Another compare and contrast between Christiansburg leadership and other neighboring localities: Roanoke and Salem have now both entered into partnerships to ensure perpetual scholarship programs are available to graduating high school seniors. To do this, each city needed $100,000 and $78,000 respectively. Seen as an investment in workforce development, contributing businesses should realize a return on their community investment by providing assistance for Virginia Western Community College tuition. In the NRV, the community college's similar program may end due to a lack of funding.
Meanwhile in Christiansburg, the office of the Mayor has embarked on a "community ownership drive" for the town's aquatic center, to fund the purchase of $500,000 worth of furniture and equipment for its newest specialty sports facility.
Donations to the town are "a reflection of the amount of public pride" the giver has, as well as providing the donor with public recognition and/or advertising on official facility promotional materials and entry ways, according to the press release. These gifts will cover expenses over and above what had been pledged by Virginia Tech for the $14.5 million construction project.
Styled in Olympic fashion, donations to the Christiansburg Aquatic Center are tiered:
- Gold: $20,000 or more
- Silver: $10,000 to $19,999
- Bronze: $5,000 to $9,999
- "Friends" - a minimum of $500 or maximum of $4,999
- Memorial: $250 to $499 to honor or remember loved ones
Every licensed business in the Town of Christiansburg has been sent a letter, inviting participation and promising inclusion on a "wall of fame" at the new facility, but donations will be accepted from any contributor. The Community Ownership Committee includes the Mayor and Town Manager, newly hired facility director Terry Caldwell and sitting councilman Ernie Wade. Additionally, area Rotarians and Christiansburg Kiwanians are represented, as are banking institutions and former council members. This new town facility and initiative is completely separate and apart from the town's Parks & Recreation Department, facilities, budget and council appointed advisory commission.
If you are interested in making an "ownership commitment" to Christiansburg's aquatic facility, call (540) 382-6128, ext. 115 or 148.