For some, the word “collaboration” may stir up unwanted memories of grade-school group projects or forced partnerships in the office. Yet, in Farmville, recent projects owe their success entirely to collaborative efforts.

From launching VisitFarmville.com to painting our newest mural on Third Street, much of the progress in town relies on the willingness of multiple parties to come together.

For the new website, willingness from Prince Edward County, the town of Farmville, Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC) and Longwood University (LU) made this project possible.

Mayor David Whitus said he was proud of this collaboration, and I agree.

Furthermore, collaborative projects, such as the dually funded mural are helping to beautify downtown. LU, H-SC and the Farmville Downtown Partnership came together to create a successful focal point for visitors and residents alike.

Other collaborative projects will surely come in the future. Already, signs proudly display the partnership between Walk2Campus Apartments and Third Street Brewing, to bring both the new High Bridge Lofts apartments and brewery to downtown West Third Street soon.

The largest collaborative project taking place in town may be the Vice Presidential Debate. While the debate will take place at Longwood, the town has partnered with the university during the past year to help make next week a success. Not only has a variety of police and sheriff’s departments come together to keep Farmville safe, but town council, the county board of supervisors and Prince Edward Public School system have also contributed in preparing for the spotlight.

Collaboration means sacrifice and compromise, such as community members sacrificing their town for media and campaign guests, or that of local students compromising their campus for a short while.

Nonetheless, collaboration is a meaningful way to bring new parties together and create unfounded success. I look forward to more innovation and collaboration to improve our downtown.

Carson Reeher is a staff writer for The Farmville Herald. Her email address is carson.reeher@farmvilleherald.com.