Annual Report — 2019-2020 Center for Rural Virginia Annual Report

Summary

This 2019-2020 Center for Rural Virginia Annual Report reviews accomplishments from October 1, 2019 to October 30, 2020. It says the General Assembly created the Center for Rural Virginia in 2004 to advance economic development, job creation, workforce development, education, infrastructure, healthcare and other initiatives for rural Virginia. In a letter closing with the name Kristie Helmick Proctor, Executive Director, the Center reports that COVID-19 altered its operations. Highlights include the Governor's Summit on Rural Prosperity, the General Assembly Rural Caucus weekly meetings during the legislative session, and the Rural Caucus Reception.

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2019-2020
Center for Rural Virginia
Annual Report

Our Mission
The Center is a partnership of the Center for Rural Virginia, a Virginia legislative
entity advocating for rural policy, and the Council for Rural Virginia, an entity
organized by federal statute that is a conduit for building rural capacity by facilitating
the collaboration and creation of coalitions of the key economic regions and sectors
of the Commonwealth.


Our History
Created by the General Assembly in 2004, the Center for Rural Virginia works to
advance economic development, job creation, workforce development, education,
infrastructure, healthcare and other vital initiatives for the prosperity of rural Virginia.
                               Table of Contents
    Center for Rural Virginia – A Review of Accomplishments
               October 1, 2019 – October 30, 2020

A Letter from the Executive
                                ……………………………………………………………Page 1
          Director

  Organizational Structure      ……………………………………………………………Page 2

Project Overview & Specific
                                ……………………………………………………………Page 4
     Accomplishments
Partnerships & Collaborative
                                ……………………………………………………………Page 7
           Efforts
        Leadership              ……………………………………………………………Page 9

   Contact Information          …………………………………………………………Page 10
Dear Friends,

The 2019-2020 operating year of the Center for Rural Virginia experienced tremendous success in
new partnerships and innovative initiatives for rural Virginia. While the Center’s operations were
altered by implications presented by COVID-19, the Center maintained its impact on the economic
prosperity of rural Virginia. Through this adversity, over the last year, the Center built upon existing
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.

The Center focused on continuing its role to serve as an advocate, facilitator, and producer of
projects, programs, and collaborative initiatives to enhance rural prosperity. In addition, the Center
continued its focus on advocacy and initiatives around priority program 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.

Accomplishing its mission, the Center continued existing efforts, as well as took on new initiatives
and programs to promote rural prosperity across the Commonwealth. Highlights of the past 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; as well as engaging in many other partnerships and collaborative efforts.

Enclosed in this report, you will find a detailed summary of the Center’s activities throughout the
previous year. It has been a great honor to work and meet with many of you as I traveled in-person
and virtually around 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 year of innovation, collaboration, and new initiatives to promote and
enhance rural Virginia.

Best regards,

Kristie Helmick Proctor
Organizational Structure
Executive Director

The 2019-2020 operational year of the Center for Rural Virginia was the second full year for the new
Executive Director, Kristie Proctor. Through nearly two years with the organization, Mrs. Proctor
has taken the opportunity to build new partnerships and sponsorships to strengthen programming at
the Center. Proctor continues to perform other organizational maintenance tasks, such as reviewing
the organization’s structure, bylaws, collective services agreement, operational practices, and other
guiding documentation.

Statement on Organizational Implications of COVID-19
The Center for Rural Virginia has kept safety as a priority throughout the the pandemic. Ensuring
that our staff, Board members and stakeholders remain healthy is our priority.
Annual Summit on Rural Prosperity
For the first time ever, we held our annual Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity virtually. The
Center for Rural Virginia co-hosts this event with the Governor’s office. We had more than 200
attendees join us for this event. The Governor and many members of his Administration were
able to participate remotely and it was a huge success, though we did miss seeing all of our rural
stakeholders in person.
Additionally, we had national news coverage for the event including coverage from Bloomberg
News!
Quarterly Board Meetings
We gathered virtually for all of our Quarterly Board meetings throughout 2020. Participation was
high and we used formats such as ZOOM to host these meetings.
Newly Elected Leadership
At the October 2020 Board meeting, Delegate Roslyn Tyler was elected Chair and Senator Frank
Ruff was elected Vice Chair.

