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The Online Newsletter for the Virginia Economic Developers Association
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Songs about summertime always conjure up lazy days, sunshine, and relaxation. Think about it...
- Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong's "Summertime" -- Summertime, and the livin' is easy.
- Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer in the City" -- back of my neck getting dirty and gritty.
- Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime" -- we go fishin' or go swimmin' in the sea, we're always happy, life's for livin' yeah, that's our philosophy.
- The Kinks' "Sunny Afternoon" -- cause I love to live so pleasantly, live this life of luxury, lazing on a sunny afternoon.
Clearly, none of those artists worked in the field of economic development! Every time I talk with a colleague lately, it seems like they are busier than ever. Prospect visits, trade missions, trips to visit with site selection consultants, trade shows, and project activity are keeping everyone hopping like a sand crab.
June has been an equally busy month for VEDA. We kicked off the month with a great membership meeting in Fredericksburg on Embracing Shared Outcomes with Higher Education. I'm confident every attendee came away from the meeting with several ideas of how they could work more closely with one of our amazing institutions of higher learning. Keynote speaker, Dr. Angeline Godwin, president of Patrick Henry Community College, challenged us all to look at our situations a bit differently. Maybe it's my love for quilts, but I related to her call for "authentic connectivity" like a "crazy quilt." How can we each contribute a patch of effort that's within our control to create amazing results in our community?
June also brought meetings for VEDA's Executive Committee with key partners such as Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Todd Haymore; DHCD Director, Bill Shelton; and VEDP President and CEO, Stephen Moret. Relationships continue to build, and partners increasingly seek VEDA's recommendations on policy as well as council, committee, and board memberships.
Probably like many of you, I'll be enjoying a little rest and relaxation next week. So I'll leave you with a little Chicago...
Saturday in the park,
I think it was the Fourth of July (okay, I know the fourth is actually on a Tuesday, but work with me here)
People dancing, people laughing
A man selling ice cream
Everybody is another
Can you dig it (yes, I can!)
And I've been waiting such a long time...
-Debbie Melvin, VEDA President
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VEDA members
Beth Doughty (Roanoke Regional Partnership;
J
ane C. Ferrara (City of Richmond Economic and Community Development);
Leonard L. Sledge (City of Hampton Economic Development); and
Christina M. Winn (Arlington Economic Development) have been appointed by Governor McAuliffe to serve on the VEDP Committee on Business Development and Marketing.
VEDA member and past president,
Deborah Flippo was recently profiled in
The Roanoke Times.
READ MORE.
Augusta County Economic Development Director,
Amanda Glover was honored as an alumna of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics by the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Glover was recognized among al
umni who graduated more than ten years ago for achievements since graduation.
If you've made a change, received an award or recognition, hired new staff, completed a new project; or generally have good news to share, please send it to the VEDA office at
[email protected] to share your news with your fellow VEDA members.
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| Virginia's SBDCs offer resources to assist economic development |
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Virginia's SBDCs: the "go-to" resource for businesses seeking capital
Your local SBDC can help businesses find capital to launch or grow. SBDC advisors will first work with owners to determine the funding amount required based on the project scope and use of funds. Advisors will also evaluate and recommend funding alternatives such as commercial loans, lines of credit, and public and private sources of capital. And, finally, to help businesses prepare financing proposals, SBDC assistance also includes financial analysis, financial projections, and presentation coaching. SBDC advising is available at no charge.
Contact your local SBDC for more information.
Innovation commercialization assistance available through the SBDC network
The Virginia SBDC Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) provides instruction, advice and support to businesses and university spin-outs in the areas of technology transfer, intellectual property, technology commercialization, and equity financing. ICAP specialists train and advise clients on business model development, commercialization plans and technology evaluation, markets, and team make-up required to move ideas from concept to commercial product launch. ICAP is a program of the Virginia SBDC Network and George Mason University and is delivered and accessed through the network of 28 local SBDCs across Virginia. Find more information.
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| VEDA 2017 Fall Conference coming to Virginia Beach -- make your plans to attend Gaining a Competitive Advantage through Collaboration |
 VEDA will hold its annual Fall Conference at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, October 11-13. The planning committee, chaired by Michelle Chapleau (Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development) and Patrick Barker (Frederick County Economic Development Authority), is hard at work planning a great event! Stay tuned for registration and the agenda. HOTEL RESERVATIONS ARE AVAILABLE. |
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| Sponsorships available for VEDA Fall Conference and Winter Membership Meeting |
Sponsorships are still available for VEDA's Fall Conference and Winter Membership Meeting.
These events depend on the support of sponsors to secure top speakers and provide excellent professional development opportunities.
There are many benefits to becoming a sponsor of a VEDA event.
CHECK IT OUT online today! |
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2017 marks VEDA's 35th year
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VEDA will celebrate its 35th anniversary during the Fall Conference in October. The VEDA office is looking for photographs, documents, anecdotes, etc that represent VEDA's history.
If you have items or ideas for celebrating VEDA's 35th year, please email them to [email protected]. |
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Upcoming Economic Development Events
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July 20-21, 2017
IEDC Training Curse: Workforce Development Strategies
August 7, 2017
CDFA: Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Course
August 8-9, 2017
CDFA: Intro Bond Finance Course
August 8-9, 2017
CDFA: Intro Brownfields Finance Course
August 10-11, 2017
CDFA: Intro Revolving Loan Fund Course
August 10-11, 2017
CDFA: Intro Energy & Water Finance Course
August 17-18, 2017
IEDC Advanced Course: Foreign Direct Investment and Exporting
August 20-22, 2017
SEDC: 2017 Annual Conference
August 24-25, 2017
IEDC Training Course: Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Strategies
October 11-13, 2017
VEDA Fall Conference & 35th Anniversary Celebration
Virginia Beach, Virginia
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| VEDA member tools and resources |
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As a VEDA member there a various tools and resources to help you professionally. Be sure to check them out.
A database of professional economic developers to access for networking, collaboration, sharing, and learning. Be sure to update your own member profile and add your photo!
An excel spreadsheet of VEDA members, updated monthly for your use. CLICK HERE to check it out.
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 group serves 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.
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Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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