The foremost authority on the Creative Class and workforce planning by region, Richard Florida, was recently interviewed on BigThink.com. As practitioners working on helping job seekers and regions, would be wise to implement what he is saying and help the Unserviced Workforce. Florida also is planning a new book late spring called the Great Reset.

WISH: For talented people external to the region to personally move to the RNR, move their businesses to the region, or start businesses in the RNR.

Step 1 (NOW) – Positively build the RNR as one region online through a variety of tactics in a variety of communities and media.

Step 2 (Mid-Term Goal) - Promote and assist organizations (Ex. NCTC, Smart Way Bus, 81 Reaosns to Connect) that increase the number of people living in the Roanoke MSA and working in the Blacksburg MSA and vice versa. This will work toward combining and eventually merging the two MSAs.

Step 3 (Long-Term Goal) – Create one unified economic development organization in the RNR.

81 Reasons to Connect is an initiative of the Roanoke Creative Connectors program inspired by the work of Richard Florida.

The goal of this initiative is to bring together the Roanoke and Blacksburg MSAs – what we call the RNR (Roanoke and New River Valleys). On Thursday, leader Jay Foster gave a compelling presentation at the NCTC Tech and Toast in Blacksburg to over 100 attendees.

The energy, passion, discussion generated at the meeting has carried over in subsequent follow up meetings and discussions. Join the group’s Facebook page and Follow the Roanoke Creative Connectors on Twitter.

In order for the YP movement to create some sustainability in the region, running for elected office has been one option, yet few have made the commitment. However, Krisha Chachra and Greg Fansler are both making the commitment in the Town of Blacksburg.

They each have started their campaign with nice websites and all of the social media features. Please visit and reach to them with your questions.

The Roanoke Creative Community Leadership Project has an updated site to stay on top of this economic development movement.

Visit the site www.thecreativeconnectors.com and interact with it and please pass along to others.