Doniphan County Economic Development Director, Leah B. Johnson, met in a small group to discuss local and statewide needs with newly appointed USDA Rural Development Undersecretary, Xochitl Torres Small on Friday, September 23. Also in attendance were Christy Davis, USDA Rural Development State of Kansas Director and Sarah Green, Kansas Sampler Foundation Representative.
The purpose of the meeting was to highlight the Kansas Sampler Foundation's Power Up & Go action report and to discuss how the USDA and rural Kansas communities can and do work together through the important issues such as childcare, broadband, water and sewer infrastructure, housing and more.
Director Johnson said, "I was lucky and grateful to have such an individualized conversation with these ladies. The Undersecretary and State Director were keen to hear of my experience as a young professional in an Economic Development role in a rural county and about the array of projects in Doniphan County, not just USDA ones."
"It was an invaluable conversation and I hope it brings about some positive opportunities for our county, region and state," Johnson concluded.
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Picture Left to Right: Leah B. Johnson, Doniphan County Economic Development Director, Sarah Green, Kansas Sampler Foundation, Christy Davis, USDA Rural Development State of Kansas Director, Xochitl Torres Small, USDA Rural Development Undersecretary.