Steve Frey
At the last Radford City Council meeting, Economic Development Director Blair Hoke presented a status report on work within her department since she started and plans for the future.
Her report was focused, detailed and results driven.
She began with an overview of the differences between 20th and 21st-century economic development models that she brought back from a recent conference.
There were some significant correlations with a recent school board presentation on 21st-century education needs. Let’s take a look at a few foundational concepts from her report on the new paradigm.
First, today we should focus on public/private partnerships. Synergy can be created when government works closely with the private sector to better meet the needs of both.
A good example is the partnership between the city and New River Adventure. New River Adventure benefits from the business on the riverfront in Bisset Park, while the city can attract more people to the park and, therefore, to other businesses in town.
Perhaps future commerce could be encouraged by the installation of a kayak/canal/tubing launching dock/platform, nearby restrooms and easy access through handicapped accessible walkways, permanent railings and steps/ramp to the river.
Better facilities with city help, more business, more visitors, more spending in the city—there’s a domino effect.
Many cities work with developers and businesses to bring water and sewage to an area, improve roads, provide tax breaks, create industrial parks, etc., with private groups also making contributions to the community and commitments for the future. The point is that through cooperation, everyone benefits.
Another idea was to focus on what you have. Radford has the New River flowing around its perimeter.
It is a natural recreation and tourism magnet. Something repeated several times during the city council meeting was the idea of “storytelling,” which relates to telling the “story” of a community, both past and present.
There are many stories related to the New River beginning with the river’s formation as one of the oldest in the world through the Mary Draper Ingles story and right up to today.
Radford also has excellent schools, a skilled workforce, close proximity to an interstate highway and many other qualities.
The story about the varied activities and amenities related to Radford and the New River are numerous and compelling. Those stories need to be shared to interest others in visiting and settling in our amazing area.
A second major asset the city has is Radford University. The mayor mentioned at the meeting that about 10,000 students will soon be descending on Radford. The college and city have a relationship that is another great “story.”
College students and faculty are essential to the continued growth of the city. There are thousands of ways to get the students more involved in the community.
What will help to draw students from campus to businesses and activities? How can the college reach out to the city even more?
In the past, there was a “shotgun” approach to the recruitment of businesses where cities looked for any company that might come along and spent funds to bring them to town.
Hoke pointed out that now communities are “laser focused” on recruiting businesses that will fit into the culture of the city, can succeed and will create that synergy discussed earlier. That way both the city and the business have a better chance for mutual success and growth.
As was discussed at the city council meeting, Radford would love to have a large industry settle here, but small companies and startups are the way of the future, and Radford can position itself to be a major destination for these new businesses.
At the council meeting, an audience member questioned why businesses sometimes come and go quickly. Working to support businesses and entrepreneurs in creating solid business plans was the answer.
Recruiting businesses that will work best in a small college town with colossal tourism potential will be essential.
Radford could eventually become a “destination” city where activities and businesses will attract both citizens and visitors to events, shops and restaurants.
Soon there will be a waiting line to purchase or rent a property for business, especially downtown. Think Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
The next 21st-century concepts are where the city school system and the university come into the picture in a significant way.
Instead of cheap labor, businesses are looking for highly trained talent. Instead of an infrastructure based on good roads to transport goods, the critical infrastructure in the 21st century will be education. Companies are no longer looking for just low costs; they are looking for high value (and values) in a community.
At the last school board meeting, the administrative team discussed a variety of instructional strategies and goals related to helping students become ready for 21st-century occupations. The education students need today is very different from the education of the past. There are some broad categories of learning and skills that students will find necessary.
They will need foundational knowledge including literacy, numeracy, scientific literacy, ICT (information and communications technology), financial literacy and cultural and civic literacy.
Students will need these competencies to solve complex problems: critical thinking/problem solving, creativity, communication and collaboration.
They will also need these character qualities to address a changing environment: curiosity, initiative, persistence/grit, adaptability, leadership, and social and cultural awareness.
Supporting an innovative school system with graduates prepared for the world of work and having avenues for advanced certification or a college degree is essential.
Businesses are looking for skilled workers in all trades and professions. They also want their own children to have access to this kind of quality education.
Advanced technologies are creating automated factories with fewer workers. There will, however, be a greater need for computer engineers, database administrators, medical assistants, desktop publishing specialists, system analysts, paralegals and physicians assistants among others.
With Radford City Schools, Radford University and New River Community College all working together, students will be ready for anything the 21st-century sends their way.
Companies are not looking for just inexpensive land or buildings; they are looking for skilled workers, continuing education, quality of life characteristics and recreation opportunities.
The 21st century is here. The raw materials needed for 21st-century economic development can be found throughout Radford.
The Radford “story” is just beginning to unfold. Share it.
Steve Frey is a writer and CEO of Ascendant Educational Services based in Radford.
