kristie.helmickproctor@CFRV.org

COURTLAND
Amanda Jarratt, president and CEO of the Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc., has been appointed as a board trustee of the Center for Rural Virginia, which is for a two-year term.

She was informed via letter on Thursday by House Speaker M. Kirkland “Kirk” Cox for the General Assembly. Del. Emily Brewer (R-64) had nominated Jarratt.

The agency’s website, www.cfrv.org, explains that the Center is a non-profit created by the GA in 2004.  CRV, composed of 21 board members, was made to “address the obstacles and capitalize on the many opportunities of rural Virginia.”

The Council for Rural Virginia, which has 19 board members, was made in 2002 for the following reasons:

• 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.

Further, both agencies together make up the Virginia Rural Center. The two “work with federal, state and local policymakers and regulators as well private sector stakeholders to improve economic opportunities and preserve the quality life throughout rural Virginia.”

They’ll examine issues such as workforce development and education, infrastructure, healthcare and, of course, economic development and job creation.

“I am honored and eager to be selected to serve on the Center for Rural Virginia Board of Trustees to represent the citizens of our great Commonwealth,” said Jarratt. “As the daughter of a peanut farmer, rural issues have always been a high priority for me personally and professionally.

“I am looking forward to adding value to the Center for Rural Virginia and insuring economic prosperity for rural Virginians across the Commonwealth.”

Brewer stated, “Amanda Jarratt is one of the most passionate people I know when it comes to issues regarding rural Virginians. Her board appointment to the Center for Rural Virginia is a testament to the successes she has had in Franklin and Southampton County especially. She will be a great advocate for our region and this Commonwealth on issues important to us.”