Collective Services Agreement

The Center for Rural Virginia currently operates in a collaborative partnership with the Council for
Rural Virginia through a collective services agreement as the Virginia Rural Center. The two
organizations operate independently, but share an executive director and operate in conjunction to
fulfill their joint mission of economic prosperity for rural communities throughout Virginia.

The Center for Rural Virginia is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established by the Virginia
General Assembly in 2004. The creation of the Center was a recommendation of the Rural
Prosperity Commission, created by the General Assembly in 2000. The goal of the Commission was
"Prosperity for all Virginians". The 18-member Commission was instructed by the General
Assembly to “undertake a detailed analysis of rural Virginia economies and recommend flexible but
targeted state policies which, combined with local efforts, will help foster sustainable economic
growth in Virginia’s rural areas.”

The final report of the Rural Prosperity Commission was issued in December 2001 and featured
specific policy recommendations, including the creation of the Center for Rural Virginia to address
the obstacles and capitalize on the many opportunities of Rural Virginia. In 2004, founding board
members Senator Frank Ruff and Delegate Steve Landes, sponsored the enabling legislation,
creating the Center.

The 21-member board of the Center for Rural Virginia works in partnership with the 21-member
board of the Council for Rural Virginia. The Council is associated with the National Rural
Development Partnership, created out of the 2002 Farm Bill.

The Council is a member of Partners for Rural America, whose mission is to support the efforts of
its member State Rural Development Councils (SRDC’s), which are uniquely positioned:
     To expand economic and social opportunities for America’s rural communities and their
       residents;
     To promote equal treatment of rural America by government agencies and the private
       sector;
     To provide a collective voice for rural America.

Together, the Center for Rural Virginia and the Council for Rural Virginia work with federal, state
and local policymakers and regulators as well private sector stakeholders to improve economic
opportunities and preserve the quality of life throughout rural Virginia.

Institutional Partners

In addition to the support of the Virginia General Assembly and the Governor’s Office, the Virginia
Rural Center enjoys partnerships with two other entities that make the daily operations of the Center
for Rural Virginia and the Council for Rural Virginia efficient, effective and successful.

The first is the Department of Housing and Community Development. DHCD provides office
space and back office assistance that enhances the productivity, accessibility to stakeholders in the
Capital region and partnership opportunities that enrich the work the Center is able to conduct.

The second is Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. The
Virginia Rural Center’s partnership with VCE, through the Council for Rural Virginia, provides
assets and operational efficiencies that greatly enhance the cost-effective operation for both entities
of the Virginia Rural Center. Virginia Tech serves as the payroll agent to the Executive Director.

Organizational Sponsors

The Center for Rural Virginia is fortunate have several organizational sponsors committed to the
Center’s mission and rural prosperity. These sponsors include: Virginia Housing, Dominion Energy,
CenturyLink, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, Rolls-Royce, Appalachian Power, Microsoft,
Farm Credit, Verizon, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, We Work for
Health, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, AT&T, the Virginia
Department of Wildlife Resources, Troutman Sanders Strategies, Farm Bureau of Virginia, Virginia
Cooperative Extension, the Center for Innovative Technology, Virginia Resources Authority, and
the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project.
Project Overview & Status Updates
During the 2019-2020 operating year of the Virginia Rural Center, the collective organization and its
individual entities entered several projects, partnerships, and initiatives that will enhance the Center’s
profile and work in rural communities throughout the Commonwealth.

