Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 3, 1993 TAG: 9310060064
SECTION: INDUSTRY RECOGNITION PAGE: IR-11 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BY JOANNE ANDERSON
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Commission's mission is to initiate and coordinate economic development efforts that will achieve and maintain a superior quality of life for Montgomery County area citizens. The 13-year-old entity serves as an advisory council on economic development issues to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors.
Thirteen directors contribute to defining and pursuing the Commission's goals and objectives: one elected official from the Board of Supervisors and Blacksburg and Christiansburg Town Councils; one non-elected representative from Montgomery County, Blacksburg and Christiansburg; two delegates from each chamber of commerce; one representative from Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College. The broad representation reflects the diversity in the community.
The Commission has defined five committees which are intrinsically interwoven in the pursuit of a balanced economic development policy.
INDUSTRY RETENTION is a crucial link in maintaining the economic backbone in the county. Providing a hospitable business environment through open lines of communication and mutual assistance between industry and government is one significant objective of the Commission.
Industry Recognition Week is part of this committee's commitment to and appreciation for existing industries in Montgomery County.
An Industry Visitation Program is conducted on a year round basis, and information gleaned from visits to manufacturers is reviewed and followed up on as appropriate.
To improve corporate profitability of local industries, the Commission provides information on financing options to support expansion programs, helps businesses explore new ways to expand their markets and assists with training and incentive programs.
RESEARCH activities generate data which can be evaluated for their impact, relevance and desirability on present policy and future developments.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT includes creating and maintaining an inventory of tangible resources the county has to offer in terms of industrial sites, buildings, infrastructure and transportation access, among others.
INDUSTRY ATTRACTION is the method for marketing Montgomery County to potential businesses compatible with the objectives for and resources in the region.
RECERTIFICATION is a continual process which assures local and prospective industries that Montgomery County meets state defined criteria for a Certified Business Location, which translates to a community that is adequately prepared for economic development.
The Montgomery Regional Economic Development Commission meets monthly on the fourth Thursday, except for November and December, when it meets on the third Thursday and second Thursday, respectively. All meetings are open to the public. The location may change from month to month, so call 382-5732 for the meeting site.
The 1993 directors and the bodies they represent are:
T. W. Bonham, non-elected. from Town of Blacksburg
Truman K. Daniel Jr., elected official from Town of Christiansburg
Henry F. Jablonski, elected official from Montgomery County
Thomas G. Johnson, Christiansburg-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
D. Dwayne Kittle, Greater Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce
Jack M. Lewis, New River Community College
Joyce K. Lewis, elected official from Town of Blacksburg
Lucuis M. Merritt, Jr., Greater Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce
D. Ray Robertson, non-elected Montgomery County
David O. Shanks, non-elected Town of Christiansburg
Raymond D. Smoot Jr., Virginia Tech
Clayton G. Tinnell Jr., Christiansburg-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Abdul M. Turay, Radford University
by CNB