We've already assisted two manufacturers with expansion incentives in 2020 and we are working on two more now. Will your company be next? Call us to schedule a site visit at 540-587-5670.
|
|
About our office
The Office of Economic Development is responsible for planning, developing, and directing business and economic development programs and services in Bedford County, Virginia. We work closely with the Economic Development Authority and we aim to help existing businesses grow and new companies locate to Bedford County.
|
Traci Blido, Director
540-587-5670 ext. 1371
|
Pam Bailey
Marketing & Business Development
540-587-5670 ext. 1375
|
Please mark your calendar:
May 14
-
Business Appreciation Event
5:00 p.m. at Beale's
August 12
-
Bedford Business Roundtable at National D-Day Memorial
December 10
-
Business Roundtable event - Bedford Welcome Center
|
|
New Members sworn in to EDA, others reappointed
|
We welcomed two new EDA members this month who bring a wealth of experience to the Authority:
- Vicki Gardner, District 2, is the former President of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
- Jimmy Robertson, District 6, is President/Owner of Robertson Construction Co.
Two others,
Wyatt Walton
, District 3, and
Dennis Novitzke
, District 1, have been reappointed to serve another four years. Please join us in welcoming these new and returning members of the EDA.
The mission of the EDA is to sustain and improve the quality of life for all of Bedford County through a prudent and cost effective economic development program that results in good quality jobs for all residents.
See a full list of EDA members
here
,
as well as agendas, minutes, strategy, and financials.
|
Dozens Come Together to discuss workforce at Business Roundtable this week
|
Thank you to the local companies who came out to our Business Roundtable on February 12, and special thanks to Liberty University for hosting us at the Center for Engineering, Research & Education. We heard several companies talk about multiple job openings they have and we also announced existing workforce training grants now available. Call us to learn more.
|
|
Custom Truck One Source Doubles Production in Bedford County
Custom Truck One Source, a manufacturer and distributor of specialized trucks and heavy equipment, announced on February 4, it will invest $2.6 million and add 61 new jobs to expand its existing manufacturing operation in Bedford County.
|
|
Blue Ridge Optics Growing Again
Blue Ridge Optics
, an industry leader in laser optics and thin film coatings, announced this month, it will add 10 new jobs over the next three years and invest more than $695,000 in new equipment and real estate upgrades to meet increasing customer product demand.
Read more here.
|
|
2020 VISION: VIRGINIA IN FOCUS
Virginia Economic Developers Association Public Policy Update
|
|
Two bills that would have repealed Virginia's Right-to-Work law have been defeated.
Senate Bill 426 (Saslaw), "fair share," would have forced workers to pay unions as a condition of their employment. On Sunday, February 9th, a large crowd showed their opposition to SB 426. Senate Commerce and Labor Committee members voted to pass by indefinitely SB 426 on a vote of 12-3. The bill failed in Committee and will not be heard on the Senate Floor. VEDA President and Executive Committee Chair, Jim Noel (York County Office of Economic Development) was on hand to ensure the defeat of SB 426.
HB 153 (Carter) would have repealed Virginia's right-to-work law entirely. HB 153 (Carter), was not heard in House Appropriations on Friday, February 7th. The bill will not be heard on the House floor.
Mimimum Wage closer to being increased
HB395 (Ward) passed in a House vote on February 11. This bill increases the minimum wage from its current federally mandated level of $7.25/hour to $9.00/hour effective July 1, 2020; to $11/hour effective July 1, 2021; to $13 per hour effective July 1, 2022; and to $15 per hour effective July 1, 2023, unless a higher minimum wage is required by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The measure also provides that the Virginia minimum wage applies to persons whose employment is covered by the FLSA and to public employees.
Read the full bill here.
To learn more about VEDA, read their public policy agenda, and see the other House legislation visit their website at
goveda.org
.
|
|
Career Resources Available at your library
Virginia Career Works Central Region has partnered with libraries throughout Bedford County to help job seekers and youth get connected to career resources. Please tell those looking for jobs about this opportunity at their local library. Visit them on the web at
https://www.vcwcentralregion.com/ to learn more.
|
|
Funding available for Existing Worker Training
Virginia Career Works can provide funding assistance for businesses to upgrade the skills of their current employees — making the business more competitive and profitable.
Eligible Industry Sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Emerging Tech and Information Technology
- Healthcare and Life Science
- Food and Beverage Processing
- Industries support above sectors
Funds can be used for the cost of training workers, tuition, instructional cost for courses, certification and licensing exams and fees, and textbooks and manuals. Learn more at
www.vcwcentralregion.com
|
|
According to the UVA Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, the population is projected to increase to 86,594 by 2030. That's an expected 11.3% increase from 2017.
|
|
Expanding? Need to relocate?
|
|
We have pad-ready sites and a NEW shell building under construction.
|
|
Our premier
New London Business and Technology Center
park in Forest features a 40,000 sf shell building (expandable to 80,000 sf) now under construction on Lot 7. It is scheduled to be complete at the end of March, and ready for
YOU
to build the inside out. We also have pad-ready and cleared lots for sale ranging in size from 4 to 15+ acres for whatever size facility suits your needs.
The
Bedford Center for Business
has land ready for development including a graded lot, and it lies within the Town's Enterprise Zone and Virginia's Opportunity Zone.
In
Montvale Center for Commerce
, we are working with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and Board of Supervisors to grade the remaining two lots to prepare for new development.
|
|
Like what you see?
We post regularly to keep you up to date on projects taking place in the community, continuing education opportunities, and more!
|
|
Bedford County Office of Economic Development
Traci Blido, Director
540-587-5670
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
