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The Competitiveness Center has been more successful than expected or better stated, successful
m
uch sooner than
expected. With the momentum of the success, the Corporation filed a pre-application with the U. S. Economic
Development Administration (EDA) in February,
2000, for a
Grant of $2.0 million to add 20,000 square feet of
incubator
space to the Competitiveness Center. In April, an
invitation
was issued by EDA to apply for a grant that would
be awarded
by the end of September. The application was
filed May 24,
2000, and EDA granted approval on September
28. On
October 2, 2000, the first business day of our 2001
fiscal year,
Congressman Boucher publically announced the
grant from
the lobby of the Center.
Phase 2 of the Competitiveness Center is planned to have two additional manufacturing bays, three office suites of
four offices each, and as many as nine other office spaces. In addition to the building expansion, the Corporation
will be granted an additional eleven acres of land surrounding the Center in exchange for infrastructure
improvements to the industrial park. Th
is
additional acreage allows for the development of a concept plan for
future incubator expansion, and a small business park that would be designed as a place for incubator graduates to
occupy after they graduate from the Center.
The New River Valley Development Corporation has demonstrated its impact on the economy of the New River Valley. Its leadership maintains a steady hand on the direction of the Corporation and a clear vision for its future. The coming year holds excitement as the Competitiveness Center's expansion becomes reality and the Corporation continues to focus on its mission of more jobs and more diversity in the economy. For further information on the New River Valley Competitiveness Center, please contact Wayne Carpenter at (540) 633-6730 or [email protected]. Main Menu
Pulaski County Comprehensive Plan
Following a public hearing at their November 7, 2000, meeting, the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors adopted the Comprehensive Plan which was prepared by the County Planning Commission with staff assistance from the Planning District Commission. During the update process, the County also undertook the preparation of a sophisticated land information system which combined land book information, aeriel photography, and various mapped information. For further information, contact Dave Rundgren, (540)639-9313, ext. 212. Main Menu
Floyd County Comprehensive Plan and Subdivision Ordinance
The Floyd-Floyd County Planning Commission has recommended a new Subdivision Ordinance for consideration by the Board of Supervisors. At a recent public hearing, citizen reviews were mixed but the biggest concern being the 2 acre minimum lot size where there is no public water or sewer. The Board is currently reviewing the document with assistance from County staff and the County attorney. At the November meeting, the Planning Commission resumed its work on the Comprehensive Plan update. PDC staff presented background and current land use information. Notable trends in the County include continued population growth, the "stripping" of roadsides, the predominance of manufactured homes among new houses, and the loss of employment within the County. At the next meeting on December 5, PDC staff will facilitate a discussion concerning Future Land Use, Goals and Objectives, and specific actions needed to implement the new plan.
The Governor recently announced a $240,000 Community Economic Improvement Grant for infrastructure development at the new Floyd Regional Commerce Center. They are still awaiting final word on a related grant from the Economic Development Administration.
