Job creation will be the topic Thursday when the Montgomery Regional Economic Development Commission meets.
The panel will convene at 11:45 a.m. in the Wikiteria Conference Room at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, 1715 Pratt Drive, Blacksburg.
The commission is one of three governmentally organized groups promoting economic development in Montgomery County:
- The county’s Economic Development Authority is a seven-member board “that carries out the Board of Supervisors’ vision for economic development in Montgomery County,” according to county economic development project manager Rachel Cline. The EDA can “acquire, own, lease, and dispose of properties to promote industry and develop trade by inducing manufacturing and industrial enterprises to locate” in the area, and it “has the authority to issue industrial revenue bonds to be used in financing the acquisition, construction or equipping of various types of facilities,” according to its description on the county’s website.
- The Montgomery-Blacksburg-Christiansburg Development Corporation works to “enhance and broaden the employment base in Montgomery County by providing small businesses with low interest loans not available from conventional sources,” according to its description on the county’s website.
- The Economic Development Commission, which meets Thursday, “serves as an advisory council for the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors on economic development matters,” according to its description. The commission “has no money attached,” Cline notes. The commission has 11 members representing the board of supervisors, the Blacksburg and Christiansburg town councils, the county chamber of commerce, Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College.
Thursday’s meeting is set to begin with comments from Ann Cassell, president of The Blacksburg Partnership. According to its website, the partnership’s mission is to be “a catalyst for economic development by convening and collaborating with strategic partners; advocating for regional initiatives and enhanced business climate; and promoting the area to businesses, visitors, residents, and students.”
The agenda also includes a report from county economic development director Brian Hamilton. However, Hamilton confirmed he will be out of town on business and unable to attend.
Also scheduled are reports from commission members; Onward New River Valley, a public-private economic development organization; the county’s tourism director; the county school system; and the county’s Workforce Investment Board. A group discussion will follow.
At the time of publication, details on the planned reports could not be obtained.
You can find the agenda here.