Speaking of economic development ....
After blogging about possible Cburg Development Starters, other related news articles just seemed to jump out.
Congressman Rick Boucher wrote in the News Messenger Feb. 18 about a number of economic development resources, noting small businesses are "the core of our national economy" providing 2/3 of new jobs created nationally. Entrepreneurs were pointed to the Ninth District Development Fund c/o People Incorporated @ 276-623-9000; getting information from the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) through their free one-stop workshops entitled Entrepreneur Express: Moving Your Business Forward (one will be held in Radford, maybe Feb. 26 -- but check, we've see conflicting dates). A similar workshop was held in Roanoke and had strong interest, as reported in a Roanoke Times article.
Long time community supporter Shirley Hallock pointed out where both Radford and Floyd County were holding "Community Conversation" gatherings relative to the NRV PDC facilitating dialog about the regions' economic situation and getting input in the Vision 2020 plan, asking when and where Christiansburg would be doing the same. Blacksburg is hosting similar community sessions, relative to how Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding will be leveraged in that community.
This focus on economic development is also seen in job opportunities -- a director of community partnership for revitalization is being sought for Main Street Rocky Mount, and the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center is seeking a marketing and program coordinator. After a preparatory year of investment, tourism is trending upwards in Radford and Main Street Radford efforts quickly refill vacated storefronts.
Nationally, beyond anything provided by the Federal Stimulus, there are many resources for entrepreneurs, including a $1 million effort by the Kauffman Foundation for training programs in communities that have been hit hard by layoffs and the recession using the FastTrac business development tool.
Dr. Andrew M. Cohill is the President and CEO of Design Nine, located in the Corporate Research Center and was the director of the world renowned Blacksburg Electronic Village. That pioneering effort made Montgomery County school systems one of the first in the nation linked to the internet. One of his recent blogs points to the integral role traditional, connected Main Streets have in economic development.
All this is especially relevant now, as college recruiting is being impacted and special focus job fairs bring out as many locals, rather than simply serving as a magnet to attract and retain talent within our region.
Christiansburg residents -- (business owners and voters, too) -- need to review all these resources. The Town of Christiansburg is another automatic recipient of CDBG funds, but do you know how they are used? Look to see whether our Town Council and administration is in the mix, providing leadership and vision while linking their constituents with these resources or similar town-sponsored initiatives.