Below is a joint press release from Bedford County and Roanoke Regional Partnership.

Bedford County has joined the Roanoke Regional Partnership, bringing the organization’s regional economic development network to nine localities working together to attract business investment, grow jobs, and build a stronger regional economy.

The Partnership was founded on the belief that regional collaboration creates a competitive advantage. Bedford County’s addition strengthens that approach by expanding the collective assets, talent, and opportunities the region can offer businesses considering investment and growth.

“Regional collaboration is our competitive advantage,” said John Hull, president and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “We are excited to welcome Bedford County to the Partnership and to continue building on the success we’ve had across the region. Bedford County adds significant strengths to the Partnership, including strong tourism assets, a thriving outdoor recreation economy, business-ready sites, and a shared vision for economic growth that will further strengthen our entire region.”

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Bedford County to the Roanoke Regional Partnership,” said Sean Horne, chair of the Roanoke Regional Partnership Board of Directors. “This is an exciting moment for our region. Bedford County adds new strengths, new opportunities, and another valued voice to our collaborative effort. Together, we are even better positioned to attract investment, support business growth, and tell the story of a region that is stronger because we work together.”

The Partnership’s mission is to increase economic opportunity throughout the region. That work is done by attracting new businesses, creating jobs, encouraging capital investment, supporting existing industry, attracting talent, and advancing placemaking initiatives that enhance quality of life. Every successful project creates benefits that extend beyond a single locality, strengthening the regional economy and creating opportunities for businesses and residents alike.

Bedford County’s decision to join the Partnership was driven by the organization’s proven track record of delivering results through regional cooperation.

“Bedford County has tremendous assets and significant opportunities for business  development,” said Robert Hiss, Bedford County Administrator. “We have watched the Partnership successfully attract new employers, help existing businesses expand, elevate the region’s profile, and promote the quality of life that makes this area so attractive. Joining the Partnership allows Bedford County to collaborate across public and private sectors and contribute our own strengths to the regional story.”

“I’m pleased with Bedford County’s partnership with RRP and the opportunities it creates to attract new business investment while supporting our existing business community for years to come,” said Bedford County Supervisor Edgar Tuck (District 2). “RRP’s track record of success throughout the region is impressive, and we look forward to being a valued partner moving forward.”

Over the next few weeks, teams will collaborate to design and execute a plan to integrate Bedford County into regional messaging.

Success in economic development is rarely achieved alone. The Roanoke Regional Partnership was built on the idea that collaboration creates opportunity. Together, these localities offer a stronger workforce, a more diverse economy, a richer quality of life, and a more competitive business environment than any community could provide on its own. By telling one regional story and working toward shared goals, opportunities are created that benefit every corner of the Roanoke Region. With Bedford County’s addition, the Roanoke Regional Partnership now serves nine localities across the Roanoke Region, including the cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem; Alleghany, Bedford, Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke counties; and the Town of Vinton. Along with the nine local governments, over 120 private businesses are invested in the regional economic success achieved through the Partnership.