RICHMOND, Va., July 11, 2011 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan met with business leaders from across Virginia today to explore ways federal, state and local officials can work together to improve economic conditions and create jobs. This was part of a series of meetings that are being held across the country this summer with senior administration officials on behalf of the White House Business Council and White House Rural Council. Today's meeting was hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation, and Rural Sustainability, a foundation based in Richmond that assists rural Virginians in developing and advancing their agricultural, economic and social interests to enhance their quality of life.

"The Obama administration is committed to supporting business leaders and fostering innovation," said Deputy Secretary Merrigan. "We want to make sure that businesses are accessing every opportunity to hire and invest so that we can create thriving communities across rural America."

The White House Business Council's Winning the Future Roundtable with American Business is an opportunity for government leaders to hear directly from business leaders around the country about their ideas on how to grow the economy. This exchange also is intended to educate business and community leaders about USDA programs and other resources within the Federal government to help them compete.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack serves as chair of the White House Rural Council, and has provided recommendations for investment in rural areas and Federal engagement with a variety of rural stakeholders, including agricultural organizations, small businesses, and state, local, and tribal governments.

In June, President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the first White House Rural Council. Since taking office, President Obama's administration has taken significant steps to improve the lives of rural Americans and has provided broad support for rural communities. The Obama administration has set goals of modernizing infrastructure by providing broadband access to 10 million Americans, expanding educational opportunities for students in rural areas, and providing affordable health care. In the long term, these unparalleled rural investments will help ensure that America's rural communities are repopulating, self-sustaining, and thriving economically.

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