georgia, Florida and Alabama, what we call the deep southeast.” He mentions lots of specific media outlets and says there’s just too many to mention them all.
Listen to my interview with Chip here: sunbelt-08-blalock.mp3
Or you can download the interview with this link: Chip Blalock Interview (mp3)
AgWired coverage of Sunbelt Ag Expo is sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council.