For further information, contact Dave Rundgren, (540)639-9313, ext. 212. Main MenuWelfare Reform II: The Partners for Self-Sufficiency
he Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) solicited a request for proposals from local welfare agencies that targeted employment strategies for the hard-to-serve population, which is defined as individuals having more than two serious barriers to employment. The five New River Valley Department of Social Services, known collectively as the Partners for Self-Sufficiency (PSS), submitted a joint grant application to the Commonwealth requesting funding for several innovative programs. Grant components included creating a database to help systematically evaluate clients' barriers to employment, implementing a regional job-readiness/job retention circuit operated by the New River Community College, conducting more extensive assessments on clients through contracting with private service providers, and creating a Self-Sufficiency Regional Resource Developer position to help the region continue to locate and apply for outside funding opportunities. VDSS will make funding decisions by January 1, 2001.For further information, contact Raquel Becerra, (540)639-9313, ext. 209. Main Menu
Jacksonville Center
The Jacksonville Center, a non-profit rural, cultural center in Floyd County, continues to expand its programming. It is anticipating that "incubator remodeling" will begin during 2001 with the $250,000 grant from the Virginia Business Assistance Center. The Center is still waiting to hear about a related grant from Rural Development. PDC staff has also submitted an application for Appalachian Regional Commission funding to help finish the incubator. The Jacksonville Center is also looking for assistance in building a state-of-the-art amphitheater for the production of "The Man Who Moved a Mountain," the story of a local preacher's dramatic impact on Floyd County and surrounding communities during the 1920's and 1930's. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540)639-9313, ext. 206.Main Menu
Glen Lyn Comprehensive Plan
The Glen Lyn Planning Commission is currently reviewing its new Comprehensive Plan draft. At its next meeting, the Commission will discuss the Future Land Use Guide. A public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan draft will then be scheduled. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540)639-9313, ext. 206.Main Menu
Transitional Housing
Construction continues on this apartment project. In addition to providing safe shelter, Women's Resource Center staff
will be on-site providing supportive services including case management, counseling, and educational services to
families throughout their stay at the facility. Project architect, Architectural Alternatives of Blacksburg, VA, designed
the building which consists of a three-story cluster of eight apartment units plus a common community area, playroom,
laundry, and office space for Women's Resource Center staff. Independence Construction of West Virginia, LLC is
the project's primary contractor. Construction started in July and after delays to the unusually wet summer, is well
underway. The outside framing of the first two floors and the ground floor brickwork is complete and the internal
framework is underway. Construction is expected to be complete by May, 2001. For further information, contact Janet McNew,
(540)639-9313, ext. 202.Main Menu
Workforce Investment Board
The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Board currently has in place five (5) comprehensive One-Stop Centers located in Radford, Wytheville, Galax, Marion, and Bristol to provide a wide array of core services, intensive services, and training to better enable their customers to secure employment.
The Workforce Investment Board website is available and can be accessed at http://civic.bev.net/pdc/indexwib.html. This website will be utilized to post various program information such as the local strategic plan, requests for proposals, meeting notices and minutes, committee announcements, as well as chief local elected officials and youth council rosters and meeting information. Current activity of the Board involves the issuance of requests for proposals to solicit bidders for next year's program operations as well as the development of the local strategic plan for Program Year 2001. For further information, contact Ronnie Martin, (540) 633-6764, ext. 233. Main Menu
New River Valley Competitiveness Center
Tenant News
Space remains at a premium in the Center, however, with cooperation from an existing tenant we have made room for a new tenant to enter the Center by January 1, 2000. May Person d/b/a Brightside Press is a publisher and book manufacturer specializing in short run printing. May will occupy approximately 1,000 sq. ft. in one of our large bays sharing it with another business until other space becomes available.
Courtyard Completed
A special invitation is extended to come see the Center. If you have not been to the Center in the last month, you may be surprised by the positive changes that have occurred. A 3,000 sq. ft. courtyard has been added outside of the Conference Room and Training Room. Also, a flagpole has been installed at the building's front entrance.
Mentor Program
Thanks to everyone who responded to the request for persons interested in the Center's mentoring program. In early January, there we will be an organizational meeting to establish guidelines for mentors and tenants. Its still not to late to volunteer to be a mentor, please contact Wayne Carpenter at (540) 633-6730 or e-mail [email protected]. Main Menu
Giles Business Incubator
Terri Martin has been named the new Director of the Giles Business Incubator in Narrows, VA. Martin is a 1990 graduate of Virginia Tech who brings diverse experience to her new position. Martin was most recently the Director of Valley College of Technology's Princeton, WV campus. She has worked in retail management and also in the education field. Terri lives in Bluefield with her husband Matt and daughter Amber. When asked about her new position, Martin states that she is excited to be a part of the Incubator and will strive to bring new business to the area. Ms. Martin has established a seminar schedule for first quarter 2001 and is contacting entrepreneurs for location in the incubator. For more information on local and state incentives on being an incubator tenant, contact Ms. Martin at (540) 726-3888 or [email protected]. Main Menu
A meeting was not held in November because of the Thanksgiving Holiday, the next meeting is scheduled for December 14, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. Main Menu
The New River Valley Planning District Commission hosted a 3-day Facilitation Methods
training seminar in early
November. The seminar, specifically for collaborative action planning,
was attended by PDC staff, local government officials, and representatives
from non-profits in the region. All attendees were trained in facilitation
methods and also took part in role-playing facilitation sessions, both as
participant and facilitator. The seminar was designed and presented by
Eunice Shankland of Shankland & Associates and Becky Clay Christensen.
