The CSPDC and the Bath County Economic Development Authority hosted a Regional Housing Summit on May 25, in Bath County. More than 35 attendees learned strategies to address the demand for affordable workforce housing in their community.

Summit speakers from the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech, USDA Rural Development, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Housing Development Authority, Total Action for Progress, and CSPDC focused on the connection between housing and economic development, as well as funding opportunities to increase affordable housing options.  Topics included homeownership, rental housing, housing rehabilitation, and new construction. The workshop was geared toward local government staff, including community development, economic development and workforce development, local elected officials, housing organizations and nonprofits, and other community leaders.

Individuals who were unable to attend the Summit can access the presentations and related videos HERE .

The Shenandoah Valley has been selected to host the 30th Anniversary Tour of Bike Virginia, June 23-28.  Riders will choose from a variety of tour lengths and routes that will take them on a scenic adventure along the Valley from Buena Vista to Staunton.

The Tour will include a full complement of fun outings and activities that will showcase the region’s cultural attractions, historic sites, outdoor recreation opportunities, and local flavors, enticing over 1,500 participating cyclists to come back and ride the Valley again and again.

The Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership (SVTP) unveiled its new marketing partnership and brand message during an event held at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in May.  The SVTP is a professional collaboration between 13 tourism-forward communities stretching from Winchester to Lexington, whose mission is to promote the Shenandoah Valley as an outstanding year-round destination for visitors from around the world.

The SVTP team worked together with consultants over the span of several years conducting research consisting of online surveys, reviews of Virginia Tourism Corporation research, and recent visitor surveys conducted by local destination marketing organizations. The team compared regional initiatives around the United States for differentiation to create the Today’s Shenandoah Valley brand, campaign, website, and social media presence. The results can be viewed at  www.VirginiasShenandoahValley.com and on Facebook .