The six vision areas were used as the framework to brainstorm and develop strategies for advancing the region’s strategic planning process. These helped guide discussions around needs and opportunities facing this region. The following is a brief overview of these vision components and citizens’ best ideas for how to rise to the intent and reach of these ideals.

Leadership
The New River Valley is an environment that promotes and sustains current and emerging leaders within our community.

This region has amazing human capacity. The desire within this vision area is to communicate that potential and instill commitment into our current and rising leaders of the New River Valley. The region must provide support systems for leadership development. This community must foster opportunities for the generation of new ideas while recognizing and embracing the risks that come with such ventures.

Some of the project ideas that emerged within this category include:
· Leadership Education
· Youth Business and Civic Leadership Development
· Regional Leadership Forum
· Community Needs Workshop for Elected Officials
· Regional Leadership Certification
· Non-traditional Leadership Development

Natural and Cultural Resources
The New River Valley is an attractive
and desirable place to live, work, and visit.

Our natural and cultural environments are important assets in this region. The vision for creating an inviting and well-protected environment is crucial for the future we imagine and strive to achieve. We lose identity when we do not support our natural and cultural environment. We are a proud and valuable community and these assets must be supported and promoted.

Some of the project ideas that emerged within this category include:
· Promote and Support Christiansburg Institute
· Regionally-linked Trail System
· Open Space Conservation
· Regionally-link Historic and Natural Attractions

Education and Training
The New River Valley provides a
cooperative educational system with quality personal, professional, and technical education for all citizens.

We must find ways to support our educational institutions and programs through these times of budget cuts and economic slowdown. Our educational system is not a perk; it is a necessity.

Two of the project ideas that emerged within this category include:
· Regional Educational Facilities for alternative and adult education
· Regional Educational Services - Magnet & Governor’s School; alternative; and advanced placement

Economic Development
The New River Valley has a diverse,
stable business and industry community
that provides high quality jobs, investment.

This region has much to offer in the area of business assistance and development. The opportunities for entrepreneurial development are growing and finding creative ways to entice our youth to stay and grow in this local economy is key to our economic success.

Some of the project ideas that emerged within this category include:
· FirstWorks
· Niche Development for Downtowns
· VT KnowledgeWorks
· RU Business Technology Park and Center

Human Resources
The New River Valley provides opportunities for
families and individuals to achieve their potential.

The people are this region’s most important resource. The New River Valley has the capacity and will to create community for all who live here. We are in this together and through mutual support and work we can move this vision forward.

Some of the project ideas that emerged within this category include:
· Youth Entrepreneurial Center
· Telecommunication Infrastructure Region-wide
· Evaluate Service Delivery Programs
· Strengthen Montgomery County Human Services Commission
· Quarterly Agency/Community Sessions

Physical Infrastructure
The New River Valley has complete and quality
infrastructure to support the goals, needs,
and aspirations of the regional community.

How we “build and protect” our physical spaces will significantly impact our ability to advance our visions of the future. We must be far-sighted in both our development and conservation of key areas of the region.

Some of the project ideas that emerged within this category include:
· Regional Land Use Planning
· Regional Water and Sewer Development
· Regional Water Supply and Protection
· Regional Public Transportation
· Regional Civic/Convention Center