Governor Terry McAuliffe announced $196,000 in funding for three collaborative efforts in Virginia through the Building Collaborative Communities program.
The program promotes regional economic collaboration in economically-distressed areas that stimulate job creation, economic development and provide a significant return on state investment. The three selected projects focus on and facilitate significant involvement from the private sector, economic development agencies, community organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, local leaders and governmental officials.
“Through the BCC program, Virginia has seen the success of numerous regional partnerships that are spurring growth and helping to drive the new Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Regional, community-based strategies that capitalize upon the unique assets of communities offer stronger opportunities for success and long-term sustainability. These projects are bringing new jobs and opportunities to stimulate economic growth and prosperity for the region.”
Governor McAuliffe made the announcement during his remarks at the Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity – Connecting Rural Virginia to the Global Economy. This two day conference, hosted by the Center for Rural Virginia, brings together economic development officials, elected officials, business and community leaders, local government officials, trade organizations and policymakers from across the Commonwealth to discuss cybersecurity, economic development, entrepreneurism, infrastructure investments, trade policies and Virginia’s fiscal future.
“Regional collaboration is key to any successful economic and community development strategy,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “Since 2012, the BCC program has leveraged nearly $1.2 million to assist regions attract investment and create a stronger quality of life in their communities. Today’s announcement is another testament to the success of this program and I congratulate the recipients for their efforts in building the new Virginia economy.”
Economic research shows that in areas around the country where localities work together cooperatively, the promotion of a sense of place, business growth and leveraging additional funding for regional economic development initiatives account for approximately 76 to 92 percent of new jobs. Quality of life indicators, such as income disparity between localities, area median income and job creation, are more positive in areas that interact on a regional level.
The following projects were awarded funding through the Building Collaborative Communities program:
| Applicant and Localities Targeted |
Project Name | BCC Award |
| Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (Counties of Accomack and Northampton and the Towns of Accomac, Belle Haven, Bloxom, Cape Charles, Cheriton, Chincoteague, Eastville, Exmore, Hallwood, Keller, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onancock, Only, Painter, Parksley, Saxis, Tangier and Wachapreague)
|
Accomack-Northampton Planning District Entrepreneurial and Workforce Development Planning | $48,000 |
| The Advancement Foundation (Counties of Botetourt and Roanoke and the Towns of Buchanan, Fincastle, Troutville and Vinton)
|
Regional Small Business Collaborative | $70,000 |
| Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (Counties of Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex and the Towns of Tappahannock and West Point)
|
Middle Peninsula Economic Development and Resource Organization Implementation | $78,000 |
| TOTAL: | $196,000 | |
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