Apparently the National Rural Assembly has never been held outside of Washington DC. But this year, they will be meeting in St Paul June 28-30. Agri News provides a quick explanation of the event…

“Instead of each little part of rural America speaking separately, we’re trying to bring the voices together so we can make sure what’s important for rural communities gets heard,” said Tim Marema, vice president of the Center for Rural Strategies.

It’s exciting that it’s coming to Minnesota – but even more exciting to me is one of the topics and speakers on the agenda…

One popular topic is the need for increased access to broadband technology. Mignon Clyburn, a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, will be a featured speaker during a lunchtime speech on June 29. The commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. Clyburn is an advocate for expanding broadband and wireless access to marginalized communities. Her speech will be followed by a panel discussion on rural innovation