SUMMERSVILLE, WV (WOWK) — The Summersville Arena and Conference Center hosted dozens of local, state and federal officials for the first day of their second-annual partners forum.

The event gives organizations a chance to see how they are affecting West Virginia and to talk about community project successes, best practices and funding opportunities to improve reach to rural areas.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Rural Development’s goal is for economic opportunities and a better quality of life for rural West Virginia.