WHEREAS, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2004, the Center for Rural Virginia celebrates its 20th anniversary on July 1, 2024, and it is fitting to recognize the rich history and accomplishments of the Center on this significant milestone; and

WHEREAS, the Center for Rural Virginia stems from the visionary recommendations of the Rural Prosperity Commission, which included the pivotal recommendation to establish the Center for Rural Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the enabling legislation for the Center for Rural Virginia was championed by founding board members Senator Frank Ruff and Delegate Steve Landes, laying the groundwork for an entity focused on addressing the unique challenges and seizing opportunities in rural Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Rural Center is a collaborative partnership between the Center for Rural Virginia and the Council for Rural Virginia dedicated to the advancement and prosperity of rural communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the Center for Rural Virginia is governed by a 21-member board that collaborates closely with the 19-member board of the Council for Rural Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, with support of all 140 members of the Virginia General Assembly, the Center was renamed as the “Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia” recognizing Senator Ruff’s tireless contributions to the Center and the betterment of rural Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the Center leads many activities including the Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity and the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Rural Caucus, and in 2022 launched the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, Virginia's first leadership program which focuses on retaining, attracting, and developing rural Virginians into innovative, responsible, and civic minded leaders; and

WHEREAS, through these efforts, the Center continues to expand economic and social opportunities, effectively support federal, state, and local policymaking, engage private sector stakeholders, and serve as a collective voice for rural Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize July 1, 2024, as the 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SENATOR FRANK M. RUFF, JR. CENTER FOR RURAL VIRGINIA in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.