Southside Legislators work to have voices heard in Economic Development
Working to assist economically distressed Southern Virginia, Senator Frank Ruff and Delegates Clark Hogan and Tommy Wright announced today that they have had the General Assembly appoint two of the Southside's most experienced economic development people to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. The Partnership is the economic development arm of state government established under the administration of then Governor George Allen to enhance economic recruiting efforts for the Commonwealth.
Long time Charlotte County Administrator R. B. Clark and recently retiring Mecklenburg County Economic Development Director Randolph Jones will join the Partnership on July first.
According to Delegate Wright, he believes that Jones and Clark will add rural perspective to the Partnership at this crucial time when so many of our communities have lost long time industries, particularly in textiles. Wright continued " They have the experience needed to put the proper focus on our counties"
"This year the General Assembly approved legislation that gave the legislators the power to appoint several members to the Partnership." said Ruff. "For too long our part of Virginia has lagged behind the economy of the rest of Virginia, I believe that it was important for us to have a team of experienced workhorses who can articulate the needs of our region."
Delegate Hogan "I am delighted that representatives from rural, distressed communities will be contributors to the VEDP. Hogan continued, "Each has been involved for many years in promoting the region. They will be invaluable in representing the areas like ours on a statewide level."
Clark has served as the Administrator of Charlotte County for the last twenty-four years. He was instrumental in the creation of the Virginia's Heartland Partnership. He is the Heartland's Immediate Past President and continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors. Clark has a master's degree in Administration from the University of Virginia.
Jones recently retired from Mecklenburg County as Executive Director of Economic Development, a post he has held since 1994. Jones first got involved in economic development while serving as manager and regional manager for Commonwealth Propane. During that part of his career he served as a volunteer for the Industrial Development Authorities of both Mecklenburg County and the Town of South Hill. Jones as well has been active on the Southside Planning District Commission and the Lake Country Development Corporation.
Ruff continued, "both Clark and Jones have proven themselves not only in their on community but regionally as well. Between the two they have worked for the betterment of the ten counties in our region."
For additional information you can contact Robbie McMillan.