In the year 2000 the Upper Kanawha Valley Enterprise Community (UKVEC) made tremendous strides in several different areas. Advances were made in developing an informative benchmark report for board members, committees, and residents of the UKVEC. The UKVEC recorded over $43 million in funds infused into the Upper Kanawha Valley through programs such as infrastructure, community policing, rails-to-trails, housing, transportation, community facilities, and several other programs. This information, which was reported into the benchmark management system, illustrated that the UKVEC ranked #2 in the nation among Round II Enterprise Communities and #7 among all Enterprise Communities.

The UKVEC made progress in developing strong relationships with other non-profit organizations such as counties, municipalities, development agencies, and human service agencies. Also, a better understanding was realized about the relationship of our agency and other agencies that serve the Upper Kanawha Valley. This realization helped shape the role of our governing board and the duties the board and staff perform to serve the Upper Kanawha Valley. The UKVEC has gained a significant amount of knowledge and information on coordinating efforts and activities for applying for grants / loans, community meetings, communication, technical assistance, and various other tasks. The coordination of efforts and responsibilities with other service agencies has made clear to the UKVEC its roles in assisting the residents of the Upper Kanawha Valley.

Over the past year, members of the UKVEC Governing Board have learned more about the relationship between their role as board members, their existing community role with the UKVEC, and their structure and responsibilities toward the UKVEC staff. Recently, more emphasis has been placed on projects rather than rules, responsibilities, paperwork, structures, roles, and positioning of the UKVEC. The UKVEC Governing Board, committees, and staff have completed the initial start-up phase of a new organization and now have a better understanding and working relationship with many agencies and residents to afford more time toward projects.

The UKVEC Governing Board and staff have a good knowledge of programs to benefit the region and have expanded their knowledge of other federal, state, and local programs with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the many agencies that correspond with the UKVEC. The UKVEC has progressed rapidly with regard to acknowledgement, distinguished service, work ethic, and the responsibility and duty of taking on difficult projects and tasks. Many counties, municipalities, development organizations, and non-profit organizations have responded more frequently to the UKVEC for information and technical assistance for programs, benefits, and projects that affect their area. The UKVEC has also been in contact with several agencies outside the UKVEC service area for assistance and guidance. The UKVEC believes this correspondence and communication with several various agencies is in direct correlation to the time and effort the UKVEC Governing Board, committees, and staff expend on projects for community betterment.

Another sign of progress in which the UKVEC takes pride is the number of private agencies that have contacted the UKVEC to work on various projects in the present and future. Federal agencies and congressional offices have also made numerous contacts with the UKVEC to coordinate activities, communicate legislative information, and provide information on grant / loan programs. Also, state legislative leaders have acknowledged the UKVEC as a source to assist with several grants and to provide direction for various state programs and funding.

In conclusion, the UKVEC has been accepted, acknowledged, and directed to serve as the lead agency in the Upper Kanawha Valley (Fayette and Kanawha Counties of West Virginia) by federal and state agencies, federal and state legislators, counties, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and especially its citizens for bettering their communities.

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