Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 1, 1993 TAG: 9302010261
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
WANTED: OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REGION
THIS is being written in regards to the present economic situation in the New River and Roanoke Valley areas. As a former captain with the Virginia Tech Aviation Department, I was recently forced to accept employment out of the local area.As a very happy and contented resident of Blacksburg for the past four years, I had no intention of relocation. However, due to economic conditions in the local area, I was left with no other option.
After dealing with the Virginia Employment Commission offices in both Radford and Roanoke for more than a year, it is indeed very sad when their representatives recommend relocation to many area residents.
I realize that professional piloting is a career that is highly specialized and narrowly focused; however, I have worked in other fields and have extensive management and supervisory experience. When I attempted to utilize these skills in other occupations, I did not receive even one interview.
In addition, how can the local area hope to recover from this major recession if the only available employment opportunities seem to be $7 an hour and under, in service occupations? Many former employees of Virginia Tech, Dominion Bank, Radford Arsenal, and other local enterprises would like to have the answer to this question.
There is just no way that the local economy will improve until the citizens can afford high-ticket items such as homes, cars, appliances, etc. I implore local business leaders, employers and persons in positions of authority to re-evaluate their positions on salaries, compensation, fringe benefits, and other matters pertaining to employment in an effort to stem the rising exodus of highly qualified personnel from the local area.
I wish this letter had not been necessary, but I feel these points must be considered and evaluated by local residents deeply concerned with our present economic situationi
STAN GATHERUM\ BLACKSBURG