On January 22, 2026, community leaders from across Columbia County gathered in Tallahassee to participate in Rural Counties Day at the Florida State Capitol. Representatives from the Columbia County Chamber, City of Lake City, Columbia County government, and Columbia County Economic Development joined rural counties from across the state to advocate for the communities that form the backbone of Florida’s economy.
Pipeline for Progress
This year’s theme, “Pipeline for Progress,” showcased the powerful collaboration between three key pillars of workforce development in our region. UF/IFAS Extension and Columbia County 4-H spark potential in our young people. Columbia Schools Career & Technical Education builds essential skills. And Columbia County Economic Development brings it all together to grow our workforce. The message was clear: when these organizations work together, our community thrives.
Showcasing Local Business
One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to feature local Columbia County businesses. Companies including Endureed, Nettles Sausage, Agroliquid, New Millennium, Weyerhaeuser, and Ambie’s Sweet Treats provided giveaways and promotional materials, demonstrating the diversity and strength of our local economy to legislators and visitors alike.
Why Rural Counties Day Matters
Every year, rural counties gather in the rotunda of the Florida State Capitol to remind legislators of the significant contributions rural communities make to the state’s economy. This is a platform for rural voices to express their needs and garner support for the issues that matter most to their residents.
For Columbia County, participation in Rural Counties Day reflects our commitment to advocating for the businesses, families, and organizations that make our community strong. From workforce development to infrastructure needs, our leaders took the opportunity to ensure that rural Florida remains a priority in Tallahassee.
Looking Ahead
The success of Rural Counties Day 2026 is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of our community partners. We look forward to continuing this important work throughout the year and returning to Tallahassee in 2027 to once again represent Columbia County.
