Covington returns to regional economic development group

The city of Covington has returned to the Roanoke Regional Partnership after a three-year hiatus from membership in the economic development group.

Covington was a member of the group from 2004 to 2009 but left it largely for economic reasons during the height of the recession, said Beth Doughty, executive director of the organization. More recently, the Covington City Council has refocused on economic development and understands the value of a regional approach. The renewed membership was approved as part of the city’s budget process earlier this year.

“Our resources, while limited, can be leveraged many times over through regional efforts,” Covington Mayor Thomas Sibold said in a partnership news release. Joining the partnership again is the most efficient way for the city to create needed jobs and tax revenue, he added.

Covington joins Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke counties, the cities of Roanoke and Salem and the town of Vinton in the partnership, which is funded by contributions from those governments and from private sector sources. The partnership’s annual budget is $1.2 million. Government contributions are per capita, and Covington’s part for the 2013-14 fiscal year will be $12,000, the news release said.

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