Community Development Specialists from BB&T, in conjunction with independent consultants, regularly conduct formal meetings with individuals involved in local community development efforts from across our service area. These Strategic Planning Sessions, formed in order to facilitate improvement within our communities, are conducted in two parts:

• Part 1 allows participants to form new partnerships and generate ideas for community involvement. Participants also discuss credit needs related to affordable housing and economic development. Identifying community needs is a priority of this session.
• Part 2 involves working in subcommittees to develop strategies to accomplish the specific goals and objectives set by participants in Part 1.

Participants in these sessions represent a cross-section of the community, including low- and moderate-income individuals, minorities, opinion leaders, organization leaders, and local government officials.

Upon completion of both Strategic Planning Sessions, the community group determines next steps. This may include forming a CRA Steering Committee to implement on-going initiatives related to affordable housing, business development, and overall community development.

For more information about our Strategic Planning Sessions and Steering Committees, please contact your local Community Development Specialist.

2009 CRA Steering Committee meetings will be held in the cities listed below.