VA Rural Center

To truly understand a place, it's essential to listen to its music.. #VRLI experienced the sounds of Appalachia by Fritz and Co- their blend of all-time favorites, bluegrass, and rock ‘n’ roll had us tapping our feet and was the perfect vibe. Be sure to check them out in #SWVA!

Todd Wolford, Executive Director of Downtown Wytheville, Inc., and Charlie Jones, Assistant Director shared with #VRLI the town’s revitalization story, describing the immense coordination and block-by-block construction it took to rebuild the area while keeping storefronts open.

As we head back home, with the #SWVA Appalachian Mountains in our rearview, our hearts are full! A great time growing with this year’s cohort and reconnecting with #VRLI alumni from the past while in this magical part of the Commonwealth. Next stop- Shenandoah Valley!

Mary Anne Holbrook, Vice President of Development at @eononprofit shared with #VRLI how EO gives support where it is needed most- through workforce development and addressing childcare shortages- that with donors, stakeholders, and partners they have expanded their work in #SWVA.

Keith Perrigan, @WashCoSuper Washington County Schools Superintendent and President of the Coalition of Small and Rural Schools, discussed with #VRLI unique rural challenges to K-12 education- enrollment, large geography, old infrastructure- and the role advocating for change.

“People have not lost their interest in news, but as local news has shrunk, people have filled their news diet with national news….but markets abhor a vacuum..” Dwayne Yancey, @CardinalNewsVA Founding Editor, shared with #VRLI its role in covering issues that affect #rural VA.

Kim Davis, Executive Director for the Friends of Southwest VA welcomed #VRLI to Abingdon and shared how they focus on the unique qualities of the #SWVA and use the region's cultural and natural assets support the local economy through a variety of initiatives. @mySWVA

#VRLI is spending our last day in #SWVA in Abingdon- Great to be at the @SWVACulturalCtr! @IsraelOQuinn welcomed #VRLI to his district and emphasized that Southwest VA’s delegation prioritizes being a cohesive unit to support not just localities but also the entire region!

“We are here because we want to be here..” Thanks @delterrykilgore for welcoming #VRLI to your district and highlighting how rural is important for future energy resources, economic development, and the next generation. We agree- rural VA is the place we all want to be!

Thanks to @UVA_Wise @theoxbowcenter for hosting #VRLI today! Great hearing from Associate Vice Chancellor Randall Rose the role that higher education can play as a support organization to bring people together and coordinate resources in communities.

As a component of #VRLI, cohort members develop and implement a Community Impact Project to solve a problem or address a need in their locality- providing a tangible ROI for their communities. Cohort members shared their ideas and practiced “elevator pitches” for their projects!

Deer and fish and elk(?)- Oh my! Did you know that elk were reintroduced in #SWVA in 2012? #VRLI learned from @VirginiaDWR Director Ryan Brown how DWR oversees the conservation and management of wildlife and inland fish and how they regulate hunting, fishing, and boating in VA.

“I can’t think of a better place for people to experience the outdoors.” Steve Pike shared with #VRLI how the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority is blazing a trail- recent data shows $18.8 million in economic impact in #SWVA. Molly shared the impacts of branding and data.

#VRLI dove into energy policy with Jake Holmes, @AppalachianPowe External Affairs Manager and Will Clear, Managing Partner for VA Energy Strategies. With data centers and AI, there’s unprecedented growth in energy needs and rural communities will be part of the solution.

Attention all adventure seekers… the Spearhead Trails are calling! #VRLI went off-road on ATVs to explore the scenic Appalachian Mountain terrain, views, mud, rock, and tree-lined paths. Thanks to Steve Pike and the Southwest Regional Recreation Association for the tour!

“Get Drenched on the Clinch!” #VRLI kayaked the Clinch River with @VirginiaDCR and @ClinchRiverAdv. Did you know? The Clinch is the most bio-diverse of all Northern hemisphere rivers AND home to the nation's greatest concentration of rare and imperiled freshwater animals!

Starting day #2 in St. Paul with a boost of energy and breakfast favorites from The Coffee Station! Owner Andrea Hicks shared with #VRLI her small business story and served up their exclusive Clinch River Blend Coffee! #coffeestationva @StPaulVAMainSt

#VRLI traveled farther west to explore where the coalfields meet the bluegrass and experience the Clinch River that flows throughout the Town of St. Paul. Along with outdoor adventures, @StPaulVAMainSt has shops, restaurants, the Western Front hotel, and the Lyric Theater!

“Rural VA more recently is seeing an uptick in growth. While a positive trend, it puts more emphasis on a need for more affording housing inventory.” Chris Thompson, Director of Strategic Housing with @VirginiaHsg shared with #VRLI housing trends and the impact in rural areas.

Wytheville resident and #VRLI cohort member Jen Otey welcomed everyone to town! She’s seen Wytheville’s revitalization firsthand bringing more people into downtown and received a grant for her small business. @VisitWytheville “If I can’t find a parking spot, I don’t complain!”