WHEREAS, in 2014, Carroll County, a largely rural county in Southwest Virginia, was named one of the top 13 counties in the United States for entrepreneurship and economic growth by the National Association of Counties; and

WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties (NACo) works to provide the country's 3,069 counties with the tools and support to create healthy, vibrant, safe, and resilient communities; NACo honored Carroll County in a special publication, "Strong Economies, Resilient Counties: The Role of Counties in Economic Development"; and

WHEREAS, one of the smallest counties on the list, Carroll County was applauded for building a strong, diverse economy through its innovative Crossroads Small Business Development Center, active business retention strategies, and thriving agricultural market; and

WHEREAS, Carroll County helped establish the Crossroads Institute and the Crossroads Small Business Development Center, which works with potential and existing small business owners to provide legal, financial, and educational support; the center has helped 289 businesses and created or retained 1,200 local jobs since 2006; and

WHEREAS, further striving to protect and create local jobs, Carroll County has taken an active role in business retention by strengthening infrastructure to help existing businesses increase efficiency and encourage expansion; and

WHEREAS, Carroll County also collaborated with government agencies, local farmers, and retail stores to establish the county as a primary supplier of pumpkins to the Mid-Atlantic region; the county facilitated the creation of the Virginia Pumpkin Growers Association, which has added more than $15 million in pumpkin sales to the local economy; and

WHEREAS, Carroll County has consistently demonstrated a firm commitment to the well-being of its residents and the long-term resiliency of the local economy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Carroll County on being named one of the best counties in the United States for entrepreneurship and economic growth by the National Association of Counties; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Carroll County Board of Supervisors as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for Carroll County's achievements and dedication to the well-being of its residents.