On Dec. 17, hundreds of Vermonters will come together at Vermont Technical Center to celebrate the success of the Working Lands Enterprise Fund and to identify actions to encourage policymakers to continue this important work.

The summit is being organized by the Vermont Council on Rural Development, with several organizations sponsoring the event. The day will begin with a welcome and update from both Gov. Peter Shumlin and House Speaker Shap Smith, and throughout the day approximately 90 panel members will present their views on how to strengthen and spur Vermont’s working lands economy. Lunchtime will feature the “Take a Tour of Working Lands” exhibit — a photo display with stories of working lands innovators and celebrating projects funded through the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Fund.

The day will end with the presentation of the Vermont Council on Rural Development 2013 Community Leadership Award.

A full agenda for the day, registration information and location details can all be found on the summit website: http://conta.cc/1aEIypR. Please join us.

Paul Costello, Montpelier