James Houchins was among the local leaders and professionals from the Southern Virginia region to convene at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research last week for specialized training in economic development. The event featured Carol Johnson, founder of Continuous Dialog, and renowned for her expertise in the dynamic field of economic development across the United States.
Houchins, who currently serves the dual roles of Economic Development and Tourism in Patrick County, was among those to hear that demonstrating competitive economic development skills is no longer just an option for economic development professionals who wish to be successful in retaining, growing, and winning quality jobs for their communities, according to a release from the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA), which hosted the training session.
Rather, it requires a region that is committed to improving the economic prosperity of the local companies and their employees, and a willing attitude to learn best practices and skills to prepare, respond, and win in the fierce competition of economic development. This training challenged economic developers as well as experienced leaders to share best practices and apply new skills that will benefit existing and prospective industry.
One thing is clear – the stakes are high, and expectations are rising for communities to compete, win, and retain quality jobs in today’s highly competitive economic development arena, participants were told.
In addition to local and regional economic developers, other attendees of the full day workshop on best practices for preparing to market the assets of the region in support of existing and prospective businesses included infrastructure, utility and workforce service providers, according to the release.
“The participation of local members underscores commitment to reach the goal of increasing capital investment in the southern Virginia region,” said Kristy Johnson, president of the SVRA.
The following day, training culminated with a workshop about how community leaders can work with economic developers to influence growth and development in the community. The workshop attracted local elected officials joining economic developers and industrial development authorities, city managers and county administrators.
“I thought the workshop was excellent,” said Houchins. “Carol brought energy, presented the information with great passion, and made it relevant to our roles as economic development drivers. This is exactly what I needed as a newly appointed Director of economic development.”
“The presentation was very helpful for understanding the role of economic developers, as well as how the city should prepare for a company that is potentially coming to the region as far as site readiness, workforce development, and business friendly organizations.” Kristen Barker, member of the City of Danville’s Industrial Development Authority.
“I thought it was an outstanding presentation. The three points about speed, risk, and money at the forefront about that discussion with prospects and businesses were important,” said Ken Bowman, a member of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisor.
