A New Promise for an Old Place: The Revitalization and re-Visioning of a Rural Small Town

Abstract

As part of the Appalachian Teaching Project, this presentation by Emory & Henry students focuses on efforts for community and economic development in Glade Spring, Virginia and the first stages of a multi-year, multi-pronged effort to offer logistical, technical, and strategic support for efforts to rebuild and revitalize this small rural community located three miles from Emory & Henry College. Students will have worked collaboratively with members of the Glade Spring community to develop a marketing plan that will be used to recruit businesses and social entrepreneurial initiatives to the Glade Town Square. Also involved in this is research and data gathering to support the community’s application for economic development grants. Glade Spring was partially destroyed by a tornado in April 2011. At the time, it was on the cusp of major redevelopment projects, initiated from a new cadre of community leaders. Like most rural communities, Glade Spring has witnessed the demise of its vital local economy, the removal of its people to places offering more economic opportunities and the decline in its quality of life for those who remain. Many thought that the destruction wrought in the tornado was the death knell for the place. Since April 2011, however, the town has regained and redoubled its stride. This project highlights lessons learned in the rebuilding effort, extending those lessons for positive and proactive growth