Rural Business Owners Invited to the Forum for Rural Innovation
The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development has announced that the 12th annual Forum for Rural Innovation will be held Friday, March 11, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the Best Western at 711 Millwood Avenue in Winchester, Virginia. Farmers and rural business owners are encouraged to register for this event by March 4. Registration is $40 per person and includes lunch and refreshments. Seating is limited; please register by March 4.
“This is a great opportunity to learn, have fun, and network with other farmers,” says Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer.
There are three ways to register:
1. Call 703-737-8458;
2. Register online, or
3. Download a printable registration form.
The nine presenters include business owners who will discuss their real-world experiences, and educators from four colleges who will offer useful news and information. One of the speakers, Clifton Slade from Slade Farms in Surry, Virginia, has been rated “one of the best presenters of practical and useful knowledge presented in a comedic fashion.”
Lunch will be provided by local businesses, and the presentation of the 2016 Innovation Award will be presented to winners Jonathan Staples, Solomon Rose and Dylan Krzywonski from Lucketts Mill and Hops Works, and also to the Tabb family from Lyle C. Tabb and Sons.
Area farms and rural businesses are encouraged to participate with exhibits and displays. To reserve a space, call Cassie Walls 703-737-8458 by March 4.
The Forum for Rural Innovation is a cooperative educational effort by the Offices of Agricultural Economic Development and Cooperative Extension in Clarke, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William Counties of Virginia; Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, West Virginia; the Town of Berryville, Virginia; Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, and the Natural Capital Investment Fund.