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A C o m m o n w · a I t h o f 0 p p o t t u n i t y f o ~ A I I <br /> <br /> Too many of Virginia's rural communities have not shared in the economic <br />growth that has been enjoyed by the rest of thc Commonwealth. Many rural areas have a <br />higher rate of unemployment than Virginia as a whole, and there is a widening gap in the <br />per-capita income of Virginians living in rural areas and the rest of the state. Like similar <br />communities across the nation, Virginia's rural areas have been hard hit by the loss of <br />manufacturing jobs, by aging and inadequate infrastructure, and by the exodus of young <br />people for the promise of better jobs in other areas of the state and nation. <br /> <br /> Promoting economic growth in Virginia's rural communities is one of Governor <br />Wamer's highest priorities. To that end, he has made record new investments in public <br />education; reformed workforce training; and worked aggressively to attract new jobs to <br />communities across rural Virginia. While these efforts show enormous promise, more <br />must be done. Virginia needs to adopt new approaches to rural economic development. <br />We must draw on the strengths of existing industries and community assets, and help <br />prepare workers for the competitive challenges of the future. <br /> <br /> Virginia Works represents this new approach to economic development. It is a <br />series of carefully targeted investments totaling $20.86 million that will create new jobs <br />and build the foundation for a stronger future in our rural communities. Virginia Works <br />has three parts: <br /> <br />Virginia Works for EMsting Business <br /> <br /> Keeping existing industries strong and competitive is the best hope for prosperity <br />and future growth of distressed rural communities. To help these industries enjoy <br />continued success, Virginia Work, presents two new options for these communities: <br /> <br />Support for Existing Industry. One of the keys to achieving continued prosperity <br />and growth among existing industries is to align with their needs the efforts of our <br />community colleges, economic development agencies, K-12 education system, <br />and workforee development system. Too often, these state and local systems are <br />slow to respond to the changing needs of existing industry. Virginia Works <br />recognizes this and proposes a new approach to these issues - one that is driven <br />by industry, not government. <br /> <br />Under this model, the Commonwealth will award two $2 million grants to <br />regional consortia that successfully identify better ways to respond to the needs of <br />existing business. These consortia will involve the business community, local <br />community colleges, and existing agencies for economic development. As an <br />important part of the award process, winning grant recipients will develop <br />effective regional economic development strategies including a workforce plan to <br />support existing industry. This plan has been built on the successful experience of <br /> <br /> <br />