Region 1 Information

About Region 1

Region 1 consists of the cities of Bristol, Galax, and Norton; and the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe.

UVA at Wise serves as Region 1’s support organization. The support organization will provide fiduciary oversight and administrative services for activities related to GO Virginia in Region 1.

Region 1 At-A-Glance

381015
Total Population

149694
Total Employment

4.1%
Unemployment Rate

$34,237
Median Income Level

Advanced Manufacturing
Agriculture and Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Information and Emerging Technologies
Energy and Minerals

Regional Priority Industry Clusters

Council Members

Mike Quillen, Chairman
Moir Beamer, Vice-Chairman
Sam Cassell
Lois Clarke
Blake Edwards
Richard Edwards
Todd Elswick
Mark Eschle
Donna Henry
David Leonard
Josh Lewis
Ron McCall
Duane Miller
David Olive
Keith Perrigan
Beth Rhinehart
Bill Rush
Dean Sprinkle
Travis Staton
Mike Stollings
Browning Wynn II

Regional Resources

Growth and Diversification Plan

Recent News

OPINION: Energy Research Authority can help Southwest Virginia recover from coal’s decline

Washington County News
December 18, 2019

Nine regional projects approved for GO Virginia grants

Augusta Free Press
December 11, 2019

New research authority focused on energy alternatives in Southwest Virginia. https://www.roanoke.com/news/local/new-research-authority-focused-on-energy-alternatives-in-southwest-virginia/article_7fa00260-8edb-5403-8799-f707e8b71d22.html

The Roanoke Times
December 8, 2019

Contact

Shannon Blevins
E-mail
276-328-0162

Visit Region 1's Website

Learn more on DHCD's Website

Notice: The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is the state agency responsible for administering the GO Virginia program. Any documents supplied on this page are sourced directly from DHCD. Please forward any administrative questions to DHCD.