Business books and business classes at universities focus on the importance of providing value to external customers and clients. Without customer value there is no business. In the transportation planning context providing value means focusing on transportation systems that get people to work, appointments and play. Economists call transportation a “derived demand” meaning that people use transportation to accomplish a primary activity such as showing up to work. In that sense, the transportation system’s ability to provide value to citizens rests in part on the Roanoke Valley continuously improving as a livable and dynamic place to work, do business and enjoy life.
The Livable Roanoke Valley Plan provides this larger context for transportation. The multi-year planning process is culminating in a Livable Roanoke Valley Summit on June 25th. Please see the original blog post announcing the summit below (originally published on May 23, 3014)
Attend the Livable Roanoke Valley Summit on June 25th
Please join us for a half day Summit to unveil the final Livable Roanoke Valley Plan. The Summit will feature a keynote address by Bill Shelton, the Director of the VA Dept. of Housing & Community Development and community leaders that have agreed to champion initiatives in the areas economic development, workforce, health, and natural assets. By attending to the event you will receive a bound copy of the plan, as well as a networking breakfast and lunch. You can view the completed plan and supporting information at www.livableroanoke.org.
Register Here
PROGRAM
7:30AM Networking Breakfast
8:30AM Welcome and Opening Remarks
Wayne Strickland, Executive Director of the Regional Commission
8:45AM Keynote Address
Bill Shelton, Director of the Virginia Dept. of Housing & Community Development
9:15AM Livable Roanoke Valley Plan – Strategies and Champions
Lisa Garst, Chair of The Partnership for Livable Roanoke Valley
10:00AM Break
10:15AM Featured Economic and Workforces Development Initiatives
High Speed Broadband – Kevin Boggess
Regional STEM-H Programs – Jonathan Whitt
Xperience – Thomas Becher
Industry Sector Partnerships – Zenith Hamilton
11:15AM Featured Health and Natural Asset Initiatives
Stormwater Banking Program – Mike McEvoy
Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program – Brent Cochran
Alternative Transportation – Jeremy Holmes
Community Dental Clinic – Eileen Lepro
12:30PM Networking Lunch
Meet the Champions