2008: On November 16th 2008, a small group of Floyd County residents gave a public presentation in the Floyd Country Store entitled “The Future of Floyd.” This gathering was arranged by The Floyd Fund, a local affiliate of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. Some 60 residents attended and presented diverse viewpoints. After the presentation a number of people stayed behind to talk further. This group became the core of the SustainFloyd initiative.
2009: In January, the core group began bi-monthly meetings. By April, a mission statement was created and the group had been granted a charter by the State of Virginia. SustainFloyd (SF) selected a board of directors, formed committees, elected officers and created a website. On May 26th, SF presented famed author, lecturer and environmentalist Bill McKibben to an audience of 130 in the Floyd Country Store. Mr. McKibben’s inspirational words were a watershed moment for the organization and lead SF to move forward on a number of initiatives, including participation in the global 350 Action. This event, which has been called the “greatest worldwide day of political action in history” put SF on “page one” of Google News. In September, SF created a “Stewardship” committee that would serve as the organization’s eyes, ears and conscience. SF’s 350 Action coincided with the group’s initiative to create Floyd County’s first environmental festival, known as “SplitRail.” This festival in October was also the launch date for the newly constructed Floyd Community Market. In December, after much deliberation, SF applied to the IRS for 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. (SF role with the Floyd Community Market?)
2010: In February, SF hired its first Director, Mike Burton, from a long slate of candidates. Burton had previously served as a Board member. On March 27th, 2010, SustainFloyd received confirmation from the IRS that our non-profit application was accepted. On March 31st, Congressman Rick Boucher helped dedicate “The Station” building, a new multi-purpose complex that includes the Floyd Community Market. He also met privately with SF and offered assistance in moving the organization forward. In May, 2010, the Floyd Artisans Market and Floyd Farmers Market opened in the Floyd Community Market pavilion, featuring local arts, crafts, fresh produce, breads and cheeses.
