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

DATE: TUESDAY, November 15, 1994                   TAG: 9411150093
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: C-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAN CASEY
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FUTURE ROANOKE TO BE UNRIVALED

Looking toward the 21st century, Roanoke City Council envisions the city having a major airport, a four-year university, and cultural and recreational opportunities that rival any other place in the country. The elements form the city's new Economic Development Mission Statement adopted unanimously by the council Monday.

"Economic development is a tripod," said Vice Mayor John Edwards, who introduced the resolution. "The primary leg is education. ... Next is transportation infrastructure. ... The third is quality-of-life resources."

The resolution notes that Roanoke already is a regional center in the fields of medicine, finance, retail sales and tourism. The city also has strong neighborhoods, a professional sports franchise and many professional resources.

Specifically the city should:

Promote the development of a four-year university or at least a higher-education center. Closer ties to Virginia Tech should be fostered to attract high-growth industries.

Encourage improvements in local interstate highways and air service.

Strengthen recreational and cultural activities and tourism.

Work with other localities in the region to market Roanoke as a destination for industrial relocation and business expansion.

by CNB