Maryland’s economic development statistics are impressive. Maryland tops the list for 10 states ranked for entrepreneurship and innovation, and is a top 10 state for growth and economic performance. But where does the state stand in terms of the standard of living affecting nearly one-third of its citizens who live in rural communities? Not so impressive.
Rural Maryland is plagued with higher rates of poverty and unemployment and lower rates of income and educational attainment than its metropolitan counterparts. Rural Marylanders consistently lack access to quality and affordable health care services and are faced with unique challenges such as a decaying infrastructure and the loss of rural working lands.
The challenges facing rural Maryland are numerous and complex, but not insurmountable, says three organizations that are coming together to present the 2013 Rural Action Assembly. The conference is set for October 17 and 18, and invites all stakeholders to unite to develop a legislative agenda for the 2014 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session.
Hosted by the Maryland State Office of Rural Health, Maryland Rural Health Association, and Rural Maryland Council, the event will be held at Ripken Stadium, 873 Long Drive, Aberdeen. The conference fee is $280. for the full conference, which includes five meals and all the sessions. Space is limited. Advance registration is suggested. Walk-ins are welcome.
A limited number of group-rate rooms are available at the Courtyard Aberdeen at Ripken Stadium, adjacent to the stadium. To register visit www.ruralactionassembly.org. For more information, call (410) 841-5772 or email [email protected].
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all the stakeholders to come together – citizens, state and local government leaders, nonprofits, businesses – everyone who has a vested interested in improving life in rural Maryland,” says Charlotte Davis, executive director, Rural Maryland Council (RMC). “We need to work together, and to move forward together with one voice and one agenda to bring to our legislators. This conference is an important instrument to make that happen,” she adds.
Conference highlights include:
“The Looming Crisis of Full Employment,” featuring Mark Lautman, founding director, Community Economics Laboratory, and author of “When the Boomers Bail: How Demographics Will Sort Communities into Winners and Losers.”
Closing Plenary: “Creating a Unified Policy Playbook for Rural Maryland,” featuring Doug O’Brien, Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture.
A session on the Affordable Care Act implementation in Rural Maryland
A legislative panel and outlook on the 2014 Maryland General Assembly Session, featuring Chairman Norm Conway, House Appropriations Committee.
A Maryland state agency leaders panel, featuring: Secretary Buddy Hance, Department of Agriculture; Secretary Dominick Murray, Department of Business & Economic Development; Raquel Samson, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; and Secretary Ray Skinner, Department of Housing & Community Development
“Increasing Community Prosperity by Increasing Capacity,” presented by Don Macke, director of Entrepreneurial Communities, and Craig Schroeder, senior associate, both of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, Lincoln, Neb.
IGNITE Rural Maryland closing session, featuring topics discussed in the conference and other issues that resonate with Rural Maryland.
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