Creative Catalysts:

Southwest Virginia’s Economic Transformation

ABOUT THE STUDY

A story of Innovative Community Building

Creative Catalysts: Southwest Virginias Economic Transformation is a dynamic guide to identify and support Southwest Virginia’s strong creative economy and the development of new regional and multi-state projects.

With boundaries touching four Central Appalachian states, Southwest Virginia holds high potential to serve as an anchor or partner for broad, regional projects. The project focuses on a deep dive into five key sectors: higher education, tourism, food, economic development, and environmental and social justice.

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KEY FINDINGS

Southwest Virginia has been on the forefront of developing and sustaining economies with contribution of cultural heritage assets and tourism development through key partnerships and community spark plugs. Through numerous community interviews and assembly of records of successful regional projects, the project team additionally compiled a list of lessons learned to lead strategies for future projects. Among some of those insights include encouraging regional leaders to stay creative and forward thinking, celebrating successes, networking, and creative methodologies for funding.

Our STUDY

Thank You

Project Leadership Team

Sean Adkins
Michael Aikens
Amy Allison
Kathlyn Baker
Austin Bradley
Kim Davis
Mickey Hickman
Travis Jackson
Doug Jackson

Dylan Locke
David Manley
Jeff Mansour
Chris McKlarney
Dirk Moore
Becky Nave
Alicia Phelps
Ida Williams

Special Thanks

This work would not have been possible without funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) through a POWER planning grant.

Planning District Commissions of Southwest Virginia

Region 1 – LENOWISCO Planning District Commission
Region 2 – Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission
Region 3 – Mount Rogers Planning District Commission
Region 4 – New River Valley Regional Commission
Region 12 – West Piedmont Planning District Commission

We would like to thank each of our additional contributors who assisted in this initiative.

Contact Us

Friends of Southwest Virginia

1 Heartwood Circle

Abingdon, VA 24210