The 70 degree weather and blooming flowers make it hard to believe it's the end of February. I remember hearing stories of how the
Farmer's Almanac said this was going to be a harsh winter. Every time my hopes are raised that we've escaped a rough winter, I have to remind myself that it's not over until it's over.
Speaking of "over," the General Assembly has adjourned sine die. What could have been a very destructive Session for economic development has yielded fairly good results.
While funding was cut in some programs that are helpful tools for economic developers, it was restored, or at least partially restored, in others.
Thanks to the hard work of VEDA's Public Policy Committee and patrons (Delegate Matthew James and Senator Emmet Hanger), VEDA's proposed legislation to
lower the minimum size of industrial sites that may be included in the Virginia's Business Ready Sites Program from 250 acres to 100 acres passed unanimously in both houses. Even more impressive is the fact that we were able to successfully advocate for the restoration of $560,000 to the program after FY18 funding for the program was removed during budget negotiations. Many thanks to all the VEDA members who contacted their legislators in support of the program's funding. VEDA can be very proud of our efforts to champion this change in the program, which will make it more accessible to more of Virginia's localities.
We hope to see you at the VEDA Spring Conference at the Charlottesville Omni on
March 29-31, featuring
Powering a Dynamic Region through the Strength of Local Assets. Jason Ness, Alan Yost, and the Spring Conference Committee have done a fantastic job pulling together an interesting and informative program.
Be sure to also sign up for the professional development workshop on March 30, featuring
Using the Power of Facilitating Skills to Accomplish Organization Goals
. Many thanks to Von Gilbreath, Renee Chapline, and the Professional Development Committee for coordinating this helpful workshop on a skill that is highly valued in our profession.
If your organization is looking for an opportunity to shine, as well as to support VEDA, we are still seeking Spring Conference sponsors. Please contact Connie, Jason, or Alan if you are interested.
-Debbie Melvin, VEDA President
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
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| VEDA 2017 Spring Conference: Powering a Dynamic Region through the Strength of Local Assets |
Phew! Now that 2016 is in the rear view, we're excited to get 2017 going with the VEDA Spring Conference! Being held in Charlottesville, the conference line-up will focus on partnershi
ps and collaborations to tie in VEDA's year-long theme of
Partnering for Progress.
The Spring Conference will take a deep dive into how a region can leverage all of its localities' assets. Central Virginia is a blend of urban and rural economies and the Conference Committee is excited about showcasing how the region taps into its strengths for growing businesses of all sizes and industry types. You'll also learn about new ideas and resources to be put into action back in your region.
And of course, the conference location on the Downtown Mall makes it great place for restaurants, music, and nightlife! We'll see you in March!
-Jason Ness, City of Charlottesville Economic Development, Spring Conference Co-Chair
-Alan Yost, Greene County Economic Development & Tourism, Spring Conference Co-Chair
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VEDA Spring Conference features opening conference industry tours
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For the 2017 Spring Conference the planning committee has come up with a new idea to showcase the region and provide each attendee with their choice (on a first-come, first-served basis) of regional tours highlighting different aspects of economic development and how the region is using its local assets to generate economic growth and prosperity.
Case Study 1: Tourism/Asset Development:
Economic Impacts of Route 151 in Nelson County, Virginia
Nelson 151 is the travel destination for Virginia wine, craft beer, hard cider, spirits and outdoor recreation lovers. Route 151 is a designated Virginia scenic byway on the sunrise side of the Blue Ridge that connects the Nelson 151 member businesses. Five wineries, three breweries, and a cidery
decided to form a group to more efficiently market and leverage their unique "micro" appellation. Nelson 151 was created. The Nelson 151 members recognize and cele
brate the benefits of their proximity to one another in the pastoral Rockfish Valley. The route is linked with orchards and farms, unique shopping, bed and breakfasts, local restaurants, community theater, hikin
g, biking, skiing, golf, fresh air and unforgettable.
If you choose Case Study 1 as your conference destination, you'll get a taste of Nelson 151's impact on craft brewing, tourism, and the local economy with stops at Wild Wolf Brewing Company and Blue Mounta
in Brewery. Small flight included at each stop.
C
ase Study #2: Distribution/Manufacturing: Plow & Hearth Distribution Center/ Early Mountain Vineyards (Madison County)
What began as a small retail store in Madison, Virginia in 1980 has grown into 26 retail stores and multi-channel online and catalog business. Today, Plow and Hearth, LLC operates out of 384,000 square foot distribution center with their subsidiaries: Plow & Hearth, Magic Cabin, Wind & Weather, Hearth Song and Problem Solvers. They employ 250 year round employees and add an additional 275 employees during the holiday season. Participants will begin a tour of the state of the art distribution center, customer care center, headquarters and photo studio. They were awarded a Governor's Opportunity Fund Grant in January of 2015 and that expansion, improvement, equipping and operation of the Facility entailed a capital expenditure of approximately $4,533,000.
Located nearby and a must stop, Early Mountain Vineyards was named America's Favorite Tasting Room via USA Today in August, 2016, and is owned by Jean and Steve Case (co-founders of AOL). Early Mountain hosts Virginia's best wines, not just their own, making it very unique. Gorgeous tasting rooms, with amazing views.
