81 Reasons to Connect

81 Reasons to Connect – a Vision for Regional Success 1

81 Reasons to Connect – Regional Strategies for Success


Presentation Overview

• How are we doing as a Region?• Richard Florida’s Creative Class concepts• 81 Reasons to Connect Vision• Territorial/Regional Assets - Strengths & Opportunities• Questions and Discussion


Question: How are we doing as a Metro-Region?


Question: How are we doing as a Metro-Region?


Why do some Regions become truly GREAT?

Seattle, WA (Technology Corridor)

Raleigh, NC (RTP)San Jose, CA (Silicon Valley)

Boston, MA (Route 128 Corridor)


Models for WINNING in the new economy

Creative Class professionals are the dynamo behind successful economic growth in today’s knowledge-based economy.

Regions that can attract & retain these highly skilled workers will succeed. Regions that cannot attract these professionals will continue to struggle.

As noted by Richard Florida (2002), this Creative class of workers place significant emphasis on their Quality of Life when choosing where to locate and work. It’s about PLACE.


Vision - Mission

‘81 Reasons to Connect’ seeks to identify and communicate the economic and social benefits of a combined Roanoke and New River Valley Metro-Region that will be recognized as a preferred destination for Creative Class professionals.

We will be presenting the top Reasons to Connect at a Regional Summit scheduled for March of 2010 at Radford University

We need your help in developing and communicating this critical vision!


Virginia’s 81 Corridor – Creative Class Assets

Radford U

VA Tech Roanoke CollegeHollins U


81 Corridor – Creative Class Research & Development Assets

Center for Research & Technology

VA Tech Corporate Research Center

Riverside Centre for Research and Technology

SmartRoad


Creative Class Professional Employment Opportunities

Better metrics. Better decisions.Better metrics. Better decisions.


81 Corridor – Outdoor Recreational assets


We need YOUR help to take our Region to the next levelRoanoke MSA

Counties Giles

Montgomery Pulaski

Independent Cities Radford

Pop: 158,328 Per Capita: $17,184

Counties Botetourt

Craig Franklin Roanoke

Independent Cities Roanoke

Salem

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA(New River Valley = NRV)

Pop: 296,532 Per Capita: $20,390

Combined MetroPop: 454,860 Per Capita: ?

Phds per Capita: ?College Students: ?


What are the benefits of a unified Region?

With 500,000 citizens (over 700,000 if we tap into Lynchburg MSA)Transform Roanoke Regional from a small hub serving Roanoke to being THE Major air

transportation center West of Richmond and North of Greensboro

Focus all key corporate travelers and higher Ed travels to fly through RoanokeAttract low cost carriers that will accelerate the growth/expansion of Roanoke Airport


REENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA Vision 2025 – How Greenville, South Carolina Proposes to Use Creative Class Theory and Smart Growth to Develop Their Economy

In tandem with smart growth is the priority of many regional economies to attract and retain the flow of human creative capital.

Greenville is one city that has recently investigated this kind of growth strategy

Population of 56,006 people, urbanized area population of 379,616

Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains midway between Atlanta and Charlotte, the city’s downtown would have been a natural stop for travelers making the trip on I-85

Proven Models that work – from across the USA


LOCAL Models that work – what is holding us back?


What we can ALL do to make a difference

1. Promote & Support REGIONAL Organizations such as the NCTC

2. Support Funding for a Regional Marketing identity/branding piece

3. Join us in encouraging Economic Development Agency & Local Government officials to form joint commissions that align our Regional Identity:• Smart Way Bus & more mass transit options across the Region• Upgrades to the Roanoke Regional Airport• High-speed fiber ring between Roanoke & VA Tech• VA Tech/Carilion Research Initiatives• Joint Planning Commission initiatives• Joint Chambers of Commerce initiatives• Intermodal Transportation Center at Dixie Caverns

4. Become a Regional Ambassador!