Provides Technical Assistance for Rural Regional Development

USDA Rural Development, in conjunction with Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Association of Counties, and other state and local partners, selected VGA and Northern Neck Chesapeake Bay Region Partnership from eleven other regional teams to be included in a program called "Stronger Economies Together" (SET).

The SET program helped the regional communities develop new approaches to strengthen and enhance regional economic development activities. A variety of participants representing private and public sectors and local citizens from the multi county region received the latest tools, training, and technical assistance to help the region move forward and take advantage of positive growth and quality of life opportunities. The seven month strategic planning training resulted in the creation of an economic development plan reflecting the critical drivers of the region and identifying emerging growth sectors and regional competitive advantages. For complete details and highlights of the process visit http://southernvirginia.wordpress.com/category/set-minutes/

The goals and strategies will be presented on December 5. Upon final adoption, the plan will be posted on VGA's website.