FROM STAFF REPORTS

Four area people have been named to represent Region 3 on the Alabama Rural Action Commission. The statewide commission was created by Gov. Bob Riley to improve the quality of life in rural Alabama.

Members named to the Region 3 committee include Regional Co-Chair and State Rep. Cam Ward of Alabaster, Education Committee Co-Chair Dr. Jack Riley of Montevallo, Health Committee Co-Chair Tracy Smith of Hoover and Workforce Development Co-Chair Ronald Scott of Pelham.

Region 3 covers Shelby, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair and Walker counties.

Riley unveiled the rural commission, which is designed after the Alabama Black Belt Action Commission, earlier this month.

&8220;I am excited about taking the model of the Black Belt Action Commission statewide.

We have put in place a strong group of leaders who will help to involve local citizens and to build the partnerships needed to bring more progress to our rural communities,&8221; Riley said.

The Rural Action Commission will begin by focusing on measurably improving health care, education, economic development and workforce development in rural areas, said former state Sen. Gerald Dial of Lineville, who is serving as executive director