Nettie Simon-Owens, director of workforce services at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, has been appointed to Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Rural Jobs Council.
The council was created Jan. 2 when the governor issued Executive Order 57. The Rural Jobs Council will make recommendations to address the challenges to economic growth in rural Virginia, and develop a statewide rural infrastructure plan to include transportation, education and community development.
In a statement released to announce the creation of the Council, McDonnell stated, “Virginia's rural communities are the heart and soul of our Commonwealth and we must do everything we can to bring jobs and opportunity to these regions. I am confident this group will develop thoughtful recommendations and a solid infrastructure plan for rural Virginia."
Simon-Owens said, “It is an honor to be selected to serve on the Rural Jobs Council. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate on this Council and will contribute as fully as I can to help fulfill the goals we have been charged with.”
The Rural Jobs Council is chaired by Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and is composed of legislators and leaders in business, manufacturing, education, agriculture, and healthcare.
For more information about the Rural Jobs Council, visithttp://www.governor.virginia.gov/ruraljobscouncil/index.cfm