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The Virginia Horse Council has honored Del. Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. (R-31) with its most prestigious “Agricultural Economic Development Award.”
Conferred now for only the second time since the Council’s founding in 1971, this award may only be presented to an individual who has actively and successfully promoted agricultural economic development in the commonwealth of Virginia.
A council spokesman said that as a member of the Virginia General Assembly since 1972, Del. Guest has worked tirelessly to create a more positive economic environment for the horse industry and all of agriculture. “No stranger to farming and once an avid rider, Andy Guest has used his extensive knowledge of the rural economy to formulate longrange programs which allow these industries to develop.
“His sponsorship of the resolution creating a Joint Legislative Subcommittee to study the feasibility of a state horse exposition and marketing center and his leadership of that group led to the eventual creation of the Virginia Horse Center,” the spokesman said.
“ Direct impact on the state’s economy from only the first year of operation of that complex exceeded $10 millipn. Significant growth in the tourism industry in the Valley area has occurred, and has been accompanied by a heightened value in agricultural land and the development of a rapidly strengthening horse farm presence.”
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