Rural Leadership

business resources available to rural businesses, and support the continued development and implementation of rural Strategic Economic Development Plans.

The GRPB commends the Department of Workforce Services and the rural counties who are participating in the Inter-Generational Poverty (IGP) program for the impact that has been made on the development of rural leadership as community members have gathered to find long-term solutions to poverty within their respective communities.

The GRPB commends the Utah Association of Counties for their ongoing training of newly elected officials, and their recent addition of an economic development track during their annual meetings.

GRPB also recognizes efforts being made by state universities and colleges to increase rural leadership capacity, such as USU’s leadership skills training modules and the development of SUU’s leadership academy which will support both programmatic and leadership skills enhancement. Utah Valley University has also developed a series of economic development classes that have been taken by a number of rural economic development professionals.

As the 17 member GRPB is made up of a diverse representation of industry, education, and rural community leadership, they are uniquely situated to be a convener of rural perspectives, an advocate for rural communities, as well as a training ground for future rural leadership. For this reason the GRPB

Executive Committee is committed to increasingly encourage input and engagement from all board members in relation to the industry or organization they represent on the GRPB.

As we prepare for the future of our children and grandchildren, we need to encourage younger members of our rural communities to run for office, serve on local and statewide boards and committees, and make volunteering in their local communities a priority. An example of youth leadership can be seen on the Delta City Council, as 3 of its 5 members are under 40. For this reason, the GRPB recommends that

the Governor and his staff consider qualified applications from candidates of all ages when making appointments to state boards and committees.

The GRPB further recommends that the GOED and the GRPB identify rural “next generation” leaders and highlight their accomplishments and service at GRPB meetings, the Utah Rural Summit, the GOED Rural Day on the Hill, and the ORD quarterly newsletter etc.

Additional Documentation:

For 2019 Rural Economic Development Updates from Members of the GRPB, see Appendix A. For 2019 GRPB Work Plan, see Appendix B. For List of Rural Grant & Tax Credit Programs, see Appendix C. For Report Recipient List, see Appendix D.