On June 18th, 2004, Virginia's Governor, Senators and other officials formally introduced the Southside Virginia's RBI-a powerful, long-term economic revitalization initiative to promote economic development opportunities, attract technology-based industries and create new jobs. The RBI will provide an advanced telecommunications infrastructure that will span over 700 miles, connect four cities, 20 counties and 56 industrial parks while providing high-speed Internet access to nearly 700,000 citizens and over 19,000 businesses. The project will also be integrated into a larger fiber-optic system across the state. The initiative stems from a unique collaboration between the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the U.S. Department of Commerce–Economic Development Administration and a non-profit organization. Together we will plant a seed of promise for the future of Southside Virginia.