2020 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity

Continuing the Center’s partnership with the Governor’s office, the Governor’s Summit on Rural
Prosperity, hosted by the Virginia Rural Center, was originally planned for September 2020, but held
virtually in October 2020. The annual event significantly contributes to building the Rural Center’s
profile and accomplishing its mission. The event brought together administration officials, members
of the Virginia General Assembly, local government representatives, private business leaders and
other stakeholders committed to rural prosperity across Virginia. The overall theme of the event
featured rural resiliency with focused topics including broadband expansion efforts and the rural
economic recovery in Virginia. Addressing these topics, the event featured numerous speakers and
panelists, including:
     Governor Ralph Northam spoke on his administration’s efforts to place rural Virginia at the
         forefront of his administration’s priorities.
     Discussion on Broadband, moderated by Evan Feinman, the Chief Broadband Advisor to
         the Governor, serving as moderator
              o Panelists included United States Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and United
                   States Congressman Rob Wittman
     Beth Ford, CEO of Land O’Lakes, a nationwide farmers’ cooperative, through a fireside
         chat with Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Bettina Ring and Virginia
         Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Dr. Jewel Bronaugh.
     Panel on Rural Virginia’s Economic Recovery, moderated by Larry Terry, Executive
         Director of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia
              o Featured panelists included: Tom Barkin, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve
                   Bank of Richmond, Stephen Moret, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic
                   Development Partnership, and Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist of Virginia Realtors

Virginia General Assembly’s Rural Caucus

The Virginia Rural Center organized and staffed weekly meetings of the Virginia General Assembly’s
Rural Caucus. During the 2020 General Assembly Session, the Rural Caucus met weekly to discuss
legislative issues of interest to rural Virginia, as well as hear from Cabinet members, stakeholders,
and others with valuable information on rural Virginia issues and legislative implications. Speakers
from 2020 General Assembly Rural Caucus meetings include:
     The Honorable Atif Qarni, Virginia Secretary of Education
     Erik Johnston, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development
     The Honorable Dr. Daniel Carey, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources
     The Honorable Brian Ball, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade
     Evan Feinman, Governor’s Chief Broadband Advisor
     The Honorable Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry
     The Honorable Dr. Megan Healy, Chief Workforce Development Advisor to the Governor
      Dr. Keith Perrigan, President, Coalition of Small and Rural Schools
      Robin Sullenberger, Growth and Opportunity Virginia Board Member
      Dr. Stephen Moret, President and CEO, Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Annual Rural Caucus Reception

A joint effort between the Center for Rural Virginia, the General Assembly’s Rural Caucus, and the
Virginia Association of Counties, the annual Rural Caucus Reception assembles nearly 200 business
and government leaders from across the state, including administration officials, General Assembly
members, and local elected officials. This year’s event, the 12th annual event, brought together
officials from more than 47 counties. Remarks at the event were provided by the Honorable Brian
Ball, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, and the Honorable Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary
of Agriculture and Forestry.

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts
The Virginia Rural Center engages in numerous partnerships and collaborative efforts with other
organizations. These partners, often sharing aligned missions, exponentially strengthen the Rural
Center’s efforts and provide a platform to elevate the Commonwealth’s rural issues.

Broadband Advisory Council, Board of Directors Member

The Broadband Advisory Council was established to help determine the Commonwealth's goals for
broadband and how best to achieve them. Confirmed in July 2018 by Governor Ralph Northam as a
board member of the Broadband Advisory Council, the Rural Center’s executive director gathers
knowledge and contributes thought to further advocate for broadband expansion across the
Commonwealth.

Virginia Housing, Rural Housing Advisory Council Member

The Rural Housing Advisory Council (RHAC) is a cross-regional group that will provide guidance
and expertise to Virginia Housing regarding housing issues in rural Virginia. Beginning advisory
council membership in August 2018, the Rural Center’s executive director is pleased to take on this
role and provide additional insight to the housing needs in rural Virginia.

