VIENNA - Susan Odum, program coordinator of the University of Illinois Extension, welcomed a crowd of those interested in or involved in an agritourism business to a meeting Feb. 28 at the Shawnee Winery in Vienna.

The U of I Extension, in conjunction with Shawnee Community College Small Business Development Center, provides the monthly meetings.

Odum introduced the speaker, Randy Kniffen of Country Companies Insurance, who spoke on liability issues for extracurricular activities held on farm land.

Kniffen advised asking the insurance agent if the event or activity is covered by the farm owner's policy. "Don't ever assume that you are covered," he said.

He spoke in detail of pumpkin patches, petting zoos, you-pick, bed and breakfasts, hunting operations, fishing ponds, hay rides, festivals, trail rides, and other events, emphasizing that each exposure on property is different.

"We're more appealing as an area than individual businesses," adding "it won't happen overnight attracting people to the area," Odum said.

One bed and breakfast owner said of the young professional segment of the population, "They have money to spend. Give them a place to spend it - keep them coming down here."

"Once you get 'em here, they'll come back," he said.

Donna Walters of Shawnee Winery invited all business owners to bring in their brochures and fliers to the winery, saying its proximity to Interstate 24 brings in lots of visitors who are looking for places to see.

Walters also suggested having a food and wine expo of area products and wines; she asked those who are interested in participating to sign up.

Odum also mentioned the possibility of customer service training at an upcoming meeting.

Agritourism businesses throughout the U.S. are beginning to receive more income from their farms in innovative ways. The Web site www.business.illinois.gov defines the southernmost seven counties of the state as heavily agriculture-recreational with strong tourism potential.

The next meeting of the agritourism group will be at 6 p.m. March 29 at Great Boars of Fire on Kratzinger Hollow Road in Anna.

All local tourism-related business owners (not just farm owners), chamber of commerce officers, city and county officials, economic development professionals, and anyone interested in the tourism growth of the area, are encouraged to attend.

Contact Odum at 658-5912 for reservations and information.