Rural Economic Vitality Committee

Goal #3:  Encourage diverse and healthy rural economies

Objective #1:  Develop value-added marketing strategies for local products.

Objective #2:  Enhance local business economic development.

Purpose of Committee: 

• Get input from key people and organizations on emerging issues in rural economic vitality.
•  Suggest project ideas and solicit proposals to address them.
• Review and make recommendations on project proposals to the Council. 
• Keep Council informed of emerging issues and activities related to rural economic vitality.
• Help facilitate coordination between the RC&D Council, organizations and local governments.
• Works with coordinator on project implementation, makes recommendations on potential partners and funding sources, helps make follow-up contacts on projects.
• Once projects are approved for implementation, any changes in the focus or status of the project will be updated on the Initial Project Proposal Sheet, under Internal Tracking, upon concurrence with the committee chair.

What are the committee’s key priorities through July 2005?

• Continue meeting with soybean crusher/biodiesel production plant study group and offer assistance when appropriate.
• Offer assistance to the Pilgrim’s Pride poultry cooperative.
• Meet with key city and county representatives to let them know about RC&D.
• Send a letter to each locality introducing RC&D to the city manager, etc., to let them know we’re open for business.
• Work with the Education and Information Committee to prepare a short PowerPoint presentation on RC&D.

What are the committee’s key priorities over the next 2-5 years?

Committee Chair:  Jim Nichols

Committee Membership:  Mike Liskey; Jim Nichols, Scott Strickler, Bill Strider, Carl Luebben, Steve Kerr

Potential Additional Members:  Eric Bendfeldt, Rockingham County Extension; Jeff Ishee, WSVA/VA Farming/ Staunton-Augusta Farmer’s Market.

Meeting Schedule:  Should be regularly scheduled and cancelled when needed.