Partnership officials search
for director, direction
Local officials remain split over economic development plans for the area as they await the selection of a new executive director of the Rockbridge Partnership, a position left empty by David Kleppinger when he resigned six months ago.
The Rockbridge Partnership search committee, which includes county officials, city officials and local residents, has begun to review applications, but has yet to set a deadline for its selection. The committee will next meet on Tuesday to discuss applicants.
The Partnership, an organization funded by the City of Lexington and Rockbridge County, works to promote the economic interests of both.
The open executive director position has renewed debate over whether the local economy should cater to tourists and retirees over new industry.
Mack Smith, the Buffalo District representative on the Board of Supervisors who initially voted in October for separate directors for Lexington and Rockbridge, has voiced concerns over the Partnership's industry-heavy model of economic development.
He said the future of the area depends on a director who can develop economic projects for the area's sizeable retirement community.
"We need to be promoting what we have that's unique," Smith said.
The local conflict between industrial development and the retirement community model was showcased last year when Buena Vista decided against a planned MeadWestvaco distribution center due to complaints from primarily older residents. Buena Vista left the Rockbridge Partnership in 2006.
Jane Ellington, current chair of the Rockbridge Partnership and a member of the search committee, said the lack of infrastructure, especially public water and sewer in the county, makes luring industry difficult. Ellington described the Partnership's role as facilitator of communication between local government and industries interested in the area.
Smith, who chose not to serve on the Partnership's search committee, said he believes the community lacks direction on economic development.
"I do not think we have any consensus within the community or the Board of Supervisors," he said.
Sammy Moore, executive director of the independent Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce, shared the view that area economic development needs a more comprehensive, forward-looking approach that takes retirement and tourism into account.
"There needs to be a vision," Moore said.
In the absence of a director, such information has been relayed directly through two Partnership members -- Don Austin, the county administrator, and Jon Ellestad, Lexington's city manager.
Produced by
Washington and Lee
journalism students.
Lead Supervisor:
Prof. Brian
Richardson
Prof. Phylissa
Mitchell
Reporting supervisors:
Prof. Doug
Cumming
Prof. Pamela Luecke
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd