There's no interstate running through it, and the area suffered from high unemployment in the 1980s. But a major inflow of new manufacturers in the late '80s and early '90s has sent the jobless rate tumbling below 3 percent. Since then the region's economic developers have turned much of their attention to existing companies. Officials say, however, that Region 2000's industrial growth will not encroach upon the rural assets that have attracted new businesses in the first place. Employees seem to agree.
Local companies boast low turnover rates without having to offer higher pay and benefits.
Paychecks stretch a long way here, says Lynchburg Economic Development Director Lee Cobb. Housing prices are moderate, taxes are reasonable, and the quality of life is exceptional. Since 1988, the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford, the town of Altavista and the counties of Amherst, Campbell, Appomattox and Bedford have worked in unison to gain economic strength. Representatives from each of these localities maintain that the group has managed to avoid the squabbling or back-biting that have plagued other regions made up of so many partners. Many area businesses have also joined the partnership, making it one of the state's premier public-private economic development alliances.