|
The Online Newsletter for the Virginia Economic Developers Association
|
|
 |
Congratulations to Stephen Moret & the VEDP team, Stephanie Landrum & Alexandria Economic Development and Christina Winn & Arlington Economic Development for the HQ2 win! Clearly, the scope of the project promises to be transformational for Virginia. The highly-publicized process that Amazon utilized to make its decision may prove to be transformational as well. Workforce availability and talent attraction, incentives and confidentiality have been top of mind in the media coverage of this announcement and confirms that our profession is changing rapidly. Economic development and how it occurs is becoming better understood and generally supported by the public, but is simultaneously experiencing greater scrutiny, which makes VEDA's mission of public policy and professional development all the more critical for the prosperity of our communities.
It has been a privilege to serve with VEDA's Board of Directors and as the 2018 President. My involvement with the Board began in 2012 and it has been a fast-paced and rewarding endeavor. Alan Hawthorne called me that year to ask me to serve on the Board. Michele DeWitt later asked me to step in and serve as Secretary in 2015 for Dennis Burnett who passed away in 2014. Dennis and I had just gotten to know one another, and I have thought of him often during these four intervening years.
A lot of time away from our "day jobs" and families is involved with serving the Association. It is an important way to be involved in the economic development profession and one that I am thankful to have been able to experience. I am especially thankful to the Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority and to Botetourt County (especially Gary Larrowe) for the opportunity to be involved with VEDA. When we positively affect the outcome of economic development legislation and provide valuable perspectives to the Commonwealth's administrations, VEDA's contributions may not be as noticeable as they are impactful. I am thankful for Delegate Matthew James who is a steadfast VEDA member and champion when his service in the General Assembly could demand otherwise. We weighed in during the 2017 General Assembly session to support renewed leadership at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. I am thankful for Stephen Moret and his capable leadership and for working with us to build an invaluable relationship between the Partnership and Association.
Our conferences and membership meetings are great times to gain perspective and sometimes hit the reset button on how we approach our work. And, I am sure you've noticed, our gatherings are a lot of fun, too! Our committees, led by talented chairs from across Virginia, enable VEDA to enjoy an increasing membership and greater presence.
One of VEDA's qualities that I admire most is its continuity. VEDA will only get better in 2019 with Stephanie Landrum's leadership. Connie Long provides our Association's stability in how we go about getting things done and I am very thankful to Connie and for our friendship. The Executive Committee and Board spend a lot of time working with Chris Lloyd who has volunteered for many years serving as chair of VEDA's Public Policy Committee and with Mike Woods who navigates (note I did not write "wanders") the halls of the General Assembly on VEDA's behalf. I am thankful for these friendships, too.
It was about this time last year that Debbie Melvin told me that she found the best job in VEDA - Past President. I responded, "No way, being President is the best job." Well, as usual, Debbie knew what she was talking about. I am looking forward to VEDA's 2019 events and accomplishments!
Hoping you have enjoyed your holidays and Happy New Year!
-Ken McFadyen, VEDA President
Botetourt County Economic Development
|
|
FOR THE
VEDA LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019
McGuireWoods,
Richmond
L
OCATION
McGuireWoods
Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street
Richmond, VA 23219-3916
For overnight accommodations, VEDA has a room block at the Omni Richmond Hotel, 100 S 12th Street, Richmond.
|
VEDA now accepting applications for 2019 professional development scholarships
|
|
Economic developers realize the importance of professional development. Education venues, where knowledge, professional experience, and best practices are shared between economic development practitioners, provide invaluable learning opportunities. VEDA offers a variety of scholarships to help our members with their professional development efforts. For 2019 VEDA has more than $7,500 for EDI and BASIC/IEDC scholarships, the Virginia Institute for Economic Development, and the Smiley Waller Memorial Scholarships.
General Scholarship Application Information
The VEDA Scholarship application process begins at the end of each calendar year with a notice to members announcing the acceptance of applications. The scholarship deadline is typically in February and recipients are immediately notified once the committee has made their decisions.
Scholarship funding is determined through the VEDA budget process annually (usually in December). The VEDA Board strives to allow for as many scholarships as possible within the confines of the budget based on anticipated revenue and expenses for the coming year.
Dates, times, and locations of all economic development courses may be found on the VEDA website in the Calendar section.
All scholarship application information must be submitted online for easy distribution to review committee. All scholarship applications should consist of one PDF or Word document as opposed to multiple documents.
The application must consist of
~A VEDA Scholarship Request Form (ONLINE APPLICATION FORM)
~A resume (Upload online)
~Letter of support or recommendation from a superior or sponsor (Upload online). In addition to a recommendation for the applicant, this letter from the organization should include the number of people that work in the organization, the number of those who are members of VEDA, the organization's total budget, and the amount of the budget dedicated to professional development. (Upload online)
~A one-page statement defining the applicant's role in his/her community's economic development efforts with potential impacts of that involvement (Upload online). This statement is your opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants. It should include your support for VEDA and any other classes you have taken that demonstrate your commitment to economic development. Additionally, if your role includes duties beyond economic development, you should describe them in your letter. (Upload online)
~Copy of the budget for economic development from your organization, which clearly specifies total professional development funds available. Please list employer's total number of employees. (Upload online)
For more information on the guidelines for applying and the online application
CLICK HERE.