Time allowing, on the way back to Charlottesville participants will stop at Plow and Hearth's Outlet Center.
Case Study
#3: Downtown Development/Revitalization: Connecting a Regional Hub to Downtown
Experienc
e how recent and future developments will improve connection between the region's main economic drivers, the University of Virginia and the UVa Medical Center, to Charlottesville's main business district, the Downtown Mall. Bring comfortable shoes, walking is required!
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Sandy Ratliff has joined Virginia Community Capital as Community Impact Advisor for Southwest Virginia starting March 13. Ratliff was the Business Services Manager, Southwest Office with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity.
The historic Amherst County Depot has its first tenant--the
Economic Development Authority of Amherst County.
The following VEDA members were named North America's Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect:
Pandy Brazeau
, Virginia Economic Development Partnership;
Carrie Chenery
, Shenandoah Valley Partnership;
Beth Doughty
, Roanoke Regional Partnership;
Megan Lucas
, Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
;
and
Buddy Rizer
, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development
.
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Take advantage of two VEDA programs offering assistance and advice at no cost to members!
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VEDA has two programs put in place to assist individual members and communities in the Commonwealth at no or minimal cost to the user.
Cardinal Community Assistance Program
Generally communities understand the concept of economic development and have a realistic view of their fiscal health. In most cases this leads to the realization that development and growth are critical to their long-term survival. There are times, however, when communities can be overwhelmed by their circumstances and for economic development lack the expertise to fully assess their situation and opportunities. "Getting started" and "knowing where to go" is often the most difficult part of any task and it is particularly so for communities having many mandated responsibilities, but limited resources to accomplish them. To answer this need, VEDA offers the Cardinal Community Assistance Program (CCAP) to assist communities facing extraordinary economic needs or a disaster-related crisis, reviewing their options and initiating a development strategy.
This program is offered at no cost by VEDA. The CCAP team may need to be reimbursed for travel expenses.
Click here for more information or to apply!
VEDA Mentor on Call Program
The VEDA Mentor on Call program is administered by the VEDA Cardinals, who review and approve Mentor applications. The Mentor Resource Group is comprised of VEDA members with long-term local, regional and state experience in community development, either directly or a combination of professional expertise in such fields as utilities, engineering and economic development consulting. The Mentor Resource group's purpose is to serve as a resource to new VEDA members or other members who have questions about economic development in general or questions about economic development in Virginia.
The VEDA Mentor on Call program is open to VEDA members only and is free of charge.
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VEDA Membership dues investment is due by March 1st - Don't let your membership lapse!
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| VEDA's membership renewal process for 2017 will be complete by March 1st. Anyone not having renewed their dues by that date will be suspended as a member. Members have been receiving emails since December as reminders to renew their dues investment. If you have questions or need assistance in renewing, contact Jeanne Ali at jeanne@associationbuilders.com. Thanks everyone! |
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Join a VEDA committee in 2017--GET INVOLVED!
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The VEDA
Professional Development Committee
focuses on issues and tasks related to furthering members' economic development professional training efforts.
The VEDA Community Economic Development Award Committee (CEDA) coordinates the selection process and ultimate presentation of the Community Economic Development Awards at the Spring Conference annually.
The VEDA
Legislator of the Year Award Committee
coordinates the selection process and ultimate presentation of the Legislator of the Year Award annually.
The VEDA
Spring Conference
, Fall Conference, and
Membership Meeting
Committees develop the content for their respective events. They take the conference theme, established by the event chairs and the
Program
Committee and determine the subjects of the sessions, invite speakers, etc.
The Golf Task Force explores the possibility of holding a stand-alone golf tournament (including fundraising, location, viability, etc.) in conjunction with the Spring & Fall Conferences.
The VEDA Sponsorship Committee conducts the annual Sponsorship Opportunity Campaign and follows up on those solicitations.
The VEDA
Communications Committee
focuses on VEDA's communications efforts.
The VEDA Membership Committee encourages and promotes membership in VEDA and reviews and recommends applications for membership as provided in the bylaws.
The VEDA Young Professionals Committee works with VEDA committees to include opportunities for 'young' professionals across VEDA's Program of Work.
The Mentorship Task Force will explore ideas for connecting seasoned economic developers with young professionals for networking and mentorship purposes.
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Hometown Summit coming to Charlottesville in April
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With over 100 speakers and 60 workshops, panels and activities, the Hometown Summit will welcome an audience of public officials, investors, foundation directors and civically engaged entrepreneurs, alongside their counterparts in media, policy, government and philanthropy. The
Virginia Policy Entrepreneur's Retreat
, a component of the Hometown Summit focusing on the Commonwealth, will create an opportunity for innovative policymakers from across the state to work together to move the needle on improving our cities.
The Hometown Summit marks a significant addition to the rapidly expanding the Tom Tom Founders Festival, a week-long celebration of the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community. This year's festival will take place 10-16 April, with the Hometown Summit convening 13-15 April. Tickets are available now.
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