Photo: (From left) Awardees of the 2024 Rural Impact Awards, featuring Susan Stewart (Executive Director, AHEC West), Melissa Clark (Associate Director, AHEC West), Rick Nelson (Chief Operations Officer, Chesapeake Housing Mission), Charlotte Davis (Executive Director, Rural Maryland Council), Santo Grande (former Chief Executive Officer, Delmarva Community Services), Buck Browning (Executive Director, Fort Ritchie Community Center), Mayor Darlene Taylor of Crisfield, Maryland. | |
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As the crisp winter air settles in, we welcome the season of reflection, warmth, and togetherness. Whether you're cozying up at home or braving the snow, we’ve got plenty of exciting news and opportunities to make this winter unforgettable. Read on to find out what's in store!
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Photo: Awardees of the 2024 Rural Impact Awards received engraved clocks, and citations from Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, and Governor Wes Moore, as recognition of their extraordinary accomplishments. | |
Photo: Rick Nelson (Chief Operations Officer, Chesapeake Housing Mission) was a 2024 recipient of the "Outstanding Rural Community Volunteer" Award. | |
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On December 4, 2024, we hosted our Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Yellowfin Steak & Fish House in Edgewater, Maryland. Highlights of the meeting included Executive Board elections for the 2025 calendar year - click here to view the 2025 RMC Leadership Announcement. We also had the opportunity to honor advocates for rural communities all over Maryland.
This year, eight awards for presented for the 2024 Rural Impact Award Ceremony:
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Outstanding Rural Community Volunteer was awarded to Rick Nelson and Sara Visintainer for their leadership, dedication, and noteworthy volunteer achievement beyond the call of one’s professional duties to help improve their community.
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Outstanding Rural Economic Development was awarded to Maryland Area Health Education Center West "AHEC WEST" for their leadership, dedication, and noteworthy achievement to help improve economic development opportunities in rural communities.
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Outstanding Rural Community Development was awarded to Buck Browning for his leadership, dedication, and noteworthy achievement to help improve rural communities.
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Rural Champion was awarded to Senator Jack Bailey and Mayor Darlene Taylor for their outstanding leadership and public service in promoting legislation and policy solutions to benefit rural communities.
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Rural Legacy was awarded to Santo Grande, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to fostering dignity, respect, and independence for all. His dedication has left an enduring legacy that uplifts and strengthens Maryland's rural communities.
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Rural Legacy was awarded posthumously to Leanne Dawn Bowman-Bodes, in lasting recognition of her visionary leadership and dedication to economic development in the rural communities of Western Maryland. Leanne's tireless work and commitment have left an enduring legacy, enriching the lives and future of countless individuals.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to submit nominations. Your participation is invaluable and plays a crucial role in recognizing the outstanding individuals and initiatives that make a difference in our community. We truly appreciate your support in helping us honor those who are making a lasting impact.
Click here to view the 2024 RMC Rural Impact Awards Press Release.
Save the date! Our Quarterly Executive Board Meeting and Legislative Luncheon will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. More details to be released soon.
We remain committed to improving the quality of life for Maryland’s rural communities - stay tuned for many more exciting opportunities. I hope everyone has a wonderful new year, and happy holidays!
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Photo: Charlotte Davis (Executive Director, Rural Maryland Council) and Leeza DeCheubel (Administrative Assistant, Rural Maryland Council) with Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore during their Holiday Open House for State Employees on Friday, December 13, 2024. | |
Message from the Executive Director | |
The Council has been very busy, and is preparing to gear up for the 2025 legislative session. Starting January 6, 2025, the RMC Legislative Committee will meet every other Monday to discuss and monitor bills throughout session. Click here to view a full calendar view of upcoming 2025 dates.
We will host our Welcome Breakfast for Legislators on January 10, 2025 from 7:30 am - 9:00 am at the Maryland Inn, Annapolis. The RMC Executive Committee will meet following the breakfast, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. More details will be released soon.
| Photo: Charlotte Davis (Executive Director, Rural Maryland Council) with Senator Ben Cardin on December 6, 2024. | |
The Rural Housing Working Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on Thursday, February 27, 2025, 9:00 am to 11:00 am via Zoom. Committee members previously met on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The meeting featured a presentation from Claudia Wilson Randall, Executive Director, Community Development Network of Maryland. Ms. Wilson Randall presented the Rural Housing Research Guide to members, and addressed resources that are available for use. The meeting also spotlighted: Glenn Lyons, Community Development Director, Knoxville, Iowa, and Michael Pokorny, Chief Executive Officer, Maryland Community Investment Corporation (MCIC). Mr. Lyons delivered a presentation regarding Tax Increment Financing Related Housing Projects. Whereas, Mr. Pokorny spoke to the committee regarding building long-term financial capacity and sustained investment in low-income communities across Maryland through New Market Tax Credits.
