Strategy for future on show for public; Leaders hoping residents will engage with implementation process

Special to The Gazette
May 12, 2019

The public is invited to the rollout of the Halifax County Community Strategic Plan at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, at The Prizery when members of the steering committee will introduce key initiatives and tactical recommendations.

The community is invited to attend to learn more about the plan and how to get involved in the implementation process.

“A plan is only valuable when it is implemented,” said Chamber President Mitzi McCormick. “A realistic work plan will ensure that the Community Strategic Plan is activated and sustainable for the next five years and beyond.”

Halifax County began the process of carrying out a community-driven strategic planning initiative on Monday, Oct. 15. Public, private and non-profit leaders in Halifax County have come together around a holistic community and economic development initiative that will help the community achieve a more prosperous and successful future...

To read the full article click here or email Alexia Eanes.

Report: SVHEC has $66.1M impact on statewide economy

Special to Work It, SoVa

SOUTH BOSTON — The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center had an economic impact of $66.1 million on the statewide economy in fiscal year 2018.

Of that increased economic activity, $57.9 million of it occurred in the Southern Virginia region. These findings are from a newly released report examining the economic impact of the SVHEC on the local and statewide economy.

“We’ve always believed the SVHEC was having a significant economic impact on Southern Virginia, and now we have the data to support that belief,” said Betty Adams, SVHEC executive director. “We pride ourselves on being good stewards of the dollars invested in the SVHEC, and this report shows that the citizens of the commonwealth — especially Southern Virginians — are getting an excellent return on their investment,” she continued.

To read the full article click here or email Alexia Eanes.

Community assessment of Halifax County: To grow, go bold

By Ashley Hodge

With bold action, Matt DeVeau, project manager of Market Street Services, feels like anything is possible for Halifax County.

This was part of the message he delivered to the dozens who came out to the community meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center Innovation Center.

The chamber of commerce hired the Atlanta-based consulting firm to provide guidance to a steering committee of local leaders working on a growth strategy for the county.

The community meeting was part of a six-phase research and strategic planning process. Previously 1,579 community members participated in an online survey to reveal challenges, weaknesses and strengths of this county.

Interviews with local leaders and focus groups also were held, and DeVeau on Wednesday evening revealed some of the findings from the research.

To read the full article click here or email Alexia Eanes.

Education, quality of life gains will set Halifax’s future

By Tom McLaughlin
News & Record

Halifax County is hardly alone among rural communities in the economic uncertainties it faces, but “bold action” will be required if the county is to avoid further stagnation and decline, a consultant told civic and business leaders Wednesday at the SVHEC.

Matt DeVeau with Market Street Services, a nationally-recognized economic development advisory firm, presented the findings of a “community assessment” that is envisioned as the first step in a turnaround plan for the county. The Atlanta-based consultancy was hired by the Chamber of Commerce to provide guidance to a steering committee of local leaders working on a growth strategy for Halifax.

To read the full article click here or email Alexia Eanes.