Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, December 18, 1994 TAG: 9412200014
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: G-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JEAN E. CLARY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In April 1993, we released a benchmark document, the Virginia Competitiveness Study, that helped put the issue of Virginia's ability to attract and retain businesses on the front burner of public debate.
In December 1993, we released what came our ``Economic Vision for Virginia,'' intended to serve as a springboard for the creation of a strategic plan for Virginia. Gov. George Allen has used it as the model for such a plan, forged with both public- and private-sector participation, announced Dec. 7 under the banner of ``Opportunity Virginia.''
One of the components of our "Economic Vision" was this: ``Devise an urban strategy to begin the process of restoring economic vitality and a prosperous future to Virginia's core cities, both large and small.''
This is why the Virginia chamber was receptive when city leaders approached us about the need for action. That is how the Urban Partnership was born - an unprecedented alliance of the mayors, city managers and business leaders of 15 urban localities with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
But the Urban Partnership is not about just these 15 cities. Everyone is welcome at the table. It's not about pitting city vs. county or the urban crescent against the coalfields. This is about the very future of our state in the marketplace. Everyone has a stake in thi\ s, and that is why we will try to find win-win solutions.
The basic premise of the Urban Partnership is simple: ``Virginia needs healthy cities for a healthy economy.'' Healthy cities are centers of commerce and culture. They attract new business, and nurture existing businesses to grow and provide good jobs and a good quality of life for area residents.
Vibrant cities uplift the economic vitality of their regions and thereby the whole state. We believe Virginia's cities can and should compete with the best in the region, the nation and the world.
Frankly, all of us in the business community are tired of seeing magazine covers like Money magazine's showing Raleigh-Durham No. 1. I'm tired of North Carolina eating our lunch. We know that Virginia can aspire to a magazine cover showing Virginia as No. 1 in 1996.
With a wide-open discussion about the challenges facing our cities, and how they affect Virginia's competitiveness for business, we can begin to build, brick by brick, a foundation for a brighter future for our cities and our entire commonwealth.
Jean E. Clary, a Realtor with offices in Emporia and South Hill, co-chairs the Urban Partnership and is chairman of the board of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
by CNB