-Voncile "Von" Gilbreath, VEDA Professional Development Chair, City of Chesapeake Economic
Development
|
|
|
DHCD How to Apply Workshops
|
|
How-to-Apply Workshops for Small Business and Regional Economic Development Programs
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will soon be accepting applications for the Virginia Main Street (VMS) Commercial District Affiliate Grant, Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF), Community Business Launch (CBL) and GO Virginia programs for the upcoming year.
DHCD grant programs offer flexible resources to do more across your community and region. Register to attend a how-to-apply workshop near you to learn about the programs, successful projects, program changes for the coming year and how you can best position your effort.
Virginia Main Street
Commercial District Affiliate Grant
The Virginia Main Street (VMS) program offers grants to communities and local organizations to help them achieve their downtown revitalization goals. These grants can assist with organizational capacity building, market studies, entrepreneur support programs, design projects and other consultant services that will contribute to the historic downtown neighborhood.
Industrial Revitalization Fund
Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) assists communities with the strategic redevelopment of vacant and deteriorated commercial properties. As these structures stand as a substantial deterrent for future economic opportunity in the surrounding area, IRF can be used to leverage local and private resources to achieve market-driven redevelopment of these structures. This will in turn create a catalyst for long-term employment opportunities and ongoing physical and economic revitalization.
Community Business Launch
Community Business Launch (CBL) assists communities in taking a systems approach to building an asset-based small business development strategy. The program starts with a community's unique vision for its future and then uses a local business competition to find and foster the entrepreneurs that connect with that vision. CBL offers financial and content resources, guidance and a learning network of communities pursuing similar strategies. By designing your own CBL, you can help your community develop a coordinated, comprehensive and sustainable environment that identifies, launches and supports community-based entrepreneurs.
GO Virginia
Through GO Virginia, regions establish strategies to grow and diversify their regional economy, and ultimately the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, by creating higher-wage jobs the will generate out-of-state revenue. GO Virginia provides funding for projects that support those strategies through regional collaboration between government, education, workforce, and business.
|
|
|
| Theme for 2019:
Telling the Virginia Story
2019 Legislative Reception
Monday, January 14, 2019
McGuireWoods
Richmond, Virginia
2019 Spring Conference
Your Place - Your Story
Wednesday, March 27-Friday, March 29, 2019
Harrisonburg, Virginia
2019 Summer Membership Meeting
Telling Your Story in Numbers
Tuesday, June 4-Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Portsmouth, Virginia
2019 Fall Conference
Tools for Telling Your Story
Wednesday, September 18-Friday, September 20, 2019
Richmond, Virginia
2019 Annual Meeting & Winter Membership Luncheon
Has Your Story Hit its Mark?
Tuesday, December 3-Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Mark your calendar and plan on attending these economic development events in 2019!
|
~Be on the lookout for VEDA's weekly Public Policy updates during the Virginia General Assembly Session
~VEDA members: be sure to register for the VEDA General Assembly Preview Webinar on Monday, January 7th!
~VEDA's 2019 Public Policy Agenda is coming your way next week! Stay tuned.
~US Army Corps of Engineers new policy could hurt economic development...READ MORE |
|
As we close 2018 and prepare for 2019, there are many things to be aware of as a VEDA member!
-Nominations for the Community Economic Development Awards are being accepted until February
-Professional Development Scholarship Applications are being accepted and are due at the end of January
-VEDA Dues Investment Renewal process is open and membership investments are due by the end of February to remain active!
-2019 Sponsorship Opportunities are open. Sign up today!!
Stay tuned for these and other important VEDA activities to make the most of your membership.
|
Nominate a Virginia community for the 2019 CED Awards!
|
We all know that economic development is not a solo practice.
We team with government, the private sector, and countless others to make our communities competitive. Several years ago, the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) instituted a new awards program that recognized outstanding communities for their efforts in advancing the economic viability of their communities through economic and community development programs.
The CEDA program recognizes the best practices and exceptional contributions of communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia for the following efforts:
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Business Recruitment
- Community Development
- Community Involvement
CLICK HERE for Nominating and Selection Criteria for Virginia's 2019 CEDA Program. The winners will be announced and recognized in Harrisonburg at VEDA's Spring Conference on Friday, March 29, 2019.
Call for Nominations
All Nominations Must be Received by February 8, 2019.
- Traci Blido, CEDA Selection Committee Chair
Bedford County
|
|
|
|
|
DHCD How to Apply Workshops -- Schedule
|
RICHMOND:
Jan. 8, 2019,
10 a.m.-noon
Main Street Centre, 12th Floor North Conference Room
600 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219
NEWPORT NEWS
:
Jan. 10, 2019,
10 a.m.-noon
Fountain Plaza II, James Room
700 Town Center Drive, Newport News, VA 23606
STAUNTON:
Jan. 15, 2019,
1-3 p.m.
Staunton Innovation Hub, 32 North Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401
WYTHEVILLE:
Jan. 16, 2019,
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wytheville Meeting Center,
333 Community Boulevard,
Wytheville, VA 24382
**In conjunction with CDBG How-To-Apply
(requires separate registration)
DANVILLE:
Jan. 17, 2019,
10 a.m.-noon
Danville Science Center,
677 Craghead Street,
Danville, VA 24541
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2018. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
