A case study of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Valley Resource Center's Community-Based Programs : an example of local economic development in rural areas

This study attempted to assess the impact of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Valley Resource Center's Community-Based Economic Development programs in rural communities. Several methods were employed during the research. First, a review of the literature concerning community-based economic development and community-based development organizations was performed. Second, a review of TVA's economic and community-based programs was performed. Third, case studies were conducted in four rural communities which have participated in TVA's community-based initiative. The four communities include: Pocahontas, Virginia; Robbins, Tennessee; Roses Creek, Tennessee; and Walls Mississippi. Interviews were conducted with representatives from each community in order to assess the impact of TVA's community-based initiatives. It was concluded that TVA's Community-Based Economic Development program did have an impact in the four case study communities. It was also concluded that TVA's Community-Based Economic Development program is a sound approach to economic development in rural areas.