Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 21, 1991                   TAG: 9102210170
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND/ NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

COUNCIL'S INVOLVEMENT SOUGHT IN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Montgomery Regional Economic Development Commission, a 9-year-old advisory group to the county supervisors, has come up with a plan to increase economic development.

Among the commission's goals is to help the supervisors find ways to create jobs, raise income levels and preserve the quality of life in Montgomery County.

"We try to initiate and coordinate economic development," David O. Shanks, the commission's vice chairman, told council Tuesday night. "A lot of what we do is behind the scenes."

Part of that work includes conducting and marketing development programs and participating in regional organizations, such as the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance and the Roanoke Partnership.

Shanks, who is Christiansburg's representative on the commission, delivered copies of the plan to council members, which outlines research, product development, industry attraction and retention and recertification as goals.

A high priority, Shanks said, is attracting industry, which can be done by having a choice of industrial sites, such as shell buildings.

"And right now we have none to show," Shanks said.

Another priority is state recertification, which must be completed every three years. The commission must refile by July 15 and begin a program for maintaining that status, which will take about nine to 12 months.

"We're soliciting help from council," Shanks said. "Take the time to read it and decide how Christiansburg can be interactive also."

In other business, Ernie Wade of Litton Poly-Scientific was appointed to replace James Earp on the Planning Commission. Earp has "other obligations that made his appointment a conflict," said Councilman Jack Via, who is chairman of the Planning Commission.

Councilman Ray E. Lester, Jr., an Airport Commission representative, asked for council's support on plans for the Regional Industrial Park site.

"We feel that the area around the New River Valley Airport is a good area to pick for that site," Lester said. "The land is reasonably flat and the airport offers unlimited possibilities."

The Airport Commission, the governing body for the Dublin-based airport, is trying to find ways to increase economic development in the valley.

Council - with member Wayne E. Booth absent - voted to support the idea, which Lester said will be added to a resolution that will be given to the NRV economic development alliance to consider.