RD487 - Center for Rural Virginia 2014-2015 Annual Report


Executive Summary:
Dear Friends,

Thank you to our many partners for working with us to make the 2014-2015 operating year of the Center for Rural Virginia a success focusing on initiatives aimed at increasing economic prosperity across rural communities. During this year, the Center has focused on continuing its role to serve as an advocator, facilitator and producer of projects, programs and collaborative initiatives to enhance rural prosperity. The Center has also continued its focus on advocacy and initiatives around priority program areas including leadership and community capacity; education and workforce development; access to quality and specialty healthcare; broadband and infrastructure; entrepreneurship and small business; and regional assets and opportunities.

The Center embarked on several new partnerships this year to heighten the focus on rural economic development. These partnerships include two in particular that have been very successful. Partnering with the Administration to launch the Governor’s Summit for Rural Prosperity, hosted by the Virginia Rural Center, has been a great success and has increased participation and interest in the rural summit while bringing together Administration officials, legislators, agency representatives, community leaders and stakeholders. Another new partnership started during this period was with USDA Rural Development. Through a Cooperative Services Agreement, the Center launched a project to review Agricultural Development Boards across the state and country and create a guide for communities interested in starting or reinvigorating an ADB to increase agricultural economic development in their locality or region.

Through partnerships and collaborative projects, the Center continues to work to ensure rural prosperity for all areas of the Commonwealth. Rural Virginia encompasses most of the geographical area of the state and produces many vital products enjoyed across Virginia, the country and the globe through increased economic development and trade. Rural communities are growing through collaboration, entrepreneurship and innovation in various sectors drawn to the scenic beauty, quality of life and skilled workforce that employers desire for their companies and employees.

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 Virginia.

Best regards,
/s/ Christy T. Morton