Spotlight: #EconDevWeek & the growing impact of Agritourism
Happy Economic Development Week 2017! Your local Augusta County economic developers appreciate your support, and if you just happen to be curious about what it is we do....check out the video found here. Part of what we do as economic developers is support the tourism industry which reached $24B in revenue in 2016. Tourism now includes the growing sector of agritourism - any activity carried out on a farm or ranch that allows members of the general public for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities. The Fields of Gold Trail certainly celebrates agritourism in the Shenandoah Valley, and with over 40 members on the Trail and as the second-largest agricultural producer in VA, Augusta County's economy is poised to benefit from the growing industry.
To fully understand the impact of agritourism on the Virginia economy, the Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Agritourism in Virginia study has been completed and released. Highlights are below, and the full report as well as an infographic are available here.
$2.2B in Economic Activity and 22,000 Jobs (VA)
7.5M Visitors (VA)
1,400 agritourism venues (VA)
$362.6M in Economic Activity (Shenandoah Valley)
237 agritourism venues (Shenandoah Valley)
Keep supporting economic development and agritourism, and take time to visit a farm!
In partnership with the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce, Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro invite you to the 2017 Economic Development Outlook and Business Appreciation Breakfast.
Wednesday, June 21st 8:00a.m.-10:00a.m.
Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center The agenda includes regional economic development updates and the presentation of the Dennis Burnett Community Excellence Awards. RSVP here.
#beerwerksroadtrip
Shenandoah Beerwerks Instagram Contest
Just three simple steps could win you and your family or friends a 3 day, 2 night stay at Massanutten Resort thanks to Beerwerks!
Post a photo on Instagram of you and your friends at any brewery on the trail
Tag the brewery
Include #beerwerksroadtrip
Now, not only can you continue visiting other breweries on the Beerwerks Trail, you just might be lucky enough to win an overnight stay in the Valley. Cheers to that!
#toolbox
State of the Valley Workforce 2017
Join the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board (SVWDB) for an update on the state of the regional workforce. Lou Adler, recruiting guru and best-selling author, will be the keynote speaker and discuss the future of hiring.
RSVP here to attend on either June 12th at Blue Ridge Community College or June 13th at Lord Fairfax Community College. Choose which day and location you'd like to attend.
For more information, contact Joan Hollen at 540-442-7134 ext. 100 or[email protected].
Augusta County Economic Development & Tourism 540.245.5619
