Radford has been designated a 2007 All-America Finalist!

It all started back in November of 2006, when more than 20 local business owners, citizens, and city employees started working on the application. Radford’s completed application not only talked about how great of a place the City is to live, work, and play, but also focused on three innovative programs that brought people together to overcome obstacles and create solutions to issues in the community.

Radford chose to focus on the development of the Riverway Trail, the Industrial Development Association (IDA) coupled with the savings program for low-income families spearheaded by Beans and Rice, as well as the after school programs run by Beans and Rice at McHarg Elementary. More information on these projects can be in the AAC application.

Becoming designated as an All-America City is a tradition that dates back more than 50 years, and is considered to be the nation’s most prestigious civic recognition program. It’s sponsored by the National Civic League (NCL) and recognizes communities for having exemplary vision and utilizing collaborative problem solving to inclusively meet local challenges.

In April of 2007, the City was thrilled to learn it had been selected as one of 21 finalists. In a typical year there are over 60 applications, so it was a real honor!

And this past June, a delegation traveled to Anaheim, California, to show off all Radford had to offer. The group included:

Deborah Brown, formerly with Radford University

Laurie Buchwald, Vice-Mayor of Radford

Gary Harmon, Chief of Radford Department of Police

Dr. Dick Harshberger, Radford Councilman

Becky Haupt, Director of Main Street Radford

Becky Hawke, Public Relations and Grant Coordinator for Radford

Zack Kyle, Human Resources/Planning and Zoning for Radford

Nelda Pearson, Executive Director of Beans and Rice

In addition to a presentation highlighting Radford’s uniqueness and its three programs, the finals also included an in-depth question and answer period about the City. (Our Presentation)

The opportunity to watch and learn what other communities are doing was a fascinating experience, and it was inspiring to see so many other cities working together to overcome their own unique issues. Brief explanations of all the other projects featured by other cities can be found here.

There was also a little fun mixed in with all the hard work! The NCL organized a Civic Action Fair where competing cities brought food, giveaways, and information unique to their community. The variety was amazing! While Radford gave away Virginia Diner Peanuts, Hickory, North Carolina offered wool socks that are manufactured in their city, Sierra Madre, California gave away tiny pots and seeds of wisteria vines that they are known for, Laredo, Texas served up piping hot tamales… and everything in between!

While Radford wasn’t selected as a 2007 All-America City, we retain our Finalist status, for which we are immensely proud. The three projects focused on for the All-America application are just a few of the dozens and dozens of things the people of Radford are working on to make the community a better place for all to enjoy.