FEBRUARY  2017  |  PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

  

Our Perspective
Spotlight:  Guest Columnists, Augusta County Parks & Recreation

Tie those laces tight! Verona is getting a new walking trail, and your lunch break just got a completely new view. The Augusta County Parks and Recreation Department is answering the call of the community and working to fill the need for recreation space in Verona. The community will soon have access to an outstanding recreation area right in its backyard and within Mill Place Commerce Park.
In its initial phase, the Park project will include a half-mile walking trail encircling an established stormwater management pond and wetland area. A picnic shelter will also be located in close proximity to the provided parking area. Andy Wells, Director of Parks and Recreation, shares, "The goal is a pocket park for both the Commerce Park and the greater Verona community. It will be ideal for lunch and nature breaks before and after work or even on weekends."
From an economic development standpoint, this project adds not only community amenities for local employees and citizens, but it also strategically uses land which is unsuitable for future business development. The roughly 15 acres where the trail will be placed has been designated as a stormwater management area - a vital element in responsible development. For that reason, the area is the perfect place for a recreational area and a positive addition to the Park's features.
This project would not be possible without Parks and Recreation as well as Economic Development staff collaboration working side-by-side with the leadership of Beverley Manor Board of Supervisor representative Terry Kelley and the support of the Greater Verona Business Association. We'll see you on the trail!

#goaugusta
Andy Wells & Nick Grow
Augusta County Parks & Recreation
540-245-5727 

Local Workforce Study Results and Breakfast
Save March 21st on your calendars
 
If workforce is a concern for your company and you're one of the 77% of local companies concerned about employee soft skills, plan to attend the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board's breakfast on March 21st. The agenda will include the most recent manufacturing study results as well as a keynote address by Virginia Department of Education's Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Steven Constantino. Dr. Constantino will be speaking to the statewide reforms Virginia is making to improve employee soft skills.
RSVP here and be sure to choose the Breakfast meeting in Staunton.
#toolbox
Agritourism in Virginia's New Economy -Three-day conference focused on fresh ideas
 
The 2017 VA Agritourism Conference will include:
  • Exploring social media, event planning, labor regulations, legal issues, financial resources, marketing strategies and best practices
  • Farm visits
  • Keynote speaker focused on turning businesses and communities into Customer Destinations
The conference will be held April 18-20 in Richmond, and you can register here.


GART grants - Last Call!

Don't miss out on Greater Augusta Regional Tourism's (GART) grant opportunity! GART is offering up to four $2,500 grants for regional tourism initiatives. Application deadline is February 26th. Click here to fill out an application.

Augusta County Economic Development & Tourism
 540.245.5619
www.AugustaVABusiness.com
 
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