Community Alliances

The first pillar our mission is based on is Knowledge Into Action: Collaborate in the creation of programs that facilitate community-based economic action.

To do this, the Tayloe Murphy Center partners with communities around the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through these alliances, we seek to work with community leaders and residents to determine the particular economic development needs, challenges and strengths in their community.

We collaborate with our community partners to determine what economic development activities, ranging from educational programs to research or business competitions, are best suited to lead to long-term sustainable change. 

Through our network of community partners, we seek to create shared resources and tools so that communities facing economic challenges can learn from each other as they work to become more globally competitive.

The center is currently working with the following communities:

Cities of Danville and Martinsville, and Halifax, Henry, and Pittsylvania Counties

Southern Virginia was the heart of the tobacco and textile industries in Virginia and a critical region in the state's growth and development.  With the move of much of this manufacutring overseas in the last two decades, this area has been working to capitalize on its economic and regional strengths in developing new industry and business. In 2009, we hosted a day-long series of public events in Danville with community leaders, high school students, young professionals, business people and others. Throughout the day, we led discussions of the economic challenges facing their area, exciting economic activities taking place and opportunities for further economic development.  In 2011 the UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies, in partnership with the center, will be offering a Certificate in Entrepreneurship in the region.

Cities of Franklin and Smithfield, and Southampton and Isle of Wight Counties

These four localities are located in southeastern Virginia, south of the James River and on the edge of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. The area has a strong agricultural base, and timber and paper production has been a core part of its economy since the late 1800s. With the closure of the International Paper mill in the summer of 2010, local leaders are actively working on new initiatives to build and grow their economy. The Tayloe Murphy Center is currently building alliances with community and business leaders in this area to develop center initiatives and economic development partnerships in their area.

Cities of Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights, and Prince George County

Just south of Richmond, these four localities served as a critical industrial and agricultural hub in Virginia with their location near the Appomattox and James Rivers. The area is home to Virginia State University and the U.S. Army's Fort Lee. The Tayloe Murphy Center started working in the area in partnership with local business leaders, economic development professionals and other local leaders brought together through the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce in the summer of 2010. We recently visited Petersburg, and Greg Fairchild spoke on creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and the role of entrepreneurship in economic development with the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also spoke on entrepreneurship to students at the Appomattox Regional Governor's School. Read the story about the visit from the Petersburg Progress-Index.

Cities of Wise, Norton and Lee, and Scott and Wise Counties

These five localities in the southwest corner of Virginia have their economy and culture rooted in the mountains that make up this beautiful landscape. Coal mining, outdoor activities and tourism have been key parts of the Southwest Virginia economy, but with recent initiatives such as broadband extension, high tech and other industries, their economies are starting to grow. The University of Virginia's College at Wise serves the region along with many partners in the Virginia Community College System.

For more information on our programs and outreach, please contact us at +1-434-982-4527 or tmc@darden.virginia.edu.