Similar to July’s seminar in Southwest VA, our time in Southern VA provided me with the opportunity to see several more Tobacco Commission investments at work. These projects were primarily located at the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research, a facility I have visited numerous times over the years although those visits were generally for… Continue reading Growth and Change
Author: saragwilliams
Food and Flexibility!!
Our September seminar took us to Northern Neck and I was very excited about the visit. As much as I complain about how few people travel to SW, it was a great personal reminder that there are many areas of Virginia that I have never been to. Northern Neck is one of those areas. I… Continue reading Food and Flexibility!!
Staycation
I affectionately referred to the July seminar as my “staycation”. This is because it was time to explore my home region. I am a native of Southwest Virginia and have spent most of my life here. It’s a region that is often misunderstood or even ignored by others across Virginia. This is especially true of… Continue reading Staycation
Hello Neighbor!!!
Our May seminar was our domestic trip and we were fortunate to have a great option right next door. We visited Kentucky and spent four days exploring our neighboring commonwealth. Although I grew up just a few miles from the VA/ KY border I’ve never really spent much time there. It’s easy to overlook opportunities… Continue reading Hello Neighbor!!!
Different Perspectives Different Priorities – A change of scenery is sometimes good
I love Washington DC and I never turn down a chance to go. It had been a few years since my last visit which was in fall 2019 in a prepandemic world. That trip was a family Fall Break adventure with our neighbors. Four adults and four kids averaged dozens of miles each day as… Continue reading Different Perspectives Different Priorities – A change of scenery is sometimes good
Finding New in the Familiar
When I considered the opportunity to participate in VALOR I knew that there would be many experiences that were outside my comfort zone. It was something that was both a little terrifying and also exciting. My days are typically spent at my desk or in meetings with other local, state, and federal bureaucrat types. With… Continue reading Finding New in the Familiar
Which comes first?!?!
Since this is my first blog post I will start by introducing myself. For the past 18 + years I have lived in Bristol Virginia and have worked as the Southwest Regional Director for the Tobacco Indemnification and Revitalization Commission. In this role I’ve had the opportunity to learn about so many aspects of economic… Continue reading Which comes first?!?!
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