Vision 2030

The Charleston Area Alliance has assembled a blue ribbon panel of business and community leaders  that will spearhead a 20-year plan for creating jobs and strengthening the economy of the Kanawha Valley.   The planning project, called “Vision 2030,” aims to identify economic sectors that will promote sustainable growth and develop a roadmap for seizing opportunities and managing challenges on the immediate and long-term horizon. 

The Kanawha Valley is at a pivotal point in its history. How we manage both global trends, such as the transition to knowledge economy and energy innovation, and local issues, including new development of the Dow Tech Park and the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves, will determine whether our region enters a bold new era of promise and growth or watches the future pass us by.

The Alliance understands that the future is too important to be left to chance. Successful businesses make strategic decisions based upon long-term planning and research. If our region is to thrive, it is critical that we work together toward a shared, informed vision for creating opportunities for the people of the Kanawha Valley.

Joining Alliance President & CEO Matt Ballard and Chairman Pat Bond on the Vision 2030 Steering Committee are: Becky Ceperley, Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation; Steve Dexter, Thomas Health Systems; Kevin DiGregorio, Chemical Alliance Zone; Jim Guidarini, DOW; Senator Brooks McCabe;  Charleston City Manager David Molgaard; Delegate Meshea Poore;  Brad Rowe, General Corporation; David Sayre, SunTrust Bank/KISRA;  Kanawha County Manager Jennifer Sayre;   Sally Smith, Bowles Rice McDavid, Graff & Love;  Newt Thomas; and Dr. Ed Welch, University of Charleston.  

Through stakeholder meetings and other sessions, “Vision 2030” will bring together diverse community representatives to solicit input and insight on the factors that will shape a vital and prosperous future for the people and businesses of the Charleston-metro area.  Working with an economic development consultant to be named, Vision 2030 will develop a long-term job creation blueprint, which is expected to be presented to the community before Sept. 1, 2011.

The Steering Committee’s work will be amplified by an Advisory Committee, comprised of more than three dozen representatives from the community.

Our region is faced with unprecedented opportunity and challenges, and the window for writing our own destiny will eventually close. The Alliance is proud to be the organization that brings diverse groups together to plan our future.