Agenda 07/11/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 1, 2000 I encourage that we remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our brothers and sisters in Henry County, and that we continue to aggressively search for ways to work collaboratively to provide those basic services that our citizens demand. On this subject, I am reminded of President Kennedy's words when faced with a similar challenge. He said, 'Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those which divide us.' Our door remains open to the Board of Supervisors, and I hope that we can get together soon to review and readopt a joint regional strategic plan. Our success depends on renewing and growing our commercial, industrial, and residential tax bases. From this, we cannot stray. On December 2, the City's tax base instantaneously diversified. Six months later, we are rebuilding and already we're seeing signs of growth. Uptown Martinsville, with the help of the Martin family, is renewing itself. The BB&T Information Technology Space and the Uptown Small Business Incubator will be economic engines to fuel future growth. The Cadlion Medical Center, the Jameson Inn, the Blue Ridge Manor, and the new Advance Auto are physical proof that our diversified approach to commercial development is working. We have two residential developments underway, and plans for Academy Place on the site of the old R. P. Thomas trucking facility are being developed. We have laid the foundations for our industrial renewal. Nationwide Homes was the first business to take advantage of our aggressive industrial incentives. Clearview Business Park and the Shell Building are nearing completion. Rives Road Industrial Park is actively being marketed, and plans are being developed to improve the attractiveness of that site. We continue to work on getting the State to fund the Virginia Museum of Natural History. And the Uptown Rail Trail will further enhance our quality of life. The Martinsville region will soon begin reaping the benefits of the Chamber's [of Commerce] tourism initiative. This is a great way of using our regional competitiveness dollars, and I hope that Henry County will help make this program a success. I extend my compli- ments to the Chamber of Commerce and President Steve Sheppard for leading this effort. I'm proud of the Martinsville City School Division. Very soon, Albert Hards Intermediate School will be completed, and our school facilities will be the envy of all Virginia.