BLACKSBURG, Va., Feb. 5, 2016 – While small towns in Southwest Virginia often face more significant challenges than their larger counterparts, they also have great opportunities. In this month's episode of Save Our Towns, a successful grant writer and a statewide planner share what happens when a small town capitalizes on its distinctive assets for economic development. 

Reporter Hannah Samlall of Warrenton, Virginia, a Virginia Tech senior majoring in communications in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, reports from Galax.

The episode shares thoughts from a dozen planners who converged at the Rural Planning Caucus of Virginia in South Boston. There, Andrew Sorrell of Virginia's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offered the episode’s expert tip, sharing insights on how mayors can capitalize on their small-town strengths.

The second season of Save Our Towns, which has drawn thousands of viewers both on YouTube and on the resource-rich Save Our Towns website, will continue through April. Future episodes are planned to showcase riverside sculptures in Pearisburg and the power of residents pulling together in Haysi.

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