Virginia Rural Center

Virginia Rural Center The VRC is a partnership of the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr.

Center for Rural Virginia and the Council for Rural Virginia, working to enhance economic opportunities in rural Virginia.

07/22/2026

We are continuing to celebrate leaders creating meaningful change across rural Virginia. We are proud to highlight alumni of the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute and the Community Impact Projects they’re leading in their communities. 🌾

Today’s feature is Allison Moore, whose project focuses on Community Engagement for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Through her work, Allison is helping strengthen connections between the Institute and the communities it serves, creating more opportunities for collaboration, awareness, and local impact. 💬🤝

Allison’s efforts are helping build stronger community partnerships and support meaningful engagement across the region. ✨

Follow along as we continue to spotlight alumni making an impact and helping move rural Virginia forward. 💡

It feels a bit like a homecoming!Four years after Smithfield hosted Rural Summit, it was great to be back with Randy Pac...
07/17/2026

It feels a bit like a homecoming!

Four years after Smithfield hosted Rural Summit, it was great to be back with Randy Pack, President of Smithfield Station, who hosted us for dinner last night to cap off a great day in town.

Randy and his team have been part of our story here before: back in 2022, they hosted our Rural Summit reception, welcomed attendees for boat rides from the marina, and provided lodging for the group.

Smithfield Station is a true mainstay in the community and a tangible driver of the local economy. Thank you for having us!

A memorable stop after the board meeting: Windsor Castle Park’s historic Manor House!Smithfield Parks & Recreation and o...
07/17/2026

A memorable stop after the board meeting: Windsor Castle Park’s historic Manor House!

Smithfield Parks & Recreation and our friend Judy Winslow, Director of Tourism, welcomed board members to this stunning site — 208 acres anchored by the circa-1725 manor house.

Summerwind Vineyard, a Smithfield-based family-owned winery, added to the hospitality with fantastic wine and food pairings for the group.

Members explored the house’s rich history, learned how tourism brings it to life today, and heard a great reminder: marketing may help attract visitors there the first time, but it’s the people and experiences that bring them back.

The Virginia Rural Center Board convened in Smithfield yesterday for its summer meeting, where lively discussions center...
07/17/2026

The Virginia Rural Center Board convened in Smithfield yesterday for its summer meeting, where lively discussions centered on driving opportunities in rural communities across the Commonwealth.

Thank you to Riverside Smithfield Hospital for your wonderful hospitality!

Highlights included:

- A presentation from Nikki Rovner, Director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, who highlighted the economic impact of Virginia's state park system in addition to the outdoor recreation economy.

- A timely panel discussion titled "From Dirt to Doctors: Creating healthcare opportunities in Rural Virginia" moderated by Senator Emily Jordan, featuring Jessica Macalino (President, Riverside Smithfield Hospital), Battalion Chief Will Drewery (Isle of Wight Fire Rescue), and Chief Brian Carroll (Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad), spotlighting how the hospital has reduced transport times and sped up emergency care, alongside the overall workforce and emergency response challenges facing rural healthcare.

- Updates on the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute and the Rural Opportunity Dashboard from Chandler Vaughan.

- An update from Executive Director Kristie Proctor on the Center’s various activities, including a status report on the upcoming 2026 Rural Summit in Rockbridge County.

Thank you to all those supporting rural Virginia!

The Virginia Rural Center was pleased to participate in Governor Spanberger's Economic Development Policy Regional Input...
07/16/2026

The Virginia Rural Center was pleased to participate in Governor Spanberger's Economic Development Policy Regional Input Session at Virginia State University.

The discussion brought together leaders from across GO Virginia Region 4 to provide input on workforce development, business competitiveness, and the unique opportunities and challenges facing communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Thank you to Governor Spanberger, Secretary Chenery and the entire team for inviting stakeholders from across Virginia to help shape the Commonwealth's economic development strategy.

We appreciate the opportunity to ensure rural Virginia's voice is part of the conversation.

07/07/2026

We are continuing to celebrate leaders creating meaningful change across rural Virginia. We are proud to highlight alumni of the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute and the Community Impact Projects they’re leading in their communities. 🤝🌾

Today’s feature is Brandy Flint, whose project, Child Care Resource Development in Rockbridge County, is helping expand access to essential child care resources for families in her community. By strengthening support systems and increasing awareness of available services, her work helps families navigate child care options. 👶🌱🏡

Brandi’s efforts are helping build a stronger foundation for children and working families where it matters most. 💛🏫

Follow along as we continue to spotlight alumni making an impact and helping move rural Virginia forward.💡🌱

CommunityImpact

06/25/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity! 🌾

🏛️ Join leaders, partners, and innovators from across the Commonwealth on October 14-15, 2026, at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington for two days of connection, conversation, and collaboration focused on strengthening rural Virginia.

🤝 Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the discussion on rural prosperity, innovation, and community growth.

Register today!
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4j27zwj

📣 We need your help! 📣The Virginia Rural Opportunity Dashboard is looking for new data!📝 Please take a few minutes to co...
06/16/2026

📣 We need your help! 📣

The Virginia Rural Opportunity Dashboard is looking for new data!

📝 Please take a few minutes to complete our development survey and share your input. Your feedback will help ensure the dashboard reflects the needs and opportunities that matter most to Rural Virginia!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXKPR93

“Whatever issue you are passionate about, be sure to talk with each other — not at each other.”Martha Moore, Senior VP o...
06/12/2026

“Whatever issue you are passionate about, be sure to talk with each other — not at each other.”

Martha Moore, Senior VP of Governmental Relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, brought a powerful perspective to the cohort on advocating for farmers and rural priorities. Her message was clear: it starts with relationships. Engage with legislators the same way you would your local boards — get to know them and stay involved.

Her advice for making real progress? “Don’t just tell them about your issues — learn about their issues.” Finding common ground is how you turn a conversation into advocacy.

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201 N 9th St
Richmond, VA
23219

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