Turning To A New Page

Bolling Says Growth Will Take 'Vision'

LURAY - Page County leaders need a vision with specific goals if they're to attract business and industry to the ailing locality, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling told community members and government officials on Wednesday.

Bolling, Gov. Bob McDonnell's chief job-creation officer, said the administration is committed to bringing jobs to Virginia, but it's up to rural counties like Page to decide what kind of companies would be a good fit for them.

"For us to help you market [Page County], we need to know what you're looking for," the lieutenant governor said. "We can help you be more competitive if you know what the target is."

Bolling participated in an economic development meeting at the Luray Veterans of Foreign Wars post with representatives of the local government, chamber of commerce and tourism agency. In addition to the panel, the meeting drew a crowd of about 60.

Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Woodstock, and Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, organized the meeting, which included representatives of the state tourism and economic development offices.

Gilbert said the gathering was meant to put Page County on the McDonnell administration's radar as it seeks to increase economic development in the state.

The meeting comes after the Page County Board of Supervisors slashed funding in June for the Page Economic Development Authority. Strapped for cash, the EDA is considering selling some of its land to pay bills.

Supervisors also fired former acting county administrator and EDA Director Tom Cardman in June.

Page, with a dependence on employment in manufacturing sectors and construction in Northern Virginia, was hit especially hard by the recent recession. At 10.8 percent in June, it has the highest unemployment rate in the Valley, well above the state average of 7.1 percent.

"We have to make sure Page County does not get left behind," Obenshain said.

While it's important to bring in big industry or business to provide employment, Obenshain said small-business development would be a key to the area's future economic health. Making sure regulations aren't too strict will ensure small businesses and farmers can flourish, he added.

Bolling told members of the panel he wanted to hear their ideas for economic development.

"It's up to you to decide. It's not up to me to tell you what to do," he said. "I very much want to hear your vision of what you want Page County to be."

Johnny Woodward, chairman of the Page County Board of Supervisors and acting county administrator, said agriculture, tourism and small businesses are the cornerstone of the locality's economy and will continue to be in the future. Woodward said the board would support the "right kind" of industry coming in.

"We're open to ideas and suggestions," he said.

Asked by the lieutenant governor if the county has a strategy or blueprint or target for economic development, Page officials said no.

Supervisor Jeff Vaughn said area residents have skills in manufacturing and are hardworking.

"We have a surplus of labor we need to capitalize on," Vaughn said. "We have a lot going for us, it's just we're waiting for a knock on the door."

Bolling said Page must knock on doors and not wait for offers to start coming in. He asked whether the county belongs to a regional group, such as the Shenandoah Valley Partnership.

It had been a member of SVP, but the membership fee of $17,000 was cut from this year's budget amid fiscal constraints, board members said.

"To market a rural county on its own is very difficult," Bolling told the group, saying community leaders need to tap nearby resources.

Liz Povar, director of business development for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, said the membership fee is worth it because of the opportunities it could bring. Keeping and growing existing businesses also should play a role in Page County's future, Povar said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Bolling told the panel that the "ball's in your court" to develop an economic development plan, and the administration will help achieve the goals Page County leaders set.

Woodward, after the meeting, said a specific economic strategy plan would be discussed in more detail at the board's meeting on Aug. 17.

"It has been mentioned, but in great detailed conversation? No," he said. "From this point on, it will be."