State Hosts Scottish Delegation to Discuss Rural Strategy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Today, a delegation of business, community, and government leaders from the Dumfries-Galloway Region of Scotland began a tour of the state to discuss rural development strategy with Indiana rural leaders and businesspeople.  Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development (USDA RD) are hosting the delegation through October 20.

“To be competitive in the global marketplace, rural leaders must develop innovative strategies and techniques for economic development,” said David Terrell, Executive Director of OCRA.  “Partnering with Scottish leaders enables us to learn from their successes in rural development and discuss the unique challenges rural economies are facing internationally.”

The goals in forming the international learning project were to learn more about how global dynamics are affecting local/regional economies and to develop strategies to aid in building community capacity through leadership exchanges.  In October 2006, a delegation of Indiana leaders traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland to begin working toward these goals.

“The overall goal of this exchange has been to create an international network focused on capacity building.  The ongoing collaboration and dialogue has given us the opportunity to continue exchanging ideas and practices,” said Robert White, State Director, USDA RD.

While in Indiana, the delegation will visit the state capitol and meet with Lt. Governor Skillman.  They will also travel to Greensburg, French Lick/West Baden, Scottsburg, Starlight, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Governor Mitch Daniels recently declared October 13 – 20 as Dumfries-Galloway and Indiana International Learning Community Project Week.

Source: Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

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