[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 67 (Friday, April 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SUPPORTING WORK OF THE HIGHLAND CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 29, 2016

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, Highland County, Va., is a little slice 
of heaven. Anyone who lives there or has visited this beautiful area 
knows exactly what I mean. I am honored to represent the Sixth 
Congressional District in the House of Representatives, including this 
unique region of the Commonwealth.
  Part of what makes Highland County special is that it is remote. It 
is a living example of how vibrant rural America remains. That has 
plenty of advantages and in many ways Highland County remains a well-
kept secret. But that also comes with a unique set of challenges, 
including limited access for businesses and limited opportunities for 
growth. In a region that continues to be known for its heavy reliance 
on an agri-business economy, the Highland Center is an important asset 
in helping preserve jobs and encourage new enterprises.
  With the mission of serving all citizens of Highland County by being 
a catalyst for cultural and economic development, the Highland Center 
in Monterey, Va., has become a gathering place and treasured landmark 
in the community. Since its inception in 1998, I have visited the 
facility to see its programs in action and have been kept well-informed 
about the variety of ventures that it supports in the Alleghany 
Highlands.
  The Highland Center has spent a great deal of time building public 
and private connections to sustain its many operations, including a 
business incubator, a farmers market, and the Youth Employment Program. 
Today, the Highland Center houses 13 tenants representing a mix of 
small businesses, individual artists, and non-profit organizations It 
also serves as a public venue for community events.
  Most recently, the Center has embarked upon an effort to renovate the 
old school building that serves as its headquarters. On May 1, the 
Highland Center will hold a ribbon-cutting to officially unveil its 
newly renovated facility. While the Highland Center was temporarily 
relocated to the historic Highland Inn during construction, the 
organization's work in the community did not cease. The improvements 
made to the Highland Center over the past 13 months will aid in the 
Center's innovative and collaborative work as well as efforts to 
further integrate this vital community center into the local economy.
  The reopening of the Highland Center is a long-awaited occasion. I 
thank the Highland Center Board members, Executive Director Betty 
Mitchell, and the countless volunteers for their hard work and 
dedication to seeing this through. I wholeheartedly support the 
Highland Center's drive to develop creative solutions to rural 
Virginia's needs. I wish the Center great success as it reopens its 
much-improved facility.

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