News Releases

Tennessee rural development roundtable discussions will be held in Jackson on June 20, Cookeville on June 22, and Morristown on June 27. These forums will discuss issues currently facing rural communities and viable solutions to strengthen and maintain these communities.

"The Southern Rural Development Center, in cooperation with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is asking Southern states to hold meetings to outline priorities for the future of rural communities," says Assistant Professor Michael Wilcox, a rural economic development specialist with University of Tennessee Extension.

The four primary objectives of the roundtables are to identify positive features associated with rural Tennessee; prioritize action steps to strengthen the future of rural areas; refine strategies and initiatives that offer unique opportunities for rural areas; and share ideas on the role of the land-grant university in terms of research and education related to rural development.

To ensure that the thoughts and views of diverse rural people and communities are heard, the roundtables are open to all, including representatives from government, business, and community organizations. This variety of perspectives will enable thorough discussion of issues and effective solutions.

UT and Tennessee State University will host the roundtables in cooperation with other organizations statewide. Both schools are committed, through their research activities and outreach education programs, to investing their time and resources for the well-being of rural people and communities in Tennessee.

The results will help guide the rural development of our state land-grant universities, and shape the regional efforts of the Southern Rural Development Center. Wilcox adds, "A roundtable can help you take action in your own community. These forums lead to better understanding of the issues facing your community and to preparing for the future by acting now."

Pre-registration is required and should be completed online at the roundtable website, http://economics.ag.utk.edu/red.html. For further information on how you can participate, contact Michael Wilcox at (865) 974-3344 or mwilcox2@utk.edu or contact your county UT Extension office.

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Contacts:

Michael Wilcox, (865) 974-3344 or mwilcox2@utk.edu
Carolyn Corley and Patricia McDaniels, (865) 974-7141