Sherry Swinson, Executive Director, Virginia's Growth Alliance, updated the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors on the new marketing identity "Virginia's Growth Alliance."

She said the economic development marketing organization formerly known as the TransTech Alliance rebranded itself to better reflect the area it serves. The goal of Virginia's Growth Alliance is to market regional economic development opportunities in a six-county, one-city region in southern Virginia. Members of the Alliance include the Counties of Brunswick, Charlotte, Greensville, Lunenburg, Nottoway, and Mecklenburg and the city of Emporia.

The organization plans to deploy its new brand in a variety of ways including presentations at regional board and council meetings, area civic organization meetings, in coordination with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, regional marketing materials and a new website currently being developed.

Swinson said the project goals are: Develop and economic development brand for the six-county, one-city region. Reflect the unique economic development assets of the region. Differentiate the region from other regional markets by promoting distinctive attributes that demonstrate its value. Evaluate the TransTech name to determine if it should be changed or modified to better reflect the economic development image of the region.

She said the location of the TransTech Alliance is critical. It is a region positioned within and among some of the most well-known business locations in the world.

The transportation backbone for the TransTech region is critical for its future success. Rail and road access is essential to future success.

The TransTech Alliance region features numerous job and skill training programs for area residents. It is also emerging as a key location for agencies who conduct specialized training.

Swinson said the agricultural and manufacturing legacy of the TransTech Alliance region remains strong. The area's legacy industries now incorporate cutting-edge technologies. The area retains much of its small-town charm.

A key competitive advantage for the region is just how easy it is to get things done. Area partners are eager to help industries locate to the area and secure the workforce they need to succeed. The natural resources are both a source of recreation and value for industry.

"Our region is a place where settlers planted the seeds of entrepreneurship in the early days of our nation. Today, we are six counties and one city where this spirit of innovation flourishes. We grew as a place where farming and timber fueled the growth of the Commonwealth of Virginia into one of the most prosperous and dynamic states in the nation. We value our easy way of life, small-town flavor, and rural landscapes. Grounded for centuries as a crossroads of the eastern United States, our interstate and rail connections link us to our neighbors: Virginia's Tidewater, Greater Richmond, and North Carolina's Research Triangle.

"We are cultivating the technologies of the future, with industrial sites offering the most sophisticated broadband access in the nation, dynamic training programs for our dedicated workforce, and traditional industries using the most advanced technologies to produce the highest quality products.

"We are a place where common sense makes the cost of doing business competitive, where access to the Mid-Atlantic is beyond compare, and the growth potential is unlimited. We are a place where quality of life is unparalleled, small towns thrive, and personal connections make the difference in how businesses work," Swinson said.