Each year since 1996, Wisconsin Rural Partners has held a Wisconsin Rural Summit to discuss current issues and develop a strategic plan to meet rural communities’ concerns. New this year, Wisconsin Rural Partners is holding three Rural Regional Forums to collect input from additional participants before cumulating in a Wisconsin Rural Summit later this year.

“Regional Rural Forums offer an opportunity for more people to have their voices heard,” said Kathy Schmitt, Committee Chair and a DATCP Community Services Specialist. “The facilitated discussion will allow attendees to roll up their sleeves to discuss challenges and set the stage for solutions.”

All Rural Regional Forums are from 8:45-11:30 a.m. Dates and locations are:

●  October 4, 2011: Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, 29270 County Highway G, Ashland

●  October 7, 2011: Ed’s Tee Pee Supper Club, 812 Superior Avenue, Tomah

●  October 21, 2011: Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake

Wisconsin Rural Partners invites people to share their point of view on local issues, challenges, and priorities for your rural community. Information gathered at the forums will be summarized and shared with forum participants as well as with key stakeholders at the Wisconsin Rural Summit on December 2, 2011 at Stoney Creek Inn in Rothschild.

The registration deadline is ten days prior to each forum. The fee of $25 includes breakfast and a summary report of forum findings. To register for the Rural Regional Forums or for more information, visit http://www.wirural.org/RuralSummit2011 or contact Kathy Schmitt at 608-224-5048 or kathy.schmitt@wisconsin.gov.

The mission of Wisconsin Rural Partners, Inc. is to develop leadership, networks, and voice for rural Wisconsin. Wisconsin Rural Partners is Wisconsin’s official, federally-recognized State Rural Development Council that is administered by a ten member board.