Local governments, not just the state, must take steps to promote economic development, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling said during a regional meeting to discuss business initiatives.

The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission hosted the meeting, which was held at the Middlesex County School Board Conference Room at Saluda. About 20 invited local government officials and business development representatives attended the hour-and-a-half meeting, with many lingering to share ideas following the program.

Although Gov. Bob McDonnell has made economic development and creation of jobs a top priority for the state, Bolling said it is important for government officials from the Middle Peninsula’s six counties to meet to draw up a regional strategic plan for economic development. MPPDC chairman Louise Theberge, who also chairs the Gloucester Board of Supervisors, said after the meeting that each county has different economic goals and some are more accepting of new businesses than others.

By working together, Bolling said counties can identify what their priorities are and how the region can find ways to achieve them.

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