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

DATE: MONDAY, August 21, 1995                   TAG: 9508210083
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: TODD HALWAS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

TECH ISN'T ROANOKE'S WATER BOY

I AM writing in response to your Aug. 17 editorial, ``To thrive, Tech must reach out,'' for the Greater Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce. I believe your understanding of the motivation for the chamber's position is mistaken, as well as your logic, on a number of points.

First, we recognize Virginia Tech's duty and commitment to the entire commonwealth. As Tech will point out, most of its continuing-education programs occur outside of Blacksburg and Roanoke already. We have no problem with this.

We do not, however, understand why incentives must be created to benefit one specific location over any other in the state, not to mention Blacksburg. If Tech's mission is in fact to the entire commonwealth, why subsidize one location over any other?

Second, you imply that a more urban location may be more attractive to prospective conventioneers, etc. We would submit to you that any prospective attendant from any large urban university wouldn't differentiate between Blacksburg or Roanoke on a map. To them, both would be, as one Tech official put it, ``off the beaten path.''

The overall success of any seminar, convention, etc., sponsored by Tech will be based much more on its content than its location. We would also submit that the quality of dining, lodging and entertainment in the New River Valley is on par with any offered in Roanoke.

You accuse the business leadership of shortsightedness in our position. Further, you imply that we would create a ``Fortress Blacksburg'' at the university's expense. Both assertions are ridiculous.

The Greater Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce works for the enhancement of business throughout the New River Valley, as stated in our mission statement. We have passed resolutions in the recent past supporting initiatives that directly help Tech (a chamber member) and Roanoke, such as support for the ``smart road,'' and in opposition to further cuts to Tech's extension programs.

Your logic, that growth in Roanoke benefits the New River Valley but that the opposite is apparently untrue, is spurious and self-serving. Benefits of growth must be a two-way street.

We make no apologies for being proud of our community or in leading a fine organization properly representing its membership. We continue to hope and work for the success of the New River Valley, and we believe Roanoke will succeed with us.

Todd Halwas is president of the Greater Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce in Blacksburg.

by CNB