The training was funded in part by a grant from the Virginia Department
of
Housing and Community Development. Participants also expressed
interest in strategic planning training in the future. If you would be intrested
in
strategic planning training, please contact Lydeana Martin at (540) 639-9313, ext. 206 or e-mail
[email protected].
Main Menu
The NRV's 1st quarter wage data for 1999 and 2000 show an increase in average employment of 2,641 (4.1%) persons. The weekly wage increased ($20 or 4.2%) as did the number of establishments (48 or 1.4%).
| AVERAGE EMPLOYMENT | ||
| 1999 | 2000 | |
| Jurisdiction | 1st Qtr | 1st Qtr |
| Floyd County | 2,329 | 2,504 |
| Giles County | 5,550 | 5,309 |
| Montgomery County | 32,862 | 33,650 |
| Pulaski County | 15,920 | 17,258 |
| Radford City | 8,029 | 8,610 |
| NRVPDC | 64,690 | 67,331 |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
| AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGE | ||
| 1999 | 2000 | |
| Jurisdiction | 1st Qtr | 1st Qtr |
| Floyd County | 347 | 371 |
| Giles County | 555 | 530 |
| Montgomery County | 445 | 483 |
| Pulaski County | 493 | 499 |
| Radford City | 516 | 530 |
| NRVPDC | 472 | 492 |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
| NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS | ||
| 1999 | 2000 | |
| Jurisdiction | 1st Qtr | 1st Qtr |
| Floyd County | 274 | 277 |
| Giles County | 329 | 342 |
| Montgomery County | 1,748 | 1,775 |
| Pulaski County | 692 | 695 |
| Radford City | 388 | 390 |
| NRVPDC | 3,431 | 3,479 |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
Grant Deadlines
Applications for TEA-21 Transportation Enhancement Program funding must be received by the Virginia Department of Transportation's Programming and Scheduling Division no later than January 31, 2001.
Also due on January 31, 2001, are funding applications for the Virginia Recreational Trails Fund Program. This program is administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The application package is available on DCR's website, www.dcr.state.va.us, by clicking on "Recreation Planning." For assistance in developing an application, more information, or copies of application packages for these programs, please call Patrick Burton at (540)639-9313 ext. 205. Main Menu
At its final meetings on October 5th and 19th, the Corridor Study Steering Committee discussed and considered the draft Corridor Study Update document and citizen input received through the September 21st public meeting. The Steering Committee took action at its October 19th meeting to add items addressing bicycle routes/facilities and open space requirements to the Study Update document's "Recommendations" section. The Committee also recommended that planning staff from Montgomery County and the City of Radford, along with PDC staff, work to identify viable options for modifying open space requirements for commercial/business land uses in the corridor. The Committee adopted the Study Update document with these changes. Copies of the modified document have been provided to the Montgomery County and Radford Planning Commissions for review. For further information, contact Patrick Burton, (540)639-9313, ext. 205. Main Menu
Va. Tech Transportation Institute and VDOT Move Forward with Development of Travel Information System
An advanced traveler information system (ATIS) has been developed through a public-private partnership led by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI). Known as Travel Shenandoah, this system provides traffic, travel, and tourism information for Virginia's Shenandoah Valley focusing on the region's Interstate 81 corridor. Funding for system development was provided by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) through its Smart Travel program.
