LRBA CEO Megan Lucas Presents a “Snapshot of Regional Development” to Campbell County’s Economic Development Committee

Megan Lucas stands in a conference room as the screen on the wall shows a slide defining Economic Development

Campbell County’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) welcomed Megan Lucas, CEO and Chief Economic Development Officer of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance (LRBA) to their October 26, 2022 meeting. Lucas gave a thorough presentation entitled “Snapshot of Regional Economic Development.” She discussed what professional economic developers do and how their efforts contribute to the quality of life in their area, how site selection works when a company is looking for a new business location, key needs in the region to attract new business, and what efforts the LRBA has taken on behalf of the Lynchburg Region. As one of the localities who are members of the LRBA (the City of Lynchburg, and the Counties of Campbell, Amherst, Appomattox, and Bedford and the Towns of Amherst, Altavista, Appomattox, Bedford, and Brookneal), Campbell County has a significant role in the development of the Regional Economic Strategy which includes the following four goals:

Develop, retain, and attract a talented workforce
Grow and attract diverse, wealth-creating businesses
Ensure competitive supply of industrial sites and buildings
Pursue catalytic quality of place enhancements.

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Process

The Department of Economic Development invited Lucas to make this presentation at this time in anticipation of next year’s scheduled update of Campbell County’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS process involves analysis of current strengths and weaknesses of the local economy, identifies opportunities for growth, and develops a series of measurable goals which in turn guides the Economic Development Department in their efforts to improve the economy and quality of life in the County. A CEDS is also required as a qualification for EDA assistance under its public works, economic adjustment and planning grant programs.

How to Get Involved

The EDA requires that the County establish and maintain a committee of various community, government and industry representatives to oversee the CEDS process. The CEDS Committee is the principal facilitator for the economic development planning and implementation process. The CEDS Committee will examine the current economy, explore new ideas and prioritize eligible economic development projects for potential funding.

All members of the Campbell County community are encouraged to participate in any available opportunities in the development of the CEDS update, which could include focus groups, community surveys, public meetings and more. The Department of Economic Development will announce opportunities for input and participation in the process beginning in the early 2023. The more people who participate in the strategic planning, the more likely the results will accurately reflect the current position of the County and the direction its citizens would like it to take.