A large crowd from across the region was on hand to hear the update of the Stronger Economies Together (SET) project being coordinated by Virginia's Growth Alliance (VGA).

Download the plan - 92.68mb pdf

Strengthening Economies Together plan

Four members of VGA are chairing committees that are working to:

  • Attract targeted industries to the region and expand/retain existing regional industries
  • Create an atmosphere that will cultivate, support, and expand small business development
  • Develop a workforce with 21st Century Competencies for our current and future employers
  • Increase awareness of tourism and quality of life aspects of the region through promotion, education and connectivity while maintaining authenticity

Natalie Slate, Greensville County, reported that her committee is focused on the following objectives:

  • Aggressively Market to Target Industries
  • Market to Supply Chain Industries
  • Target Industry Ready Product – Sites and Buildings
  • Train Workers in Target Industry Occupations
  • Favorable cost of doing business
  • Active existing business and industry programs
  • Increase regional collaboration

Jan Harrell, City of Emporia, reported that her committee is focused on the following objectives:

  • Provide Counseling, Mentoring, Training and Education
  • Create an "Entrepreneurial Blueprint" of services
  • Provide a Range Business Finance Options

Angie Kellett, Mecklenburg County, reported that her committee is focused on the following objectives:

  • Expand Educational/Training Curricula
  • Develop Specialized Training
  • Market Training to Parents/Citizens
  • Improve "Rapid Response Team"
  • Communicate Training Needs to Providers

Beverley Hawthorne, Lunenburg County, reported that her committee is focused on the following objectives:

  • Educate Residents on Regional Assets
  • Market Tourism Assets
  • Develop ROI "Markers"
  • Develop Small Towns
  • Develop Tourism "Product"

VGA is partnering with USDA-Rural Development, VA Tech, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and Virginia Tourism in the development and implementation of the SET plan. Citizens from all six of the VGA counties and the City of Emporia have participated in the process over the past seven months. VGA presented a "draft" copy of the regional strategic plan. The team emphasized that the document should be considered a living document and revisited and updated often.

The individual committees will continue to meet and move forward with implementation of the goals and objectives.

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