Read more about the winners below.
Arlington Business Appreciation Month Coordinated Visits
After nearly two years of primarily virtual engagement, a team from Arlington County Economic Development visited more than 40 Arlington companies over a two-week period during Business Appreciation Month and connected each with valuable resource partners in the community. The visits included more than 30 community ambassadors — representatives from multiple County offices and boards as well as others from VEDA, Chamber of Commerce and local colleges and universities — who shared information about workforce programs, financial incentives and more. The project concluded with a closing network reception for all. The reach of the project extended from Fortune 500 companies to early-stage companies. Every ambassador expressed an interest in participating in the 2023 edition of the project.
The Historic Millwald Theatre: Collaboration for Revitalization in Downtown Wytheville
Restoring the 94-year-old downtown theater, The Millwald, through the Wytheville Industrial Development Authority, was a cornerstone project for the revitalization of downtown Wytheville. The strategic planning process led by Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Wytheville Convention and Visitors Bureau collaborated with multiple public and private sector partners. The scope of the project, creating a cultural arts and education center to serve the entire region, was immense for this small community, but collectively the team of partners drew inspiration from each other. What was the oldest operating theater in Virginia when it closed in 2005 has returned to prominence as the cultural heart of downtown Wytheville.
LYH Loves You Brand Campaign
The Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism launched LYH LOVES YOU, a bold message of inclusivity that leverages the state’s iconic messaging and works to instill pride in a city leaning into the future. The concept revolves around telling the stories of the citizens, businesses and organizations of Lynchburg to reach residents, talent, businesses and visitors. Digital kiosk signage featuring visitor information, maps and QR codes to download information, was placed in seven strategic locations. The campaign speaks authentically about Lynchburg through the voices of those living and working there.
ABOUT THE VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION
The Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership association for individuals with a professional interest in economic development across the Commonwealth of Virginia. VEDA serves as the voice of economic development in Virginia and was founded in 1982 to increase the effectiveness of individuals involved in the practice of economic development in Virginia by encouraging cooperation, exchange of information, and professional development activities. For more information, visit goveda.org.
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