See what's happening at the AHEDC

February 2023

The Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation is the marketing organization promoting Alleghany County, the City of Covington and the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate for business recruitment, expansion and development. A public/private partnership, AHEDC focuses on Site Readiness, Infrastructure Management, Site Selection Outreach and Workforce Development. The organization also serves as a key information source for applicable data, regulatory compliance and funding opportunities to help you successfully launch, expand or relocate a business to the region.

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The Clock on Main Street Covington has been restored!

Photo courtesy of Julie Stanley

River Retreat Apartments

Just an update on the “River Retreat” Apartments located in the Alleghany Regional Commerce Center in Low Moor next to the YMCA to show its progress. This is the first of 48 apartments being constructed with another 48 to follow. Once completed there will be a total of 96 units. This is a huge investment for the Alleghany Highlands providing living options to retain local employees preventing them from residing in other localities. Some other key attributes are giving the area more living options, retention to support local businesses, strengthen the membership of the YMCA and a new tax revenue for the County.

Few more photos here.

Casa de Leones Mexican Grill

It’s time for another business spotlight… We’re excited to feature Casa de Leones Mexican Grill!

We spoke to the owner, Leonel Fuentes, and asked him some questions about his restaurant, as well as doing business in the Alleghany Highlands. Take a look at his responses below!

What inspired you to open Casa de Leones Mexican Grill?

I have always loved to invite friends to my house and enjoy sharing meals I make with love. For me, it isn’t just about the ingredients, it is more about the pleasure to serve those who have welcomed us into this community and befriended us. It fills our hearts to receive those in the community and seat them at our tables and ask them what they would like to eat today and help them pick or to point out what meal may make their day.

What do you enjoy most about doing business in Covington and supporting our Alleghany Highlands community?

There are always two sides on the coin - there is the one that gives and the one that receives. There are offers and there are demands. As we produce a meal to be enjoyed, there will be an appreciative customer. As we give the opportunity for someone to work, in turn that person will be able to support his or her family.

Does your restaurant have any special offerings this winter?

This winter season, we're focusing on our hot soup specials for those cold days.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

We wish the best to the community and everyone in the year ahead. We want to give a special thanks to the City officials and the Police Department for protecting our city, as well as our schools and all the other organizations in our community.

Be sure to stop into Casa de Leones in Covington for a wonderful meal!

Four Moons Designs

Get to know our business community! Four Moons Designs is a family business that offers unique personalized gifts and décor in Clifton Forge.

Using three different laser machines, they can engrave on wood, leather, glass, acrylic and metal. All of their signs are made in Clifton Forge. One of their biggest sellers is taking yours or a loved ones handwriting - whether it’s a family recipe or just a simple "I love you" - and engraving it on an item of your choice.

When asked what inspired her to open Four Moons Designs, Autumn Morgan shared, “I graduated in 2020 from West Virginia University, majoring in Graphic Design. However, due to COVID and businesses canceling internships, I had a lot of time on my hands. I needed a creative outlet to continue practicing design. So, we bought a laser, set it up in our garage and I started learning. I love working with my hands so it was the perfect combination."

When asked what she enjoys most about doing business in Clifton Forge and supporting our Alleghany Highlands community, she responded, "Clifton Forge is known for their art community, so we felt like our business would be a great addition. The community has been incredibly supportive and has helped us grow our business. We would like to thank everyone for all of their support this past year and can’t wait for you to see what we have coming next!

Some photos here.

Stop into Four Moons Designs today at 419 E Ridgeway Street in Clifton Forge!

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

We believe in having a child like mind when it comes to learning. Open to all possibilities.

Our workshops, events, and programs are designed with a small business owner in mind. Actionable, sharing of ideas, and takeaways to keep things straight.

Every thing you need to start, recover, grown and manage your business is here and it is FREE.

Workshops can be found here.

Some Available Properties For Lease/Sale

Historic Downtown for Lease

379/383 W. Main Street - One building/two store fronts - 9,312 sq. ft. C3 Zoning

376 W. Main Street Covington - Store front - 11,760 sq. ft. C3 Zoning

221/225 N. Court Avenue Covington - C3 Zoning

For Sale

520 Main Street Covington - 11,156 sq. ft. C3 Zoning

606 S. Monroe Avenue Covington - 25,000 sq. ft. M1 Zoning

239 Maple Avenue Covington - 6,600 sq. ft. C1 Zoning

424 E. Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge, VA - 3,300 sq. ft. CFBD Zoning - Turnkey Restaurant For Sale Serious Inquiries Only Call 540.862.4119

Other For Lease

1107 Craig Avenue - 27,412 sq. ft. C3 Zoning

Contact Terri at terri@ahedc.com or call 540.862.0936 to advertise your space or

to be connected to the property owner

More properties available here