“The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” Never have I understood the power and importance of Aristotle’s definition of synergy more than through the work of the STRONG Accountable Care Community. A region empowered to impact through collaboration. Now, there’s a blueprint for the future!” 

“The STRONG Accountable Care Community is a tremendous asset to our region. They provide a collaborative approach to addressing local issues by bringing experts in various fields together to work on solutions. Their commitment to tackling our region’s biggest challenges through open communication and partnership is a great tool for building a strong and healthy community. Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia is pleased to be a partner in the STRONG Accountable Care Community.”

“The STRONG ACC has been invaluable in connecting our smaller communities across the region to resources and partnerships that we would not have known were available. We are thankful for the collaboration and support that Johnson County has received from the STRONG ACC. It has been amazing to watch this group of diverse organizations grow and thrive and work together to create a better region for the next generation.”

“Folks in upper East Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia have tons in common. Being from the central Appalachian region and somewhat rural, we have been doing business and sharing experiences for decades and the two regions are inextricably mixed. There is no doubt we have many of the same opportunities and challenges. STRONG ACC is the first organization that focuses on the lives of our youth from the Galax area in Virginia, all the way to the Morristown, TN area. STRONG stands for ‘Striving Toward Resilience and Opportunity for the Next Generation’ and the STRONG ACC strives to focus over 400+ organizations, institutions and businesses toward our goal of making this area an even better place to live in coming generations. Crutchfield Corporation is proud to be a small part in this effort and we encourage more folks to get on board.”

“UVA Wise and STRONG ACC have a mutual vision to holistically develop our communities and future leaders. It is a pleasure to have partners in STRONG ACC who also work to enhance not only the region’s workforce but its community members’ health, vitality and quality of life. We are proud to have alumni working within STRONG ACC initiatives, to partner with STRONG ACC at some of our premiere events including our annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum, and to collaborate on innovative educational programming with our STRONG ACC partners. With so many great organizations working together, the future of our region is bright!”

“The STRONG ACC’s work has been instrumental in bringing together the business community, chambers of commerce, education, healthcare and others around the common goal to improve the health of our region. Starting early matters and that’s exactly what the STRONG ACC is all about with their early care and education work in the region. I am excited to see the positive impact it will make for our children and families in the years to come. “

In the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board’s mission we state that we support the region’s economy through a collaborative approach to meeting needs of businesses and job seekers that is flexible and adaptable to the changing economic ecosystem.  We recognize we cannot serve our communities alone.  Being part of the STRONG ACC allows for us to make the necessary connections to serve the whole individual (and their families) in ways we could never have done alone.  On a personal note, being part of this organization since its inception has broadened my own understanding of the needs that people in our communities have and to see all of the dedication and work of people and organizations to meet those needs.  I have grown professionally and personally from the experience.