Since 1985 the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council has been a force behind the rebirth of the Blackstone River Valley, Rhode Island USA.  With an integrated community-centered, resilient approach to tourism development, the Council has worked to help transform a polluted, spiritless landscape and river into an emerging visitor destination.  Residents have regained their pride-of-place, banding together to ensure the future protection of the Blackstone Valley for residents, commerce and visitors to enjoy the story of the Birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution.  In developing a tourism system in the Blackstone Valley , the Council has succeeded in uniting a community, awakening it to its potential and the need to preserve its natural, cultural and historical features, along the way gaining international recognition and creating a sustainable, enjoyable visitor destination.  Through innovative projects like the Sustainable Tourism Development and Planning Laboratory, the Council continues to grow and enhance its many offerings while sharing lessons learned with the international community.