Happy New Year and a huge shoutout to the more than 100 members who participated in the VEDA Legislative Reception and VEDA Day in Richmond. It's like we're all grown-up versions of the characters in "Schoolhouse Rock" learning about the process of how a bill becomes a law. Except this time, instead of a sad paper "Bill" waiting around, we have a whole team of economic developers working together to make some serious change in the Commonwealth.

VEDA Day is not only about discussing important issues like workforce development and site readiness, but it's also an opportunity to meet and thank our legislators in person for their hard work in supporting economic development initiatives. This year, we recognized Delegates David Reid and Barry Knight for their outstanding efforts in furthering economic growth for Virginia by awarding them the 2022 Michael W. Woods Legislator of the Year Award.

Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) getting geared up for 2023. VEDA members can join any group at any time during the year. Choose from Business Retention & Expansion; Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; Downtown Development; Rural; and Workforce.

Maximize Potential. Accelerate Results.

impactED SCHEDULE FOR 2023

 VEDP Supply Chain Program

Join VEDA's leadership team for the VEDA Member Engagement Orientation on Wednesday, February 22nd.

VEDA offers its members professional growth and educational opportunities that make members better practitioners, learning from both leading experts and one another.

VEDA offers a greater understanding of the work of economic development and can be a critical vehicle to develop meaningful relationships with peers from all over the Commonwealth.

How do you make the most of your membership? By ENGAGING with the Association and other members!

Want to learn more about ENGAGING with VEDA and other members? If yes, join us for the VEDA Membership Engagement Orientation on February 22nd.

This event is online and free to VEDA members. Don't miss your opportunity to ask questions and get INVOLVED!

VEDA Executive Committee and Public Policy Chair (Christina Winn, Linda Green, Gregory Hitchin, Garrett Hart, David Manley, and Chris Lloyd) have joined with VEDP staff/leadership, forming a working group to collaborate on issues concerning site development in Virginia.

With broad geographic representation, this working group has met to discuss the issues needing to be addressed and how to move forward in making these programs the best they can be for Virginia and its regions. The group will continue to meet for the remainder of session and post-session to review legislation and budget language related to site development, helping to develop guidance for implementation of these programs.

VEDA is collecting feedback from its members. If you have questions, please forward those to the VEDA office at VEDA@associationbuilders.com.

VEDA member Rick Cobert has joined the Winchester EDA as director. He previously worked for Stafford County Economic Development.

The latest issue of the Virginia Economic Review highlights companies across a wide breadth of industries that were founded in Virginia, have benefited from its stable, sensible business climate, and continue to find success in the Commonwealth. READ THE ISSUE.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has launched its first cohort-based Mobilizing Main Street (MMS) program with ten (10) participating communities across Virginia. Through the Mobilizing Main Street (MMS) program, 10 communities will build a comprehensive downtown revitalization program that champions grassroots leadership and preservation-based economic development. Over a two-year period, Virginia Main Street (VMS) staff will provide organizational development services to increase the capacity of each selected community's local Main Street initiative and prepare them to pursue and maintain the responsibilities of Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) designation and Main Street America Accredited status.

The Creative EDC launched the Creative Give Back in 2014 as a way of giving back to the field of economic development and the communities we serve. The Creative Give Back is an award of up to $25,000 worth of consulting services. Applications are due February 20, 2023. For more information and to apply CLICK HERE.

Tom Scott has accepted a position with Virginia's Gateway Region. He was previously Director, Lead Generation in the Business Investment Division of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

Alleghany Highlands EDC received $3.29 million grant from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program. Funding will allow the region to fast-track Alleghany Regional Commerce Center development.

Sussex County receives $247,900 grant from the Virginia Business Ready Site Program. Funding will allow the County to develop a master plan and conceptual engineering design for the Sussex Megasite and nearby properties.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will hold an in-depth "How to Qualify" Webinar that will provide information about how to apply for the Virginia Enterprise Zone grant incentives and will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. For more information and to register CLICK HERE.