Using Travel Shenandoah as a model, VTTI and VDOT are working to develop similar systems for other portions of the I-81 corridor in Virginia including the segment which passes through the New River Valley. Travel Shenandoah went online in late April of 2000. Information is available from Travel Shenandoah 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Travel Shenandoah provides several types of information, such as: travel alert; road and traffic conditions; traveler services; events and tourist attractions; food and lodging; and route guidance. Information may be accessed by travelers through the following means: internet, cellular phone, pager, landline phone and fax, and cable television. You can check out the Travel Shenandoah web-site at www.travelshenandoah.com. For more information, contact Tammy Trimble (VTTI) at (540)231-1567 or Patrick Burton at (540)639-9313. ext. 205. Main Menu
December 4 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM
December 5 - Blacksburg PC Meeting - 7:30PM
December 11 - Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM
December 12 - Giles PC Meeting - 7:00PM and Pulaski PC Meeting - 7:00PM; Montgomery/Blacksburg LEPC-NRVCC-Fairlawn-3:00PM
December 13 - RPO TAC - NRVPDC - 1:30PM
December 14 - NRVPDC Commission Meeting - 7:30PM
December 18 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM
December 20 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM
*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM Main Menu
January 2001
January 1 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM
January 2 - Blacksburg Town PC Meeting - 7:30PM
January 8 - Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM January 9 - Giles PC Meeting - 7:00PM and Pulaski PC Meeting -
7:00PM January 15 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM January 17 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM January
25 - NRVPPC Meeting - Fairlawn - 7:30PM
*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM
The PDC recently welcomed to its staff two new employees, Kim Alger and Shawn Utt. Kim is the PDC's Office Manager, her responsibilities include secretarial/receptionist duties and accounts receivable. She was previously employed with Community National Bank as their Operations Administrative Assistant. During her four years with Community National, she worked in various areas of their operations department including the teller line, customer service, accounts payable, and training coordinator. Shawn has joined the PDC as a regional planner. He is a 1998 graduate from Radford University majoring in Psychology. He was previously employed by Rooftop of Virginia, CAP, located in Galax, VA. During his two years at Rooftop he worked with Community Development Block Grants as well as a multitude of other community oriented programs. The PDC looks forward to working with these individuals and wishes them the best! Main Menu
DIGITAL VILLAGES APPLICATION SUBMITTED
BY THE NEW RIVER VALLEY
The New River Valley submitted a Digital Villages application to Hewlett Packard on November 8, 2000. This application is a collaborative regional program that will target portions of every jurisdiction in the Valley. Hewlett Packard will make up to $7.5 million available to two applicants. Over 600 communities applied for this funding.
The New River Valley application involves every school district and all the governing bodies from the region. All three of our higher educational institutions are partners in this effort as well. Additionally, over 25 non-profit organizations participated in the development of this proposal.
This application has served as the impetus for the development of a regional technology implementation strategy. The people who participated in developing the HP proposal were in strong agreement that regardless of the success in this grant process, it is imperative that the New River Valley develop an integrated strategy for technology investment in the Region's communities. This application is the start of that strategy and should it be successful in the application to HP, there will be significant resources to invest in the full development and implementation of such a strategy. For further information, contact Holly Lesko at (540)552-3035 or [email protected]. Main Menu
Christiansburg Institute Receives Major Funding
On Monday, November 13, the Christiansburg Institute, Inc. received
notification of major funding in the amount of $300,000.
This funding was announced at a press conference held by Congressman Rick
Boucher at the historic site of the Christiansburg Institute campus.
The funds will support the renovation of the Edgar A. Long building, one
of the last remaining buildings of the Christiansburg Institute campus.
Congressman Boucher cited the Christiansburg Institute program of
renovation as resulting in "a valuable resource for our region".
