Dear Friends,

The 2018-2019 operating year of the Center for Rural Virginia experienced tremendous success in new partnerships and innovative initiatives for rural Virginia. Over the last year, the Center launched new programs while continuing to foster relationships with new and existing partners, all contributing to accomplishing the Center’s mission of building rural capacity by facilitating the collaboration and creation of coalitions.

Aligned with assisting rural areas achieve prosperity, the Center for Rural Virginia continues to focus on key advocacy areas, including: broadband and infrastructure, rural economic development, leadership and community capacity, education and workforce development, access to rural housing, entrepreneurship and small business, and regional assets and opportunities. Reflecting these initiatives, the Center serves as an advocate, facilitator, and producer of projects, programs, and collaborative initiatives to enhance rural prosperity. Highlights of the last operational year include: The Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity, the Virginia General Assembly Rural Caucus weekly meetings during the legislative session which the executive director serves as staff for, The Rural Caucus Reception, an area meeting in Hanover County that highlighted workforce development efforts in partnership with the Governor’s Chief Workforce Advisor; as well as engaging in many other partnerships and collaborative efforts.

Through these and other partnerships and innovative projects, the Center continues its efforts to ensure rural prosperity for all areas of the Commonwealth. Fueled by collaborative efforts between the Center and partners, rural communities are experiencing success through increased partnerships, entrepreneurship, and innovation in various sector drawn to the scenic beauty, quality of life, and skilled workforce that employers desire for their companies and employees.

You will find a detailed summary of the Center’s activities throughout the previous year enclosed in this report. It has been an incredible honor to work with the wonderful people of rural Virginia as we travel to rural communities throughout our Commonwealth. 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 incredible year of excitement in our rural communities, and will continue to advocate, promote and enhance rural Virginia.

Best regards,

/s/ Kristie Helmick Proctor