In an attempt to ensure a promising economic future for the Blue Ridge region of the Commonwealth, the 1991 General Assembly adopted House Joint Resolution No. 451 (HJR 451). (See Appendix A.) The resolution established a 23-member commission to propose recommendations to promote and stimulate economic development in the Blue Ridge region of the Commonwealth. The Commission's membership was composed as follows: six members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker; five members of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; and 12 citizen members from the Blue Ridge region of the Commonwealth, including two representatives each from local governments and from the business and industrial communities; two local economic development officials; one representative each from the banking community, a major utility, and a four-year institution of higher education; and one community college president, all appointed by the Governor.

Delegate Joan H. Munford served as chairman of the Commission, with Senator Frank W. Nolen acting as vice chairman. The Commission's interim report, House Document No. 60 (1992), included 19 recommendations addressing a wide variety of economic development concerns including the creation of a "deal-closing fund," the establishment of the Blue Ridge Economic Development Advisory Council and the Blue Ridge Regional Education Council, and an in-depth study of Virginia's Welcome Centers by Virginia Tech. Of these recommendations, 17 were supported by legislation, and 11 were adopted by the 1992 General Assembly.

Due to the success of the Commission's legislation and the recognition that a one-year extension would enable the Commission to further consider, among other things, initiatives to improve workforce education and training; marketing strategies to promote industry and tourism; and partnerships between local government, educational institutions and the private sector, the Commission supported, and the 1992 Session of the General Assembly adopted, House Joint Resolution No. 107 (see Appendix B), which authorized the Commission to continue its study for an additional year. Also, Commission membership was expanded to include the executive director of a planning district commission located in the region.