By MIKE CORN

mcorn@dailynews.net

Economic development and chamber of commerce directors from much of the state turned out en masse Monday to learn more about how best to strengthen the state's rural economy.

In session after session, the more than 150 people attending the Kansas Marketplace gathering at the Ramada in Hays sought to learn what they could about making the rural economy stronger.

Among the sessions was one dealing with building community development.

"I think a Web site for your community is a must," said Carolyn Popp, executive director of the Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to urging other communities to develop a local presence on the Internet, she also told of adding two Hill City High School students to the chamber's board.

The Hill City chamber, she said, meets at noon, a time when students also can attend. Students volunteer to serve and then are screened by teachers, who ultimately select the representatives.

Students leaving the area was among the topics discussed by Scott Sproul, Rural Telephone's community development director.

Sproul told of a meeting the Lenora-based telephone company had with area school superintendents and principals, who were asked why students are leaving small towns for big cities.

"It was interesting that many of the superintendents said we're telling them too," Sproul said of students being told that when they graduate they should head to college and then go to big cities and find a good job.

That was an eye-opener, he said.

Sproul said it's apparent communities need to get young people involved in their community.

"We need to retain our youth," he said.

Sproul also told of the importance of community foundations, in that they can finance development of projects in a community.

In addition to monetary donations, Sproul said it's possible that farmers can donate either grain or livestock.

In the case of grain, he said, farmers can donate it at the elevator gate, where it can be sold immediately and farmers given receipts for tax deductions.

The conference, which organizers hope will become an annual event, concludes today.