RD298 - Center for Rural Virginia 2013-2014 Annual Report


Executive Summary:
Dear Friends,

The 2013-2014 operating year of the Center for Rural Virginia was one of transition, new partnerships and innovative initiatives for rural Virginia. The Center launched several new programs and collaborative projects to address issues of importance for local and state constituencies, including public and private sector stakeholders.

This year the Center has focused on its role in serving as an advocator, facilitator and producer of projects, programs and collaborative initiatives to enhance rural prosperity. Each initiative the Center has embarked on works to improve and enhance successful rural communities, undertaking specific tasks and providing deliverables to assist decision makers at all levels of government and the private sector. The Center’s selection of programs and projects is closely aligned with the Center’s priorities set forth as economic drivers for successful rural communities. These include leadership and community capacity; education and workforce development; access to quality and specialty healthcare; infrastructure; entrepreneurship and small business; and regional assets and opportunities.

Rural Virginia encompasses most of the geographical area of the state and is the producer of vital products including agriculture and energy as well as the destination for many tourist activities. In addition to these traditional economic drivers, rural communities across the state are enhancing their economic development capacity through creating community based and regional ecosystems to attract and grow their own entrepreneurs, advanced manufacturing systems, technology companies, health science facilities, research and commercialization growth, among many other innovative industries, all while promoting the unmatched quality of life enjoyed in rural Virginia.

You will find enclosed a detailed summary of activities for the year. It has been a great honor to work and meet with many of you as I traveled the state visiting rural communities throughout Virginia. It is the dedication and hard work of our board members that make the impact of the Center for Rural Virginia possible. I look forward to another stellar year of innovation, collaboration and new initiatives to promote and enhance rural prosperity.

Best regards,

/s/ Christy T. Morton
Executive Director