He noted that this program will incorporate the history of CII,
1866-1966: and archives of the
history of CII and of African American education, a museum and historical park
to commemorate the excellence of the CII educational experience, a Community
Learning Center which will offer educational opportunities for all citizens, and
community building in order to engage citizens in exploring the histories of
their communities.
Remarks were made by Elaine Carter and Jacqueline Eaves, who thanked the
Congressman and celebrated the progress that brought us to this point.
Delegate Jim Shuler and Mayor Harold Linkous of Christiansburg also
spoke, offering their support at the state and local levels for the renovation.
Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley Focuses on Arts Education
This coming year the Fine Arts Center for the New
River Valley will embark on a bold new initiative aimed at increasing the
visibility and importance of arts education in the region's young people.
The Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards were established in 1923 by
Maurice Robinson, founder of Scholastic, Inc., the educational publishing
company. Supported by the
grassroots efforts of 81 regional organizations serving 35 states, The Awards
have grown into the largest and longest running recognition programs for young
people in the United States. In
1999, young artists and writers were granted over $1,000,000 in scholarships and
prizes through the program. Alumni
of The Awards include some of the country's leading artists and writers,
including Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Joyce Carol Oates, Sylvia Plath, Philip
Pearlstein and Richard Avedon.
The Fine Arts Center is proud to be the 81st
regional sponsoring organization. Currently
in the State of Virginia there are only three other regions which have sponsors
for The Scholastic Arts Awards. Those are Richmond, Fairfax, and Arlington.
Presently the Fine Arts Center includes schools in the counties of
Pulaski, Montgomery, Giles, Floyd, Wythe, Smyth, and the City of Radford.
The Center's goal is to sponsor the New Century
Region, which will add the cities of Salem, Roanoke, Covington, and Clifton
Forge and Roanoke, Franklin, Craig, Botetourt, Bland, and Alleghany counties.
In the beginning, the Center will only sponsor the arts awards, though it
hopes to add the writers program in the future.
The Regional program will conduct a local exhibition of student artwork and an awards ceremony to recognize our young artists and their teachers. Finalist's work will then be shipped to New York for national judging. Over 30,000 works reach the national level where they are judged by panels of prestigious members of the arts and education communities.
The national award winners are celebrated each year
with a series of high-profile national events.
The Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC hosts an exhibition of the
artwork. All national award
recipients are honored with a celebrity-studded awards ceremony.
The Fine Arts Center is currently searching for
principal funding sponsors to insure the on-going success of the program.
In other communities such sponsors include television stations, community
colleges, universities, newspapers, law firms, banks, architectural firms,
credit unions and even airports. Funding is needed to cover national dues,
awards and certificates, the local awards ceremony, shipping artwork to the
national judging, publicity, and administration of the program.
The Fine Arts Center has chosen to undertake this program for two reasons. First, we want to continue to be a leader in the area of arts education in our region. Secondly, we believe that the mission and vision of The Scholastic Arts Awards closely matches our own vision.
Boys and Girls Club of the NRV Gets OK for First Site
The Blacksburg Middle School gave the Boys & Girls Clubs of the New River Valley permission from the Montgomery County Public School System and Principal Gary McCoy at Blacksburg Middle School to start the area's first Boys & Girls Club.
Starting January 2001, this after-school program, 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM,
Monday through Friday will meet a crucial need in the community.
Daily activities will be varied, focusing on five core areas of learning:
* Character and Leadership Development
* Education and Career Development
* Health and Life Skills
* The Arts
* Sports, Fitness, and Recreation
Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys
and girls by instilling a:
* Sense of Competence
* Sense of Usefulness
* Sense of Belonging
* Sense of Power or Influence
Since 1860, this strategy has worked to help girls and boys achieve their full potential.
The initial goal is to service 100 middle school children. Sign-ups will begin late December. Please phone (540) 382-2344 for details. The annual Membership Fee is $5 per child. 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: 12/18/00
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