The immediate catalyst for the development of Vision 2020 was the downsizing of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RAAP). However, the downsizing was in many ways the straw that broke the camel's back. For the Plant (RAAP). However, the downsizing was in many ways the past fifteen years, citizens, business and community leaders have watched an ever-widening gap between the urban and rural areas of Virginia. This gap is shown by disparate levels of income, employment, primary education, and growth.
While the New River Valley community cannot control military downsizing, the community can control its response. The wide-ranging effect of downsizing on the region is a clear signal that the New River Valley economy must change to remain competitive. Vision 2020 is a culmination of the community's response to this call for change.
The development of this vision was a community driven process, the result of efforts by many groups and individuals. It was spearheaded by the New River Valley Planning District Commission and the New River Valley Economic Adjustment Strategy Steering Committee. Many groups and individuals deserve our thanks and acknowledgements for their help in this process.
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