Business, Community and Public Sector leaders in Waveney, Suffolk Coastal, Mid Suffolk and South Norfolk are encouraged to attend this year’s Rural Summit.  Titled ‘Beyond Rural Enterprise’, the conference is being organised by the Community Forum and its partners Suffolk County Council and Waveney District Council, and will be hosted at the Fisher Theatre in Bungay on Friday 22 October 2010.

Martyn Burnside, The Community Forums Chief Officer says: “The event aims to bring together the commercial, voluntary, social enterprise and public sector representatives in order to raise their awareness of key topical issues relating to rural business, rural enterprise and community initiatives, and how these key components of the rural economy can work towards a future of rural prosperity and improved quality of life”.

A series of short presentations and workshop’s provide an ideal opportunity for local networking and the development of future opportunities. Subjects to be covered include the future of Broadband, the work of Suffolk Foundation with business and the community, and local MP Peter Aldous will speak about the coalition government’s policies for the rural economy.

Rural Community Champions will also receive awards at the Summit. Martyn Burnside says “We all know someone who has made a real difference in our communities by spending time and effort helping charities and communities like ours. Please nominate the people who volunteer and support your community or voluntary group, so that they get the recognition they deserve.”

The award categories are:

– The most dynamic or inspiring project
– The most dynamic young person’s group
– The most inspiring young person in the community
– The person who made the greatest contribution to their group/ community
– The volunteer whose contribution has helped a group survive & prosper
– Long Service Award

The winners will receive their awards at the Summit. Please give your nominations to The Community Forum by Monday 11th October by using the contact below.

The conference will start at 10am and finish at 4pm.  The conference is free of charge but delegates must book their FREE place by contacting The Community Forum by telephone on 01502 558353 or by emailing [email protected]