WAMEGO, Kan., August 12, 2011 – USDA Chief Scientist Catherine Woteki met with business leaders today to explore ways federal, state and local officials can work together to spur innovation and create jobs in Kansas. The meeting was part of a series of White House Business Council Roundtable events being held across the country to give government leaders the opportunity to hear directly from businesses.

"The President and USDA are committed to creating good-paying jobs that will help businesses and the communities they serve," said Woteki. "Today Kansas business leaders provided me with valuable input and innovative ideas on how to grow the economy, which I will take back to Washington."

The roundtable also served as an opportunity to educate participants about USDA programs and other the resources across the federal government that can help rebuild and revitalize communities across America. Today's meeting was hosted by Steve Sackrider, President and CEO of Wamego Telecommunications Company, Inc., which has been providing service to rural communities in Kansas since 1912.

In addition to Woteki's role as USDA Chief Scientist, she is also the Under Secretary for USDA's Research, Education and Economics (REE) Mission Area, which works to advance scientific knowledge related to agriculture through research, extension, and education. REE is dedicated to the creation of a safe, sustainable, competitive U.S. food and fiber system, as well as strong communities, families, and youth through integrated research, analysis, and education.

For more information about the USDA Research, Education and Economics Mission Area, please visit http://www.ree.usda.gov.

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