March 2019 | GoStaffordVa.com
2019 Stafford Business Appreciation | Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Location: 6 Bears and A Goat Brewing Company
Time: 
5:00pm - 7:00pm

The Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) cordially invites Stafford County business owners and executives to the Annual Business Appreciation Reception, to thank our business leaders and honor our local business community. Every year, the EDA hosts a Business Appreciation Reception to celebrate the County's diverse business community. This year's theme is What's Next? Stafford.

The Business Appreciation Reception features an awards program to recognize accomplishments in the Stafford business community. 2019 Awards include: Stafford Business of the Year and Cornerstone Award. 

To RSVP for the event or to nominate a Stafford business for the 2019 Stafford Business of the Year, please visit www.StaffordBusinessAppreciation.com


Nominate A Stafford Business Today!
 
Veterans Business Bootcamp | Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Sign up for Veterans Business Bootcamp, an entrepreneurship training program for veterans and their spouses. Breakfast refreshments will be provided.



Additional Information:



Message from John Holden
Still the New Guy
 
I have been told I cannot still be the "New Guy," but I am still learning so much more about the business opportunities in Stafford.  As the New Guy I have had a few months (9 exactly) to learn and offer some input and suggestions on how we can continue to foster entrepreneurship and develop the infrastructure for community economic development in Stafford.
 
That said, what I continue to learn about is the incredible drive and passion of our citizens and business leaders, all wanting to contribute to continuing to build a better Stafford.  Take Camille and her plans to have an open house 'Shop Hop' for North Stafford Plaza (below), Kevin and his team offering insightful and meaningful opportunities to "Learn over Beer," and Cesar and his team working to encourage and build an even stronger cyber and IT community in Stafford.
 
Please take a moment to follow the links in this newsletter.  Invite a Veteran to our Business Bootcamp and please consider joining us on May 15 to celebrate our entrepreneurs at the Business Appreciation Reception (BAR).  Consider too introducing me to another contact and business person by nominating them for one of our business appreciation awards. You will not want to miss this year's BAR!

Governor Northam Announces Over $6.7 Million in GO Virginia Grants
Funding supports regional workforce initiatives

"This is wonderful news and a one of a handful of projects and programs Stafford and our region are working on to further develop and enhance the cyber and IT workforce and infrastructure," says John Holden, Stafford County's Director of Economic Development and Tourism. 

University of Mary Washington (UMW) will establish a cybersecurity preparatory program to train Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP). By contributing to the critical mass of certified cyber professionals, UMW will help businesses fill current openings due to the inadequate supply of certified professionals. In partnerships with Germanna Community College (GCC) and Rappahannock Community College (RCC), UMW will implement a 40-hour certification program, as well as a structured pre-study curriculum, both of which will benefit from new local study groups, live trainings, and online resources.  MORE>>
I-95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension
Fred Ex

The I-95 corridor around the D.C. metro area is one of the country's most congested areas to drive in. Express Lanes is working to help fix that with Fred Ex. Whether  you're a solo driver, carpooler or bus rider, get ready to buckle up for  a  faster trip along the 95 Express Lanes with Fred Ex. The extended Lanes will open to drivers in 2022. Until then, stay in the loop on what to expect and project updates.  MORE> >

26th Annual St. Patrick's Day Tournament
March 16-17

Stafford Soccer is gearing up to host more than 220 teams for its 26th Annual St. Patrick's Day tournament on March 16-17! Teams from all over the state of Virginia, PA, MD, and DC will visit Stafford County. All games will be played in Stafford, on our many Artificial turf and Bermuda grass fields.  The heavy concentration of participants will be Friday - Sunday. We are expecting 7,000 ++ participants and their families. This event will positively impact many area businesses! Please welcome the many soccer players into the community!



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Office Space for Sale
21 Venture Dr, Stafford, VA 22554
- 2,080 sf office space with flexible layout
- 3.0 acres of fenced storage
- 0.8 mile from I-95 exit 140
- NOI from cell tower of approx. $20,040/year or $1,700/mo.
- Great I-95 access
 
Business Training Opportunities and Partner Events 
March 20, 5:30 - 7:30pm

The title of Gerhard's Learning over Beer (LOB) talk is "Create a Winning Mindset." Gerhard is a rock star; he's a renowned international Key Note Speaker and a mindset guru. He has published 16 books and runs the world's leading sales magazine. Doors open at 5:30 pm for social hour. Talk starts at 6:30 pm. Free of charge.
March 28, 3:00 - 6:30pm 
Cyber Bytes is an open and free event to build a cyber savvy community in Stafford County. Meet some of the nation's leading cybersecurity professionals and take part in dynamic and informational presentations.
March 23, 10:00am - 4:00pm
To promote small businesses in the North Stafford Plaza, The Icing Baking Company is partnering with Olde Virginia Gourmet, Bang! Music, and Select Leaf Tobacco Shop to provide an open house event. Each business will be providing samples of their products and information about their businesses.
April 2, 6:15 - 7:30 pm  
Speed networking allows students to network with professionals in short intervals which allows the student to become comfortable in speaking in a professional setting and make local business connections.
Angela Kelley will discuss self-evaluation basics, including the business idea, defining the need for the business, determining its feasibility and what actions are needed to bring it into fruition. 
March 20, 9:00 - 10:30 am 
This workshop is designed for small business owners who have an opportunity to listen to experts in the marketing industry speak on specific topics every other Wednesday.
March 21, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm 
The workshop is designed to teach the basics of QuickBooks; the things that you need to know to perform typical bookkeeping tasks.
Stafford County Economic Development & Tourism | 540-658-8681 [email protected] | 1300 Courthouse Road
P.O. Box 339
Stafford, VA 22555