The Council will be re-convening the Youth Engagement Committee and the Education Committee. Please email rmc.mda@maryland.gov to join and be a part of the conversation.
If the Council or I can ever be of any assistance, please contact me at charlotte.davis@maryland.gov or (410) 841-5774.
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Charlotte Davis
Executive Director
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Maryland's Best Expo,
January 7, 2025
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2025 MEDA Winter Conference,
January 9, 2025
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Welcome Breakfast for Legislators & RMC Executive Committee Meeting, January 10, 2025
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RMC Rural Summitt Planning Meeting,
January 14, 2025
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2025 Mountain Maryland PACE
January 16 & 17, 2025
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RMC Executive Board Meeting, January 31, 2025
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Taste of Maryland Ag. Dinner,
February 6, 2025
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Rural Maryland Day,
February 13, 2025
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Taste of Southern Maryland,
February 13, 2025
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RMC Joint Planning and Development Committee
The RMC Joint Planning and Development Committee will meet Thursday, March 13, 2025, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom.
To learn more about the RMC Joint Planning and Development
Committee, please contact the RMC at rmc.mda@maryland.gov
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RMC Legislative
Committee
The RMC Legislative Committee will meet on Monday, January 6, 2025, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm via Zoom.
To learn more about the RMC Legislative
Committee, please contact the RMC at
rmc.mda@maryland. gov
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RMC Health Committee
The RMC Health Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 10:00 am to 11:00 am via Zoom.
To learn more about the RMC Health Committee, please contact the RMC at rmc.mda@maryland.gov
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Check out what's happening in rural Maryland...
Training Opportunities & Conferences
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Maryland's Best Expo - Maryland Department of Agriculture - January 7, 2025, at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.
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2025 MEDA Winter Conference - Maryland Economic Development Association - January 9, 2025, at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis.
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2025 Mountain Maryland PACE - Positive Attitudes Change Everything - January 16 & 17, 2025, at the Westin Annapolis.
Awards and Grants
Programs and More
Email: rmc.mda@maryland.gov to share links to your events and programs.
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Grand Opening: Oasis Fresh Foods Market | |
Photo: Attendees at the Oasis Fresh Food Market grand-opening on Friday, October 25, 2024. | |
Oasis Fresh Foods Market, located in Indian Head, Maryland, celebrated its grand opening on Friday, October 25, 2024. This event ended the town's 20-year status as a food desert. The market offers fresh produce, meats, seafood, and locally-sourced goods, featuring over a dozen regional vendors. The market aims to promote healthy food access and strengthen community connections, with plans for an adjacent garden and ice cream shop in 2025. The project, led by Marilyn and Mark Steele, received state funding and grants to bring revitalization to the are - including support by the Rural Maryland Council. Click here to learn more about Oasis. | |
Register Today: UME Strategic Planning Town Halls | |
The University of Maryland Extension is requesting your insight. As part of an effort to shape the future of their programs, community town halls will be held throughout the state during December 2024 and January 2025 regarding strategic planning. Dates include: |
- December 10, 2024 - Allegany County Fairgrounds Town hall (5:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
- December 11, 2024 - Washington County Extension Center Town hall (12:30 pm - 2:30 pm)
- January 15, 2025 - Wicomico Extension Office Town hall (5:30 - 7:30 pm)
- January 15, 2025 - UMES Research, Extension and Teaching Farm Town hall (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm)
- January 16, 2025 - Wye Research & Education Center Town hall (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm)
- January 16, 2025 - Anne Arundel Extension Office Town hall (5:30 - 7:30 pm)
- January 21, 2025 - Baltimore County Extension Office Town hall (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm)
- January 21, 2025 - Baltimore County Extension Office Town hall (5:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
- January 22, 2025 - Leonardtown Agricultural Service Center Town hall (5:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
- January 22, 2025 - Howard County Fairgrounds Town hall (12:30 pm to 2:30 pm)
- January 23, 2025 - University of Maryland Campus Town hall ( 9:00 am - 11:00 am)
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Click here to learn more and register to attend a town hall in your area. | |
2024 Maryland Young Famers Survey | |
Let your voice be heard. To participate in the 2024 Maryland Young Farmers Survey, please scan the QR code from your mobile device or click here for additional information. | |
Mark Your Calendar: Cultivate + Craft Summit | |
Click here to learn more about the Cultivate + Craft Summit and register today. | |
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Rural Maryland Council is an independent state agency and Maryland's federally designated State Rural Development Council under the United States Department of Agriculture's National Rural Development Partnership. Our mission is to bring together federal, state, county, and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to identify challenges unique to rural communities and to develop and implement policy solutions. As a collaborative partnership, the RMC operates under the guidance of a 40-member Executive Board, in a nonpartisan and
nondiscriminatory manner.
Rural Maryland Council | 410-841-5772 | rmc.mda@maryland.gov | http://www.rural.maryland.gov/
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
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