Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, May 17, 1994                   TAG: 9405170144
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAVID M. POOLE
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

ECONOMIC COUNCIL SLATED

Gov. George Allen announced Monday the formation of 18 regional economic development councils, including one that covers the Roanoke and New River valleys.

Allen said the Roanoke-New River group will complement - not compete with - existing organizations such as the New Century Council.

"We do not want in any way to usurp what they are doing,'' he said at a news conference.

Allen said that his regional economic council will give local officials a direct "conduit'' to his office when working on attracting new industry, such as the recently announced expansion at Volvo-GM in Pulaski County.

The Roanoke-New River council will consist of 20-25 business leaders, economic development professionals and educators. It will be chaired by Steve Agee, a former state delegate from Salem.

Agee and chairpersons of the other 17 councils will help Allen come up with a statewide strategic plan for economic development.