NRVPDC Newsletter

• "U.S. Census 2000 " in the Spotlight
• NRVPDC Updates
  • Pulaski County Comprehensive Plan
  • Rich Creek Comprehensive Plan
  • New River Valley Regional Jail Authority
• Transportation News
• Tyler Avenue/Rt. 177 Corridor Study
• Incubator Network News
  • New River Valley Competitiveness Center
  • Giles Business Incubator
• NRVPDC Commission Meeting Summaries
  • October 27, 1999
• 12th Annual Dinner Meeting
• NRV Economic Indicators
  • Labor Force
  • Taxable Sales
• Y2K Helpful Hints
• Calendars
  • December 1999
  • January 2000
• TIIAP Forum
• Vision 2020 Newsletter
  

Census 2000, the largest peace-time mobilization in U.S. history, has begun! Approximately 860,000 workers will be needed across the nation to reach an anticipated 275 million people and you are needed in order to make this census a success. Many people felt that the 1990 Census was a serious undercount and were not satisfied with the results, particularly the inner cities and rural areas. As a result, Congress mandated that every person in the United States be counted, not just the U.S. citizens. The Federal Government has distributed more than adequate funding for Census 2000 in order to acquire a multi-use set of data and a complete count.

Billions of dollars of federal, state, and local funds will be spent on thousands of projects across the nation, and how and where the money is spent depends on the census numbers. Decisions about education, health care, job training and business are based on information about children, the elderly, the unemployed or underemployed. Also, the development of public transportation systems and traffic control are based on where people work and live. Government officials are not the only ones who will be using Census 2000 data come 2001. People use census data to advocate for causes, research markets, target advertising, locate pools of skilled workers, prevent diseases, even rescue disaster victims. Senior citizen groups often draw on statistics to support their desire for community centers. In addition, census numbers help businesses reduce their financial risk and broaden their markets. Furthermore, nonprofit organizations often use census data to estimate the number of potential volunteers in communities across the nation.

The two key ingredients to a successful census are identifying all quarters where people live, and getting a response to the census questionnaire from every person living in those quarters. This helps ensure the completeness and accuracy of the address list used to mail out millions of questionnaires. You need to do only one thing: promptly complete and return the questionnaire in the self-addressed stamped enveloped that will be mailed to you. This is the most important step of Census 2000. Accurate and complete data is a necessity. April 1, 2000 has been declared "Census Day" as that is the official start of Census 2000. However, these questionnaires will be mailed prior to that date. Once questionnaires are returned they will be compared with the mailing list and then enumerators (people counters) will begin knocking on your door if you have not returned your form. So, please be responsible and return this valuable information in a timely manner. By law, all information given to a census worker or written on paper is confidential and cannot be revealed to anyone who is not covered by the same confidentiality statute. Violations of the law can and will result in fines and imprisonment.

The U.S. Census Bureau is currently hiring temporary full and part-time local workers who will be the ultimate key to the success of Census 2000. There are 520 local Census Bureaus located across the nation for Census 2000. December and January are key recruiting months for the Bureau and test sites have been established in every town, county, and city, to make it convenient. There is a local census office located in the New River Valley in the City of Radford, adjacent to Kollmorgen on Rock Road. This office covers the Virginia localities of Giles, Montgomery, Floyd, and Patrick Counties and areas to the west. They are presently recruiting enumerators, crew leaders (supervisors), and a limited number of clerk positions. Enumerators will receive $9.00 per hour plus mileage at 31 cents a mile and other related expenses; crew leaders are paid $10.50 per hour; and clerks who work in the office on records, data entry, etc. receive $6.75 per hour. It is expected that these workers will be needed for 4 to 12 weeks. An entrance test, FBI background check, and a one day paid training program are required.

For further information on employment opportunities, please contact Linda Burton at (540) 633-6830 and for additional information on organizational issues, please contact Tom Gentry at the same number. Main Menu

NRVPDC Updates

Pulaski County Comprehensive Plan

PDC staff have continued to work with the Pulaski County Planning Commission and staff to update the Comprehensive Plan. Draft mapping has been developed in recent months. PDC staff will be coordinating with the County to develop presentations and finalize a schedule for six public meetings to be held in various locations around the County. For further information, contact Dave Rundgren, (540)639-9313, ext. 212. Main Menu

Rich Creek Comprehensive Plan

The Rich Creek Planning Commission presented the Comprehensive Plan to the Town Council and a public hearing was held on November 8^th. A few issues were discussed and the Town Council is expected to take action on the Comprehensive Plan at the December meeting. For further information, contact Patrick Burton, (540)639-9313, ext. 205. Main Menu

