National Rural Assembly administration

More than 300 rural leaders from across the United States met in St. Paul, Minn., June 28-30 for the 2011 Gathering of the National Rural Assembly.

"As we move forward, we’ve got to think about how this story turns out. We need to engage with each other and find that purpose – find that purpose and keep going.

The Minnesota host committee of the 2011 Gathering of the National Rural Assembly honored "rural champions" at the evening program on Wednesday, June 29.

Rural champion awards were given to nine state leaders who have worked on behalf of rural people and their issues.

Recipients were:

• Jane Freeman
• Bob Bergland
• Anne Kanten
• Al Quie
• Rod Leonard
• Cy Carpenter
• Lou Ann Kling
• Jim Nichols
• Sr. Mary Mark Tacheny

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie addressed the Assembly after the presentations, calling on participants to use their love of place to inspire them to act on behalf of rural communities.

Navy Captain Wayne Porter and Marine Colonel Mark Mykleby were asked to write a new national security plan for the U.S.

2011 Rural Assembly - Day Two - Images by Rural Archive

2011 Rural Assembly - Day One - Images by Rural Archive

Thanks to Shawn Poynter for these great photos!