Partners for Rural America, Board of Directors Member

Partners for Rural America (PRA) was founded in 1998 to support the efforts of its member State
Rural Development Councils (SRDCs), which are uniquely positioned to expand economic and
social opportunities for America's rural communities and their residents, promote equal treatment of
rural America by government agencies and the private sector and provide a collective voice for rural
America. Joined in January 2018, the PRA Board of Directors provides a networking platform for
other state rural center leaders to share successes and answer inquiries on best practices in member
states.
Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Rural Think Tank Member

With membership beginning in June 2018, the Rural Think Tank, led by the Virginia Economic
Development Partnership seeks to identify and address issues rural communities face in economic
development. The Rural Center plays a key role in the group through contributing in-the-field
knowledge and identifying opportunities in services and initiatives directed at serving rural areas of
the Commonwealth.

Legislative Sportsmen Caucus, Participant and Organizer

Formed in 2004, the Virginia Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral group of
legislators dedicated to protecting and advancing hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational shooting
in Virginia. Regular involvement by the Rural Center in the Legislative Sportsmen Caucus includes
participating in and recruitment for weekly legislative sportsman caucus meetings and the annual
sportsman caucus retreat.

Southwest Virginia Veterans Coalition, Participant

The Southwest Virginia Veterans Coalition was formed by Secretary of Veterans Affairs, The
Honorable Carlos Hopkins and regional leaders to promote regional collaboration on issues
affecting veterans in the Southwest area of the Commonwealth. As an active participant of the
coalition, the Rural Center’s executive director helped to recruit participants and regularly
participates in dialogue.
Leadership
Board of Trustees – Center for Rural Virginia
Chair, Honorable Roslyn Tyler, Member, Virginia House of Delegates
Vice-Chair, Honorable Frank M. Ruff, Jr., Member, Senate of Virginia
Honorable Les Adams, Member, Virginia House of Delegates
Honorable Brian Ball, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Commonwealth of Virginia
Shannon R. Blevins, Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic Development and Engagement, UVA-Wise
Hope F. Cupit, CPA, President & CEO, Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project
Honorable Justin Fairfax, Lieutenant Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia
Honorable Wendy Gooditis, Member, Virginia House of Delegates
Honorable Chris Hurst, Member, Virginia House of Delegates
Brian Isringhausen, CEO, Cranemasters, Inc.
Amanda Jarratt, City Manager, City of Franklin, VA
Ron Jefferson, Manager of External Affairs, APCo
John A. King II, General Manager and Vice President of Sales, VA Poultry Growers Cooperative
Mark S. Lawrence, Vice President, Governmental and External Affairs, Carilion Clinic
Honorable Jennifer McClellan, Member, Senate of Virginia
Dale Moore, Founder and President, Moore’s Electrical and Mechanical
Liz Povar, Principal Officer, The RiverLink Group
Eddie Ramirez, Ramirez Consulting, LLC
Honorable Bettina Ring, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Commonwealth of Virginia
Shannon Shumate, Director, Marketing Strategy & Development, Riverside Health System

In partnership with
Board of Directors – Council for Rural Virginia
Chair, Bryan David, Program Director, Growth and Opportunity Virginia Region 3
Vice-Chair, Dr. Edwin Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech
John Bowers, Senior Vice President, First Bank & Trust
The Honorable Ruby Brabo, Realtor
Katie Frazier, Director, Farm Credit of the Virginias Knowledge Center
Sharon Johnson, CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board
Hugh Joyce, Owner, James River Air Conditioning
Gary Keener, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
Caroline Lane, Director of Coaching Programs, Virginia’s Community Colleges
Patrick Mauney, Executive Director, Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission
Jay Poole, Owner, Common Sense Strategies
Ward W. Stevens, EdD, DHsc, FACHE, Vice President for Academic Health, Virginia College of Medicine
Robin Sullenberger, Retired, Shenandoah Valley Partnership
Bill Tucker, Tucker Family Farms
Brian T. Warner, Rolls Royce
Carlyle Wimbish, Hickory Hill Farm
Contact Information




                 Kristie Helmick Proctor
                   Executive Director
                       804.512.1453
                  varuralcenter@vt.edu

                600 East Main St., Suite 300
                   Richmond, VA 23219

                For more information, visit:
                         cfrv.org


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