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| Southwest Virginia Hosts
International Guests by Valerie Harper
The group began their day at the Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia in Atkins, Virginia. The group was guided along a tour of a Lindamood School, originally constructed in 1894, and a turn-of-the-century farmhouse with antique furniture and handmade quilts and rugs. Attendees were entertained with music from the home’s antique organ. For the middle of the day, the tour moved to the New River Valley Airport for a discussion concerning the formation of the Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority (Virginia’s First) and the New River Commerce Park. Conference attendees elected to attend this workshop to learn how a citizen-driven effort could transform competing businesses and local governments into cooperators for the benefit of the region.
To wrap up the day, the group convened at Radford University’s Selu Conservancy where they were able to enjoy mountain views and wildlife, including a tame deer that they could pet. Musician Stacy Hobbs provided entertainment throughout the evening with acoustic and harp guitars. The day closed with a catered dinner highlighting southern foods. At the close of the day, the tightly knit group boarded the bus for their return to Abingdon and left with broader knowledge of the possibilities that lie within Southwest Virginia. & |
The fourth annual 
