Members of the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce Leadership Development Program got a chance to tell county commissioners today their thoughts on projects to help area youth.
Through a $15,000 grant, the members of the youth leadership developed ideas they believe would make the area more attractive to young people, said Allen Purser, president of the chamber.
Through this program they came up with a plethora of ideas, from skating rinks and a YMCA to arcades and water parks.
One of the speakers, Devonte Ghee, is the youngest member of the chamber, Purser said.
Ghee, of Halifax, has a website design company called Trinity Web Design & Electronics.
“I opened a business during the 2012 school year from a community-school program call The Small Business Academy,” Ghee told the board. “I have achieved some great things while working as an entrepreneur. Some skills I have acquired are responsibility, courage and patience that can ultimately help me throughout life. It all started from a program in my community.”
Ghee explained the problem in the community is not having enough places for young people to go to and have a nice, safe environment to do activities in. “There are many places in the community to have activities but not enough people who want to help out and be a part of the solution, which is creating a problem within the youth group as they don’t have anything productive to do.”
In the quest to find something to do, those things could end up costing them their life or freedom, he explained.
One of the ways Ghee wants to help is through his business. “I would be glad to help out the community by showing students and adults how to make a website, how to access the Internet, how to fix a computer or even teach them how to use the computer altogether. It’s not a problem for me to go out and teach them how to do these things as long as they are willing to learn them.”
In other matters today the board:
Commissioner Rives Manning reads Gatling her retirement resolution.
Recognized the retirement of Emma H. Gatling from the department of social services. She is retiring as an income maintenance caseworker on May 31 after more than 18 years of service.
Commissioner Marcelle Smith reads Hux his retirement resolution.
Recognized the retirement of Lieutenant Tim Hux from the sheriff’s office after 30 years of service. Sheriff Jeff Frazier presented Hux with his badge and gun. He will retire May 31.
Agreed to have former Tax Assessor Charles Graham come back until a permanent replacement can be found for current assessor Starlin Beatty. Beatty accepted the tax administrator position in Warren County and will leave May 16.
