NACo's Rural Action Caucus to Meet in Michigan

County officials from across the country will set priorities for rural America

LANSING, Mich., Oct., 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Association of Counties and Tuscola County this weekend will host the National Association of Counties' (NACo) Rural Action Caucus (RAC) annual steering committee meeting to develop RAC's legislative priorities on important federal issues affecting rural counties and communities.

More than 30 elected county officials from across the country are expected to attend the meeting, which will take place in Frankenmuth.  A feature of the gathering will be a tour showcasing Michigan's emerging agriculture and rural development efforts.

The RAC Steering Committee meets each year to develop RAC's legislative priorities on important issues affecting rural counties and communities such as rural development programs, transportation, broadband deployment, the farm bill, and access to health care.

"We're excited to host the meeting this year and give members from across the country a real look at the growth Michigan has had, where we are going and showcase why we are leaders in agriculture and rural development," said Tuscola County Commission Board Chair Thomas Bardwell. Bardwell is a member of the RAC Steering Committee and chair of NACo's Rural Development Subcommittee. He also serves as first vice president for the Michigan Association of Counties.

Caucus members will visit the Harvest Wind Farm in Pigeon, the Thumb Octagon Barn and Agricultural Museum in Gagetown, POET Bio-refining in Caro, Zwerk Farms in Reese, and St. Julian's Winery in Frankenmuth.

For more information about NACo or RAC, contact Erik Johnston at 202.942.4230.

The Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) founded on February 1, 1898, is the only statewide organization dedicated to the representation of all county commissioners in Michigan. MAC is a non-partisan, non-profit organization which advances education, communication and cooperation among county government officials in the state of Michigan. MAC is the counties' voice at the State Capitol, providing legislative support on key issues affecting counties.

SOURCE Michigan Association of Counties