Jim “The Rookie” Morris announced as one of two keynote presenters at EO’s 9th Annual Rural Summit

Abingdon, VA (September 12, 2024) – The 2024 Rural Summit in Abingdon, Virginia. will feature a lunch keynote presented by Jim “The Rookie” Morris and close the day with a keynote from Dr. El Brown, the founder of KinderJam. These two celebrated keynotes join a list of inspirational, educational, and informative presentations that make the annual Rural Summit one of the most important conferences in Southwest Virginia.

Jim “The Rookie” Morris, the inspiration behind the Walt Disney blockbuster film, The Rookie, will provide an inspirational and transformational keynote about following one’s dreams and designing a game plan for success. Morris was a 35-year-old teacher and coach when he made a bet with the high school baseball team that ended with him pitching in the big leagues.

Dr. El Brown, affectionately known as Dr. El, is a distinguished author, professor, and thought leader with a diverse career. From teaching young children in the United States, Japan, and South Korea to founding the global initiative KinderJam, she has made a significant impact on families in 11 countries and 16 states. Her commitment to well-being earned her recognition, including invitations to the White House, appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and the Dr. Oz Show, and the prestigious title of the 2012 Army Spouse of the Year.

The 2024 Rural Summit attracts 300-500 leaders and practitioners from nonprofit organizations, K-12, early childcare systems, government, healthcare professions, and the business sector. Attendees explore the challenges and opportunities many rural communities face. Through keynote presentations and interactive workshops, attendees will leave inspired and ready to develop solutions that can be implemented at the local level.

"The Rural Summit stands out as a unique event in Southwest Virginia," said Kristy Worley, Vice President of Programs at EO. "From addressing chronic absenteeism to understanding the Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) employment initiative, we’ve curated a variety of workshops to enable rural workforce and educational success. In addition to learning, the Summit is also a great way to network, celebrate our strengths, and learn from one another."

Today is the last day for $30 Early Bird tickets. Starting on September 17, tickets will be $45.

The 2024 Rural Summit is sponsored by the Virginia State Office of Rural Health, Ballad Health, and Pulaski County. Sponsorships are still available.

Event Details

2024 RURAL SUMMIT
Oct. 24, 2024
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
1 Partnership Circle, Abingdon, Virginia 24210

Early bird tickets are $30 and increase to $45 on September 16.

More information at EOco.org/RuralSummit