HARRISBURG, PA-In February 2202, ENVISION Capital region held its annual meeting for review of the implementation process. Progress on the Key Benchmarks was presented and 23 Vision Partners reported on ENVISION strategy accomplishments in 2001. Reports included:

ØTechnology Council of Central PA reported on their efforts to locate the Life Sciences Greenhouse Center in the Region. On April 4^th, Governor Mark Schweiker announced funding of $32.8 million for the mid-state region for biotechnology research.

ØCapital Area Early Childhood Training Institute announced the linking of visiting nurses with the early childhood centers who participate in the mentoring program to serve as health and safety consultants.

ØCrossgates reported on the expansion of their Technology Park (TecPort) located in Swatara Township

ØLeave a Legacy reported on their efforts to expand charitable giving

ØHarrisburg Polytechnic Development Corporation reported on the partnership between the community, business and higher education to position the Capital Region for full participation in science-based economic change by building a nationally ranked research university.

ØSouth Central Assembly for Effective Governance presented on their development guidelines report.

ØModern Transit Partnership spoke concerning receipt of federal funding regional light rail

ØDauphin County Office of Economic Development reported on their program to encourage cooperation and sharing at a local government level.

ØTri-County Regional Planning Commission reported on efforts to provide commuter alternatives and enhance bike and pedestrian trails in the region.

ØMilitary Heritage Foundation announced success in location of the Military Heritage Education Center in the Region and near achievement of their fund raising goal.

ØIn its May issue, Yahoo Magazine named the Harrisburg market the 40^th most wired city in the nation and most wired in Pennsylvania.

ØENVISION Capital Region, managed by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, is a community-driven initiative launched in l997 to boost the economic and social development in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. ENVISION representatives have adopted a 20-year vision for the region’s future and enlisted more than 340 "Vision Partners" to help realize the goals. http://www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org/display.aspx?pathId=envision

SAGINAW, MI-The following is a part of Henry Marsh’s article in the Saginaw County 2020 March newsletter:

As one of Vision 2020’s Co-chairs, I congratulate one of our members, Mike Dewey, Superintendent of Chesaning Schools, on his letter giving Dick Garber a richly deserved compliment in the March 3^rd edition of the Saginaw News.

He congratulated Dick, not only for bringing a hockey team to Saginaw, but also praised his involvement as a member of Vision 2020 and his unstinting efforts to retain the County Events Center. The thing that made his letter so significant to me was the following statement: "As I sat there at the press conference, I realized again that ‘one person really can make a difference.’ Garber’s press conference inspired me to begin a new program at Chesaning Middle School. We plan on calling it, ‘I Have A Dream’. Over the next 12 months, I will invite guest speakers from throughout Saginaw County to our middle school students. The lecture series will be about role models and heroes of Saginaw County, visiting and sharing ideas with our young people." Read the entire article from the newsletter at http://www.saginawcountyvision2020.org/

MOBILE, AL-Mobile County elementary students are learning that math can be fun, thanks in part to a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to the Mobile Area Education Foundation. Learn more about the grant and other Envision activities from the Quarterly update from Envision Mobile-Baldwin at http://www.mobilechamber.com/development/

RICHMOND, VA-The Richmond MSA passed the one million population mark in 2001. http://www.grcc.com/vision2010/

MEMPHIS, TN-Despite the slow economy, over $1.7 billion was invested in Memphis and Shelby County by companies in 2001. For the fifth year in a row, the total exceeds the annual goal of $1 billion set by the MEMPHIS 2005 Plan. http://www.memphis2005.com/

DALTON, GA-On March 28, 2002, public and private organizations worked together to acquire 625 acres on Rocky Face Ridge to be used for conservation. On this ridge on May 8-9, 1864, 165,000 men faced off in a Civil War campaign that ended in Atlanta nearly four months later. Mike Babb, Chairman of the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners said, "The acquisition of Rocky Face Ridge is positive proof of the degree of accomplishment a community-wide, comprehensive effort can achieve. The county plans minor enhancement of the land, which is just east of the restoration project at Tunnel Hill, to tell the story of the battle and to preserve the Confederate fortifications. The land will remain undeveloped, protecting our natural resources, including Mill creek. Its protection will assure substantial natural habitat near a densely populated area, enhancing the quality of life in our community, the goal of the Georgia Community Greenspace Program. We take great pride in preserving our heritage, while embracing our future." http://www.targettomorrow.com/

HAMPTON ROADS, VA-The 1.6 million population Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News MSA will vote in November 2002 on a $6 billion transportation bond issue. The bond issue will fund six major transportation projects with ½ for a 3^rd crossing of the Hampton Roads Harbor.

RUTHERFORD, NC-Luke Planning, Inc, will provide facilitation and process for "REALIZE RUTHERFORD". Rutherford County is in western North Carolina and is the 53^rd community with facilitation by Henry Luke.

CURACAO, NETHERLAND ANTILLES-The Curacao Chamber of Commerce Annual Economic review was presented on April 12, 2002. http://www.curacao-chamber.an/ . Vishon Korsou can be accessed at http://www.vishonkorsou.org/

JACKSONVILLE, FL-The $13 million Schultz Center for Technology and Leadership opened on February 22, 2002. The professional development academy for educators is the first of its kind in Florida. Its use is free for educators from the five-county Jacksonville region.

Notice: Due to a problem with AT & T many of you did not receive newsletters #28 with an article on St. Johns County, FL and #27 with a major article on Saginaw County, MI’s implementation results. These newsletters can be accessed at http://www.lukevision.com/newsletter

PAST COMMUNITY VISIONING REPORTS, the Community Strategic Planning Process, and client web sites can be reviewed from the menu below. Luke Planning, Inc. provides facilitation for Community Vision and Community Strategic Planning. Please forward this newsletter to anyone who may have an interest in these topics.

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