THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 28, 1996 TAG: 9609280219
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MIKE KNEPLER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 77 lines
The Hampton Roads economy should be generating $3 billion a year more in private-sector earnings, says an economic and community planning consultant who will be speaking here next week.
And, the League of Women Voters of South Hampton Roads thinks more citizens need to know about this deficit and other challenges facing the region.
That's why the league, with help from several other civic groups and corporations, will hold a ``State of the Community'' program Thursday. The theme: ``Hampton Roads: Are You Ready for the 21st Century?''
Henry Luke, from Jacksonville, Fla., will be the keynote speaker.
He says he'll not only talk hard numbers but issue a warning to Hampton Roads: ``You're losing ground to the rest of the United States.''
To catch up, Luke says, the 15 local jurisdictions that make up Hampton Roads need to cooperate more.
``You've tended to work as 15 separate communities,'' he said in a telephone interview. ``The question is: Are you going to continue to compete within the 15 communities or compete with the rest of the world?''
Luke, who already has done consultant work in Hampton Roads, said he believes area governmental leaders have begun to put aside their political- and ego-driven differences for the good of region.
For example, he cited the creation of the Hampton Roads Partnership, which includes representatives from local governments, businesses, the military, educational institutions and neighborhoods.
Another factor that may prod more regional cooperation, he said, is the cut in federal and state funding which will push more problem-solving responsibilities to local levels.
``I think this will intensify as we go along,'' Luke said.
The dinner will inaugurate the league's foray into the regionalism debate. The organization has made a three-year commitment to assess regional cooperation and encourage more public involvement.
``This has been one area where citizens haven't been involved or involved only minimally,'' said Elizabeth Thornton, a Chesapeake City Council member and chairwoman for Thursday's program. ``But citizens need to see the options facing the region and see if more (regional cooperation) is something they really want for the area.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
TALKING REGIONALLY
Over the next few months, several groups will host public
programs to explore regional problems and solutions. They include:
``State of the Community'' dinner with the League of Women Voters
of South Hampton Roads on the theme ``Hampton Roads: Are You Ready
for the 21st Century?''
Speakers will include Henry Luke, an economic and community
planning consultant from Jacksonville, Fla.; Mark R. Kilduff, deputy
director of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership; Admiral
William J. Flanagan Jr., commander-in-chief of the U.S. Atlantic
Fleet, and Hampton Mayor James Eason, co-chairman of the Hampton
Roads Partnership.
The dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the Norfolk Airport
Hilton. Reservations should be made by Monday night. There's a $25
fee, but a limited number of free tickets. Leave message at
627-3396.
Military Privatization and Regional Transportation Issues, public
forum with the Hampton Roads Coalition of Civic Organizations and
Baby Steps, a women's advocacy group.
The forum will be 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Norfolk Community
Hospital. Call Baby Steps, 628-1538.
Healthy Community Summit '96, as part of the Plan 2007 regional
strategy for economic development and improved quality of life.
The forum will feature Gruffie Clough, a senior associate with
the National Civic League. She will speak on ``The Art of
Implementation.''
The all-day session will be Nov. 21 at Norfolk State University.
Call 627-2315.
KEYWORDS: REGIONALISM by CNB