First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin to attend 2022 Rural Summit, named as honorary chair
October 06, 2022
Abingdon, VA (Oct. 6, 2022) – First Lady of Virignia Suzanne S. Youngkin has been named honorary chair of The 2022 Rural Summit, delivering the welcome address for the second day of the Summit taking place on Thursday and Friday, October 27 & 28, 2022 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon. She will be accompanied by cabinet members serving on the Rural Summit planning committee.
“I am hugely honored to be a part of this year's Rural Summit,” said First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin. “Glenn and I have prioritized listening to all Virginians, and I look forward to visiting Southwest Virginia to hear from those in our more rural communities. We continue to showcase the very best that our Commonwealth has to offer, and that Rural Summit is a true stand-out.”
Day one kicks off with a keynote address from John Quiñones, Host of ABC’s “What Would You Do”, followed by the Richmond Federal Reserve providing a data presentation on how rural communities compare with the overall state on certain indicators in education, health, workforce and economics. Patrick Jinks, of The Jinks Perspective, will facilitate a conversation among community leaders following the data presentation, concluded by a panel discussion recapping the day’s information while looking ahead to tomorrow’s challenges.
Day two will begin with the welcome message from Mrs. Youngkin, followed by keynote speaker Hamish Brewer, the tattooed, skateboarding principal. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from over 30 workshops to participate in during four different breakout sessions throughout the day. The breakout sessions will focus on community best practices and strategies in education, health, labor, and economic development. The day will include a networking lunch and will conclude with closing remarks from United Way of Southwest Virginia President and CEO, Travis Staton.
Early bird pricing has been extended through Monday, October 7, 2022. Attendees will have the option to purchase a ticket to both days separately, or a combo ticket to attend both days. Early bird pricing for a single day ticket for Thursday is $50, $30 for Friday and $75 for a combo ticket that gives access to both days. Following early bird, registration remains open through Friday, October 21, 2022 with tickets priced at $65 for Thursday, $40 for Friday or $100 for a combo ticket.
The 2022 Rural Summit is sponsored by Virginia State Office of Rural Health, Ballad Health, Tazewell County, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Verizon Wireless, Wize Solutions, and our elite partners Food City, Universal Fibers, Utility Trailer of Glade Spring & Utility Trailer of Atkins. For more information on the Summit and to see a full list of the planning committee, you can visit The Rural Summit website.
