in the effort to reconstruct the community. Among these visionaries were the Valley Industry Commerce Association, the United Chambers of Commerce, and prominent individuals like David Fleming, David Honda, and Bob Scott. “They got together and decided that there was a need for a nonprofit organization,” Blake recounts, “a collective resolve to create what would become the Valley Economic Alliance.” This group and others served on the board of directors, giving birth to a nonprofit that has been a linchpin in the Valley’s economic development ever since. FOUR PILLARS OF OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE Blake elaborates on the Alliance’s current operations, framing it as a comprehensive community and economic development organization with a wide purview. The Alliance’s efforts are divided into four key initiatives: Economic Development, Workforce Development, Livable and Sustainable Communities, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Economic development is at the forefront of its mission. The Alliance provides a free business assistance program to support companies in starting up, recovering, and accessing resources. Blake emphasizes the importance of strategically deploying the region’s real estate, helping developers identify underinvested areas ripe for housing and job-creating businesses.“We also promote tourism,” she notes, showing the Alliance’s role in boosting local commerce by guiding visitors to the Valley’s restaurants, amenities, and entertainment venues. The second initiative, Workforce Development, addresses the pressing need for skilled labor in a post-pandemic world. According to Blake, this initiative connects employers with qualified employees and helps job seekers find training opportunities to upskill. “It’s an area that’s really growing and burgeoning,” she says, pointing out the recent labor market disruptions that have made this work more crucial than ever. Blake also speaks passionately about the Livable and Sustainable Communities initiative, which enhances the quality of life in the Valley. This encompasses promoting housing development, raising public awareness about environmental sustainability, and preserving parks and recreation spaces.The goal is to make the Valley an attractive place to live, work, and play.“It’s about really promoting the preservation of our parks and recreation,” she explains, emphasizing that quality of life is a key component in their overall strategy. Rounding out these efforts is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative, which Blake describes as integral to everything they do. The Valley is home to a diverse population, and the Alliance ensures its programs reflect and serve this diversity.“We want to make sure that our programs are serving people from a whole variety of our stakeholders,” Blake asserts, adding that this extends to its governance structure, ensuring diversity and inclusion at all levels. A UNIQUE APPROACH TO MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION For an organization like the Valley Economic Alliance, marketing isn’t just about spreading the word; it’s 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 THE VALLEY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
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