Council for Rural Virginia

“Expenses operating supplies 456 postage and delivery 474 telephone 299 office supplies 338 2006 rural summit 115 meals and entertainment 4,002 travel & lodging 20,651 rural summit 1,541 contract labor 13,204 licenses and permits 1,577 advertising & promotion 1,020 dues and subscriptions 533 rounding -1 total 44,209”

“The council for rural virginia serves as a resource, partner and convener across rural virginia working with local, regional and state organizations and governments to expand economic and social opportunities throughout rural communities. The council board is comprised of leaders from across the commonwealth dedicated to the success of rural communities through innovative solutions in economic prosperity, education and workforce development, infrastructure expansion, leadership and community capacity, agriculture and natural resources, access to quality healthcare and other issues vital to a community's overall prosperity. Through partnerships and collaborative initiatives, the council for rural virginia works with federal, state and local leaders and private sector stakeholders to improve economic opportunities and preserve the quality life throughout rural virginia.”

“Council for rural virginia accomplishments during the operating year, the council for rural virginia worked in a collaborative partnership with the center for rural virginia on various projects and initiatives to enhance work in rural communities throughout the commonwealth. Partnered with usda on a cooperative services agreement to conduct research and develop an "agricultural development boards guide". This project engaged partners to survey and research best practices for agricultural economic development across the country and in virginia. The council then created a guide publishing the research and best practices for communities across the commonwealth. Finalized the "strategic plans assessment" project for the virginia tobacco indemnification and revitalization commission. Finished hosting focus group meetings or conducting surveys in the nine planning district commissions withing the tobacco commission region and developed a comprehensive report on the priorities, opportuities and challenges of each planning district commission to assist the commission in their strategic planning process. Worked with the center for innovative technology and the commonwealth's broadband advisory council on broadband deployment in rural areas of the commonwealth. Hosted a statewide rural summit in the shenandoah valley bringing together local government officials, private business leaders, community organizations, educators and others to share innovative programs and initiatives working successfully in rural virginia to address the challenges and needs facing rural communities. This event was a success bringing together over 150 people to discuss rural challenges, share ideas and collaborate on initiatives to enhance rural prosperity. Partnered with the virginia association of counties (vaco) to host and convene rural local government officials and state government officials for the annual rural caucus reception and dinner, bringing together nearly 150 attendees to provide the opportunity for information and idea sharing among attendees. Partnered again with the virginia association of counties to present a program to their rural members at the vaco annual meeting, focusing on state and local issues of importance to rural communities. Collaborated and worked with other state rural development councils through the partners for rural america organization on national rural development trends and innovations. Serves on the pra board executive committee and on the rural futures committee to connect rural virginia with other rural communities across the country. Served on the rural policy research institute (rupri) state policy panel, focused on rural economic development, research and policy development best practices for use with virginia's rural communities.”