The Mattoon Rotary Club and the Charleston Rotary Club plan to hold the luncheon at noon Monday in the Lake Land College Field House in Mattoon. Those interested in attending this event are asked to register by Thursday by calling Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center at 217-258-2511.

Rural-Urban Luncheon organizers reported in a press release that Sullivan has been involved in agriculture his entire life, having been born and raised on a farm in Western Illinois. He and his wife, Joan, live on their family-owned farm just north of Rushville in Schuyler County. They have four children, three daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren.

For 20 years, Sullivan was a partner in his family’s real estate and auction business. In 2002, He successfully ran for the Illinois Senate to represent the 47th District. This district is the largest Senate district in the state, and includes all or parts of 13 Western Illinois counties.

During his 14 years in the Senate, Sullivan served as chairman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee and worked on many issues that affect farmers and agriculture Now as state agriculture director, he will discuss goals for his department and and give an update on various departmental initiatives at the Rural-Urban Luncheon.