The newly formed Middle Peninsula Economic Development Resource Organization (MPEDRO) has engaged the services of The Riverlink Group, LLC and its principal officer Liz Povar as its executive management.

Lewis Lawrence, executive of the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission that is helping MPEDRO get off the ground, said that Povar, who is based in Deltaville and Richmond, will develop a work plan.

According to Lawrence, Gov. Terry McAuliffe recently said MPEDRO will receive $77,000 in funding through the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development to help pay for Povar’s professional expertise. She has more than 30 years of economic development experience in leadership roles at the local and state level, Lawrence said.

The Riverlink Group focuses on the intersection of higher education and workforce connectivity with community and business development, Lawrence said. This is important since the Middle Peninsula has among the lowest average hourly pay...