New River Valley Regional Jail Authority

The New River Valley Regional Jail is still working on a few "bugs" in the facility but is for the most part complete. Once the Jail is certified as complete, the State will reimburse the localities its share of the construction costs. The Authority borrowed the money for the project, and will pay it back using money from localities for housing their prisoners. Occupancy is at 82 percent and staffing is at 99 percent. Video arraignment has been established for all the Authority localities through telecommunications links except for Giles County and the City of Galax which will be completed in the near future. The NRVPDC has relinquished its staff support in the form of secretarial duties for the Authority but continues its administrative support which should be transferred in the near future. For further information, contact Tammy Sarver, (540)643-2000. Main Menu

TRANSPORTATION NEWS

Grant Deadlines

Through December 15, 1999, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is accepting funding applications for the State's Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program. Projects will be funded through the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund and Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act. Application information is available on DCR's website at www.state.va.us/~dcr/ by clicking on "Soil and Water Conservation Programs."

Applications for Transportation Enhancement Program funding must be received by the Virginia Department of Transportation's Programming and Scheduling Division no later than January 31, 2000. The Transportation Enhancement Program has a revised application packet this year.

Also due on January 31, 2000, are funding applications for the Virginia Recreational Trails Fund Program. This program is administered by DCR. The application package is available on DCR's website, referenced above, by clicking on "Recreation Planning."

For further information or copies of application packages for these programs, please call Patrick Burton at (540) 639-9313 ext. 205.  Main Menu

Tyler Avenue/Rt. 177 Corridor Study

The PDC is facilitating an update of the Tyler Avenue/Rt. 177 Corridor Study which was completed in 1992. The effort is being led by a Steering Committee consisting of Montgomery County and Radford Planning Commission members, landowners and representatives of businesses/organizations in the corridor, and local government staff. The Steering Committee has heard presentations and gathered information concerning services and utilities/ infrastructure in the corridor. The Committee continues to meet on a monthly basis. Public meetings will be held to gather citizen input as part of the study update. For further information, contact Patrick Burton, (540) 639-9313, ext. 205. Main Menu

INCUBATOR NETWORK NEWS

New River Valley Competitiveness Center

The Competitiveness Center welcomes its newest tenant which signed up November 1. ACT MicroDevices, Inc. is a relatively new business founded in 1996 by four entrepreneurs in Fairlawn. ACT is a manufacturer of novel fiber optic components that are assembled, optically polished, packaged and shipped to customers around the globe. ACT is leasing both office and manufacturing space in the Center because of increased demand from their customers. They require highly skilled labor for their manufacturing process and need additional space to meet the increase in production.

The Competitiveness Center also took part in a Community Celebration on December 2, held at the Center. The event was a time to recognize achievements and showcase programs underway in the New River Valley. It was an opportunity for business and service communities to come together and celebrate individual and corporate contributions to our community. For further information on the Center, contact Wayne Carpenter (540) 633-6731. Main Menu

Giles Business Incubator

The Giles Business Incubator welcomes a new tenant to their program. Mindworks, owned by Dr. Robert Seiple, began operations in November. Dr. Seiple, a psychotherapist, concentrates his efforts on serving Giles County youth.

Another client has been approved for tenancy in the incubator program. Nana's Candles begins production in December. Anita Hines, GBI Director, has worked with owner, Wanda Russ for the past month developing a market analysis and financial projections based on her goals. Nana's Candles will concentrate on the wholesale and internet market.

C&M Designs, Inc., a program participant since May, is partnering with Nana's Candles for the Christmas season in a retail venture. They will be providing candles, pet coats, and accessories with a holiday theme. These lady entrepreneurs anticipate a December 1^st opening. Stop in and see their creative products in the retail portion of the incubator on Main Street in Narrows.

For further information on the Entrepreneurial Program at Giles Business Incubator, contact Anita Hines, (540) 726-3888 or [email protected].  Main Menu

NRVPDC Commission Meeting Summaries

October 27, 1999

• New Commission Member - Chairman Starnes welcomed a new member, Brad Stipes, representing the Town of Christiansburg.
• Final Acceptance of One Elected Member from any Town under 3,500 Population, Two Members from Virginia Tech, and One Member from Radford University - It was the consensus of the board to authorize the Director to proceed with necessary changes that need to be made at the State level as well as Commission By-laws to add new members. July 1, 2000, is the official date for new members to become voting members; however they are invited to attend meetings prior to that date.
• Setting of Combined November/December Meeting - The Commission meetings scheduled for November 25^th and December 23^rd have been combined and rescheduled for Thursday, December 16^th. The staff will host a Christmas Party for the members at that time.

