Former Virginia governor Mark Warner mentioned far southwest Virignia in his DNC speech on Tuesday night as it related to his economic development agenda that brought many high-tech jobs to Lebanon and Russell County. The Return To Roots program was created to assist in staffing these positions.

However, this issue is more than just creating jobs. That is the first part. The second part is retaining and attracting the people to do the jobs. Most targeted candidates are young professionals with a college degree who have roots to far southwest Virginia. 

The jobs created require skill sets that are in demand in many regions across the nation. Therefore, with the job opportunity as the constant variable, what quality of life amenities are available in Lebanon that are going to attract a young professional back or someone new who has never been to that part of the state?

The retention piece and quality of life amenities must be a part of the equation of economic development in the region.  It’s not just about the jobs anymore.