Roanoke and New River Valley MSAs – How do we Promote Regionalism? Part 2 of 5

Oct

Posted (admin) in Uncategorized on October-9-2008

The first part of this series received more comments than any other blog post in recent history, so obviously a chord was struck. Thanks for reading and for your comments.

If, and it is a big IF, the merging of MSAs would occur in 2020, then co-branding the region is a second way to promote regionalism.

Of course, this occurred once before through the NewVa brand. The NCTC tech council adopted this as well as a young professional group NewVa Connects, but it just has not caught on. Aric Bopp from the New River Valley Economic Alliance coined RNR - Roanoke and New River Valleys. He made some window decals like the popular OBX stickers. We referenced this in a blog post in December of 2006. Having it used the terms since that time, it has a ring to it and it also infers a place for rest and relaxation.

The Roanoke Timescurrently offers special inserts or sections based on where you live. A person in South Roanoke would not receive the NRV Current section and vice versa. There have been attempts to bring pieces to the main page and then drive people to the website to read the entire piece. However, why not just put it all in one paper? There was a recent rant by a NRV columnist giving reasons why NRV should not work with Roanoke. Of course, Roanokers never saw it cause it was not in their version of the paper. Let’s include all parts in one comprehensive section.

Television stationsare the ones who really dictate the region. The Roanoke – Lynchburg television media market is the 67th largest in the US. It includes Roanoke, NRV, Lynchburg, Danville and many other rural parts of Virginia. Currently, three of the four major broadcast networks have their primary locations in Roanoke (the other WSET in Lynchburg). What if one of the four moved to the NRV? That would make a statement. Certainly all have bureaus, but not headquarters.

What are your thoughts?

Viewing 2 Comments

Karin Clark 1 year ago 1 point
Please login to rate.

Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.

Your comments are right on, Stuart! Many of us work and play throughout this region and are interest in it as a whole. Ideally having one united paper would be ideal. Another thought for the region's main paper to consider is to highlight more of the cool technologies that are being developed here. At one time the paper had a dedicated Technology Reporter who had her finger on the pulse of happenings and her stories really helped to sell the innovative nature of this area. With the internet and social media in play today, bringing back this type of regular technology article would expand beyond the region reaching influencers from the outside who might just make a positive impact here--such as an investment or a move to this area.

reply edit flag

Jeff Shumate 1 year ago 1 point
Please login to rate.

Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.

My thought is that the area must get out of looking locally and think statewide with Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech has the largest alumni and fan base in Virginia. Promoting the area in conjunction with Virginia Tech throughout the state especially metropolitian areas such as DC/NOVA, Richmond, and Norfolk/VA Beach will provide the exposure required to bring not only young professionals, but also people that are looking to raise a family to the area. When they come to a game or listen to the radio...send the message to come visit Roanoke. It's a great place beyond game weekends.

ISP is the mulit-media rightsholder for Virgnia Tech athletics and can provide this statwide exposure through our 35 radio station network as well as TV print and signage. I believe the investment would be well worth it.

The Virginia Tech fan and alumni is the best place to start.

reply edit flag