The 2003 Vision 2020 Update has been made possible by the concentrated efforts of numerous New River Valley visionaries. Contributors include local government officials, members of nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, teachers and school administrators, business community members, and many others committed to a bright and community-guided future for the New River Valley.

Though no project is ever the success of one individual, the Vision 2020 process has had an important champion. Dr. Edwin Barnes, former President of New River Community College (NRCC), has never tired in his support and bald-faced marketing of Vision 2020 and its importance to the region. Dr. Barnes was a member of the initial Vision 2020 Steering Committee and assisted in the document and programming development. He saw in this effort something bigger than jurisdictional cooperation and economic competitiveness - he saw community visioning. Dr. Barnes kept a copy of Vision 2020 at hand and frequently referred to it in his role as President of NRCC and as the biggest fan of the New River Valley. Thank you Dr. Barnes for your vision, for how you love this region, and mostly for how you bring us all to see our potential and possibilities.

The overall data gathering and community input program development was guided by the Vision 2020 Steering Committee. This work would not have happened without their tireless contributions. The Steering Committee members are: Andy Morikawa, Beth Obenshain, Tom Roberts, David Ridpath, Dave Rundgren, Shelia Smith, Jan Reynolds, and Holly Lesko. These individuals brought their personal commitment and love of the New River Valley, their organizations’ resources, and their community connections and knowledge to this effort. Thank you seems inadequate for the work and dedication of this group.

Over 500 citizens from across the region responded to the call for input during the brainstorming and project development phases of this effort. The residents of the New River Valley are the creators of this vision and without their commitment to being fully engaged and accountable for this work, this document would be no more than added weight on the bookshelf. Community First contains the hopes and visions of the people of this proud region. The people of this regional community have proven time and again that we are capable and committed (and maybe a little lucky) to keep making progress in the New River Valley.

The dedication and hard work of all the citizens and groups that have made this plan a reality is sincere and energized. The cumulative efforts ensure that Vision 2020 is still a powerful roadmap for a prosperous 21st century in the New River Valley.