What the CECE team learned from their staff retreat in Clifton Forge

A recent staff retreat in Clifton Forge offered the Center for Economic and Community Engagement team a closer look at the people, places, and partnerships shaping the Alleghany Highlands.

The visit was part work session, part community learning experience, giving CECE staff a chance to hear from local leaders, explore downtown Clifton Forge, and better understand the opportunities and challenges connected to the Alleghany Thrives Initiative.

For CECE, place-based work begins with listening. In Clifton Forge, team members saw a community rich with natural beauty, local pride, historic assets, and momentum around tourism, downtown revitalization, housing, workforce, and quality of life.

Here are a few reflections from CECE staff about what stood out, what surprised them, and what OIA colleagues should know about Clifton Forge and the Alleghany Highlands.

Holly Carroll, business manager: What surprised me was that for a quaint little town, Clifton Forge has so much potential!  It’s a great place for outdoor recreation.  It also boasts charming local shops and businesses and a rich history.

Ashley Crouse, economic and community development specialist: The visit helped me better understand how the Alleghany Thrives Initiative is grounded in local relationships. It also showed how interconnected issues like workforce, housing, health, and quality of life are within the community’s broader development strategy. I was surprised by the level of coordination and momentum already underway across different initiatives and partners. The area has a strong foundation of engaged local leaders and organizations that are committed to collaboration and problem-solving. It’s a community with significant assets and momentum, even as it continues navigating economic and demographic challenges.

Kim Gray, office assistant: Having been to the Covington area before (but not Clifton Forge), the town itself was as I imagined – in need of some TLC and economic development.  I was surprised at the natural beauty of the mountains and rock jut outs along the drive as we approached Clifton Forge.  I think the purchase of the old CSX building to be transformed into a boutique hotel will be a valuable asset to the community.  I was also surprised at the statistics provided by Josh Taylor from the tourism department that showed the number of people who come to the area for various outdoor activities or have spent time recently on exploring their website.  I found the lunch panel of Alleghany Thrives group members to be super informative with respect to what they would like to see accomplished in their communities through the program.  They all brought a different perspective with a common goal, enthusiasm, and passion to see the area improve.

Julia Kell, communications specialist: What stood out to me in Clifton Forge was the beautiful downtown area, the friendly people, and local businesses; we visited a candy shop and the Alleghany Highlands arts and crafts center, which had a huge range of art for sale. This was my second time visiting Clifton Forge. The first time I went I did not know there was a sensory trail that you could walk to from the downtown area. The peaceful trail goes by a creek, the perfect way to relax on your lunch break. I also did not know about the Clifton Forge School of the Arts, which offers many different art classes to people of all ages, with classes on blacksmithing, drawing and painting, fiber arts, woodworking, and glass.

Barb Reibsamen, GO Virginia Region 2 program coordinator: The charming main downtown and beautiful surroundings stood out to me. The empty buildings had so much history and potential. The community is open for business and really wants to bring attention to this area and showcase all it has to offer. OIA colleagues should know it’s a short beautiful drive from here to see the Historic Masonic Theatre in person but it is totally worth it! 

Elli Travis, associate director for impact and evaluation: Their tourism/chamber seems very ahead of the curve in terms of the tourism initiatives they are piloting and the data they are collecting to track progress – this is already building a great foundation for future growth in areas like civic pride, community development, and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Their downtown is also ahead of the curve in terms of building community gathering spaces, façade improvements, streetscapes, renovated historic buildings, etc. I’m excited to see what is next for converting second floor main street buildings into living spaces to ease the affordable housing challenge and continue to build positive buzz around downtown.