Valley Forward was created to organize the younger generation and advocate economic development and quality of life initiatives and ideas that will benefit the Roanoke Valley for generations to come. Valley Forward is a volunteer group of young people with the simple mission of improving life in the Roanoke Valley and by fostering progress that will aid in retaining and harnessing the abundant creative energies of the younger, professional set.

Members of Valley Forward are concerned about the future and economic prospects of the Roanoke Valley.   Alarming numbers of our brightest, most accomplished young people often “outgrow” Roanoke and move on to bigger, more dynamic cities to contribute their talents and energies.   Valley Forward members have chosen to make the Roanoke Valley their home but want to see progress and a view towards the future, while being respectful or our the past.  

Valley Forward members feel that the Roanoke Valley needs bold, progressive ideas and initiatives to move the community forward.   Valley Forward’s interest is simply progress and a better Roanoke.