The Honorable Bettina Ring at the 2018 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity
Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, the Honorable Bettina Ring, told the sold-out crowd at the 2018 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity that they are focusing on four main priorities: rural economic development, enhancing forest and farmland retention, moving forward responsibly with the gaming industry, and combating food insecurity.
Thank you, Secretary Ring, for joining us for this year’s event and for discussing the importance of agriculture and forestry on the mission to grow rural Virginia.
To watch the recorded Facebook live video of her remarks, go here.
ABOUT THE 2018 GOVERNOR’S SUMMIT ON RURAL PROSPERITY
The annual Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity, hosted by the Virginia Rural Center, was held in 2018 from October 21-22 in Staunton, Virginia. The summit featured a keynote address by Governor Ralph Northam, panel discussions on rural economic development and workforce development, and remarks from multiple members of the Governor’s cabinet.
Attendees also learned about the latest in rural broadband innovations from the Governor’s Chief Broadband Advisor, Evan Feinman, and got an update on the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Plan from the Honorable Shannon Valentine, Virginia Secretary of Transportation.
Activities commenced with an evening welcome reception on Sunday, October 21 with an address from the Honorable Brian Ball, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade.
Economic development officials, elected officials, business and community leaders, local government officials, trade organizations and policymakers from across the Commonwealth were all in attendance.
Throughout the event, presenters discussed innovations in broadband connectivity, state economic development initiatives, regional asset development and entrepreneurship, and innovative workforce solutions.