12^th Annual Dinner Meeting

The Local Planning Commissions of the New River Valley held their 12^th Annual Dinner Meeting on Wednesday, October 27, 1999, at the Friends & Family Restaurant in Pearisburg, VA. It was cosponsored by the New River Valley Planning District Commission and the Giles County Planning Commission. John Lemley, retired Christiansburg Town Manager and past Chairman of the NRVPDC was the guest speaker for the 103 people who attended the meeting. Montgomery County has offered to cohost the 13^th Annual Dinner Meeting next year.  Main Menu

NRV ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Labor Force

The NRV's 1^st quarter wage data for 1998 and 1999 show an increase in average employment of 1,870 (3.0%) persons. The weekly wage increased ($15 or 3.3%) as did the number of establishments (31 or .9% ).

Taxable Sales

The dollar amount of taxable sales increased in all NRV jurisdictions except Radford City between the 1^st and 2^nd quarters of 1999. Montgomery County experienced the largest increase of $25,583,843 with Floyd County showing the smallest increase of $3,396,413. Radford City experienced the only decline ($1,239,081). Between the 1^st and 2^nd quarters of 1998, all NRV jurisdictions showed increases except Giles County showed a decrease ($69,320).

Y2K Helpful Hints

Okay, so you don't have a system manager or all the money you need to upgrade all of your computers to new Y2K compliant systems, and you are pretty sure your computer can't even spell Y2K. Here is a fairly simple "trick" which should keep your computer and all of its programs functioning on and after January 1, 2000.

Sometime before December 31, 1999, right when you start up your computer press the F1, or "Delete" key, or whatever your computer screen tells you, to get the computer to go into the setup mode. On the basic CMOS setup screen, change the date to 1971. This is a year when the day (like Monday) and the date (like December 8) are the same as they are this year and it is also a year right before a leap year, so the day and date will be the same. Only the year will be different and if you have trouble remembering that it is not 1971 or 1972, then it probably doesn't matter if you have access to your computer either. Your computer will think that it is 1971, but except for a couple of "automatic" dating functions (like e-mail) you should not notice any significant disruption in your programs. If you run date sensitive spread sheet programs you will need to set them to adjust themselves for about 29 years later than the computer says it is, but that is probably better than losing the use of your computer.

The President's Council has created a website on Y2K conversion, it is www.y2k.gov. They have a new pamphlet entitiled "Y2K and You" that offers background information on the Y2K issue and provides suggestions on how you and your family can prepare for the century change. There is also free Y2K information available by calling the Y2K Consumer Line at 1-888-USA-4Y2K. For further information, contact Pat Therrien at (540) 639-9313, ext. 204. Main Menu

Calendars

December 1999

December 6 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM

December 7 - RPO TAC-Compet Center - 1:30PM

December 7- Blacksburg PC Meeting - 7:30PM

December 8 - LEPC-Mont./Bburg-ARC-C/burg 3:30PM

December 10 - 11:00AM - New River Valley Regional Jail Authority - Dublin

December 13- Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM

December 14 - Giles PC Meeting - 7:00PM and Pulaski PC Meeting - 7:00PM

December 15 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM

December 16 - NRVPDC Commission Meeting - 7:30PM

December 20 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM

*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM Main Menu

Januray 2000

January 3 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM

January 4 - Blacksburg Town PC Meeting - 7:30PM

January 10 - Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM

January 11 - Giles PC Meeting - 7:00PM and Pulaski PC Meeting - 7:00PM

January 14 - New River Valley Regional Jail Auhtority-Dublin - 11:00AM

January 17 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM

January 19 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM

January 27 - NRVPDC Commission Meeting - 7:30PM

*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM  Main Menu

TIIAP Forum

The buzz word in most federal and private funding programs today is COLLABORATION. In our rural community, working together is standard, but true collaboration takes time and effort. Seeking funding and making the cut to receive it is difficult. We hope local organizations can "get the horse in front of the cart" for an upcoming Federal funding program, Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program, TIIAP, at a participative dinner forum. You will also hear how five diverse nonprofits have already successfully collaborated for another technology-based grant through the Kellogg Foundation. There will be the opportunity to start collaborating with organizations that share your program passions. Please join us Tuesday, December 14th from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the New River Valley Competitiveness Center in Fairlawn. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and will adjourn promptly at 8:30 p.m. RSVP your attendance to Jan Reynolds at 540-639-9313 by December 8, 1999. We look forward to seeing you on December 14th! For further information, contact Lesley Howard, (540) 639-9313, ext. 210. Main Menu

Community Foundation Awards Grants and Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

The Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV) announced the recipients of its second round of grant awards for 1999 at their Fifth Anniversary Celebration. at the New River Valley Competitiveness Center. The recipients include the Christiansburg Institute, Literacy Volunteers of America of the New River Valley, New River Community Action, the Moms, Pops & Tots project of the Pulaski County libraries, the "Raising Health Boys" project of the Virginia Tech Office of Family Support, Zeta Beta of Alpha Phi Omega, and New River Family Shelter.

The CFNRV also recognized three Founding Donors, all of whom still serve on the Board: Ruth and Miles C. Horton, Margot Sebba, and Joel S. Williams.

The American Heritage River Initiative continues to move forward with citizen support. If you have a project already in the work plan, or one you would like to add to the work plan, please contact Patrick Woodie, Executive Director of New River Community Partners at [email protected], or 336-372-8118, or Ben Borda, the River Navigator at [email protected], or 304-529-5712.

New River Community Action Offers Cars for Work and Car Repair Program

New River Community Action (NRCA) is offering the Cars to Work Program and the Car Repair Program as one way to help low income families stay on the road to self-sufficiency.

The Cars for Work Program, which includes donated vehicles and vehicles purchased from independent dealers, is designed to help working low-income people own their own cars and to teach them how to maintain them. NRCA loans

Funds at no interest for purchase of cars in good condition at costs below the retail market value. The Cars for Work Program teaches good consumerism by requiring at no cost budget classes and basic car maintenance for all participants.

The Car Repair Program is designed to help participants pay for repair to their vehicles and to teach them how to maintain them. NRCA loans funds for repairs of these vehicles at no interest.

For more information or to submit an application please contact the NRCA local office: Floyd, 540-745-2102; Giles, 540-921-2146; Montgomery / Radford, 540-382-6186; and Pulaski, 540-980-5525.

YMCA at Virginia Tech Is Chosen as "Point of Light"

The YMCA at Virginia Tech was selected as the Daily Point of Light for Monday, November 8, 1999. This award, given by The Points of Light Foundation, the Knights of Columbus, and the Corporation for National Service, is designed to honor individuals and organization who have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs int heir communities and in the nation, especially focused on the goals for children and youth set by the President's Summit for America's Future.

The YMCA at Virginia Tech has been serving the community as a nonprofit organization for 126 years. In 1986, the YMCA began Student Programs as a response to the nascent student volunteer movement. Since then, they have been uniquely successful in transforming the energy and enthusiasms of college students into committed and thoughtful community service. They have grown to provide more than 8,000 hours of community service to the New River Valley. This year, they offer 15 programs, all coordinated by student leaders, that will directly serve the region.

The model for the program consists of recruiting student leaders from the Virginia Tech University community and preparing them to coordinate and manage a corps of volunteers to serve in each program area.

These programs fall into several general categories. They support the public schools through tutoring; staffing school nurses offices in two elementary schools; after-school programs for children at three low-income housing complexes; mentoring in two 4-H sites, and sponsoring a Buddy program for developmentally challenged students throughout the area. Additionally, they send their volunteers to six regional Head Start sites.

The project's commitment to the broader community is felt through Project Home Repair, a community garden, and the "Community Pets" program, which sends volunteers and their pets into local nursing homes. The Alternative Spring Breaks divert students from the typical bacchanalia of spring into a positive week of work and sharing at four sites: Appalachia, inner-city Washington, DC, a Native American reservation, and an international site.

Congratulations YMCA of Virginia Tech!

Community Happenings

The Voluntary Action Center (VAC) announces that while it bids Sharon Sowers a fond farewell, it warmly welcomes Cheryl Cooley-Newman as its Executive Director. "Sharon has brought tremendous stability to VAC and we believe Cheryl will continue to provide us with that base," said Andy Morikawa, co-Chair of the VAC Board of Directors. If you'd like to talk with Cheryl, contact her at the VAC offices, 540-552-4909.

The VAC's Wine and Food Festival, held November 6^th, was a great success, thanks to former Board members who covered expenses, hotels who donated rooms for the vintners to stay at, and the local merchants who contributed goodies.

Imagine Theatre has added private acting classes to its repertoire of regular drama classes and workshops offered to both adolescents and adults in the community. If you would like additional information, please contact Halli Bourne at 540-961-0493 or PO Box 446, Blacksburg, VA 24063-0446. Main Menu

If you have any questions or comments regarding this newsletter, please contact Jan Reynolds, Newsletter Editor, (540)639-9313 or [email protected]

Last Edited: 12/16/99