The Online Newsletter for the Virginia Economic Developers Association | | |
I am writing this column right after returning from a wonderful Fall Conference in Danville! I got to see and strengthen my relationships with 305 friends and VEDA members. I am also happy to say I got to start a relationship with 31 members who attended their first VEDA conference.
I very much enjoyed learning more about Danville’s commercial history from Virginia’s first tobacco mega site to a leader in the industrial revolution in this Country. I also got great joy and inspiration from learning the many ways they are transforming the area from the single focus industrial economy to a modern diverse one. Well done, you make all of us ED professionals proud! The Conference Committee did an excellent job on a program filled with great information and a lot of time for fun and for deepening our relationships.
I also believe we had our first VEDA conference “baby watch” as Samantha Bagbey, Conference Co-chair left the Conference to deliver a beautiful baby girl, Blakely Elise Bagbey. Congratulations to her and her family! Finally, I am very pleased that VEDA now has a beautiful conference center location large enough to hold our conference south of Roanoke.
I wish everyone a happy Halloween and holiday season. Travel safe and enjoy family!
Recent Results – We received a policy platform update from Mindy Carlin and Chris Lloyd at the conference, and it was not good news. It is clear that the sentiment against development of any kind continues to grow and will be the issue dominating public policy at the local and state level for the foreseeable future. The VEDA Board, Mindy and Chris are working hard to focus our policy platform and supporting messaging to be about the value of growth of commercial tax base and the creation of new jobs as vital to the wellbeing and quality of life of everyone in the Commonwealth. Economic Development is the Answer! This effort will require all of us to work harder than ever before to educate and re-educate our elected officials, both local and State, about the importance of the tools we use and the importance of economic development to the community and the Commonwealth
On the Rader – Connie and I are nearing the end of our regional meetings, and I have learned so much during those meetings with all of you. I look forward to hearing from our remaining two regions in the coming month. I hope to see all of you at my last meeting as this year’s VEDA President, the VEDA Annual Meeting in Richmond, December 3, 2026. The format of this meeting has changed a bit and will include volunteer recognition, awards (Cardinal, Rising Star, and President’s Awards), elections, the passing of the VEDA gavel, a look back at 2026 and finally a look towards 2027. The Annual Meeting will be followed by a Year-End Networking Reception. Mark your calendar for December 3 (4:30-7:30). Registration will be open soon!
Upcoming events are:
Monday, October 19/12:30 pm: VEDA/VEDP impactED/Zoom
Monday, November 2/12:30 pm: VEDA/VEDP impactED/Zoom4:30
Monday, November 9/12:00 pm: Virginia Economic Development Housing Forum
Thursday, December 3/4:30-7:30 pm: VEDA Annual Meeting & Year-End Networking Reception
Warmest regards,
Garrett Hart, III
VEDA President
Chesterfield Economic Development
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SCROLL DOWN FOR
VEDA Member News
Virginia Economic Development Housing Forum
VEDA Annual Meeting & Year-End Networking Reception
Virginia Chamber Forum on Infrastructure
Register for Final Two impactED Events in 2026
VEDA 2027 Events
VEDA New Members for August
Nominate a Rising Star
Apply for Professional Development Scholarships
Fall Conference Snapshots
Fall Conference Sponsors
Partner News
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VEDP Staff Updates
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Business Investment: Will Arney, Gabby Dean, Micah Kemp, and Emily Moore have been promoted to Senior Business Manager.
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International Trade: Caitlin Maxwell and Richard Miller have been promoted to Senior VALET Program Manager. Jordan Watkins has been promoted to Senior Global Defense Program Manager.
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Knowledge Work: Graham Griffith has been promoted to Managing Director, Aerospace & Defense Innovation.
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Logistics: Femi Poopola has been promoted to Managing Director. Nicholas Rouse has joined VEDP as Business Manager, Air Cargo.
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Manufacturing: Jennifer Reynolds has joined VEDP as Director, Life Sciences.
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Marketing & Communications: Jacquelyn Harris has been promoted to Managing Director, Experiential Marketing and Strategic Initiatives. Lisa Shope has been promoted to Sr. Manager, Experiential Marketing and Events.
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Real Estate Solutions: Abigail Patterson has been promoted to Director, Sites and Buildings.
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Regional Talent Solutions and Business Outreach: Maggie Garinther and Barbara Kirkwood-Taylor have been promoted to Senior Business Outreach Manager. Vice President, Regional Talent Solutions and Business Outreach Tim Stuller has retired.
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Talent & Workforce Development: Hope Harris-Gayles has joined VEDP as a Regional Internship Manager.
Dominion Energy has been named one of the Top Utilities in Economic Development by Site Selection Magazine for the seventh consecutive year. READ MORE.
Jen Kostyniuk, Dominion Energy has been elected a Virginia State Director on the Board of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) — North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association, representing 17 states. Her election reflects the expertise and collaborative spirit she brings to advancing economic development across Virginia and beyond.
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Virginia Economic Development Housing Forum
VEDA has partnered with Virginia Housing, VEDP, and DHCD to form the Virginia Economic Development Housing Forum. The group meets quarterly online. Registration is open for the next two meetings. A website page has been created on the VEDA website to house agendas, recordings, and resource information from these meetings.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE. Register NOW for the November 9th Online Meeting.
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SAVE THE DATE FOR
VEDA ANNUAL MEETING
Elections, Volunteer Recognition, Year in Review, Awards, and MORE!
Followed By
Year-End Networking Reception
Thursday, December 3, 2026
4:30 - 7:30 pm
Omni Richmond Hotel
REGISTRATION OPEN SOON!
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VIRGINIA FORUM ON INFRASTRUCTURE
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Greater Richmond Convention Center
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Save the date and REGISTER for the 2026 Virginia Forum on Infrastructure on Thursday, October 15 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Join the Virginia Chamber of Commerce for a close look at the hot topics of today. Hear from energy, utility and infrastructure leaders, members of the business community and policy makers on what fuels Virginia's economic growth.
Speakers include:
- Josephus Allmond, Chief Energy Officer, Commonwealth of Virginia
- Ed Baine, Executive Vice President, Utility Operations and Presidednt, Dominion Energy Virginia
- John W. Ketchum, President, NextEra Energy, Inc.
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REGISTER FOR THE TWO REMAINING
impactED EVENTS FOR 2026
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VEDA Winter Membership Meeting & Day at the General Assembly
January 2027 (Week of January 18th)
Richmond
Spring Conference 2027
Wednesday, March 17 - Friday, March 19, 2027
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach
Virginia Consultants Forum
Monday, May 17 - Wednesday, May 19, 2027
Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Roanoke
Fall Conference 2027
Wednesday, September 29 - Friday, October 1, 2027
Kalahari Resort & Conference Center, Spotsylvania County.
| Welcome New Members - August 2026 | | |
REGION 2
- Derin Foor, Coordinator, Economic Development Authority of Amherst County
- Jory Woods, Economic and Community Development Specialist, Center for Economic and Community Engagement
REGION 3
- Eric Payne, Executive Director, Economic Development Authority for the City of Martinsville
REGION 4
- Tess Brod, Brand Manager, Virginia Economic Development Partnership
- Foster Garrett, Executive Assistant, Virginia Economic Development Partnership
- Bettina Geissbuehler, Business Development Manager, Greater Richmond Partnership
- Heron Mehretab, Managing Director, Deal Support, Virginia Economic Development Partnership
- Zoe York, Grants and Economic Development Coordinator, Virginia Department of Energy
REGION 6
- Lucy Gentry, Marketing & Administrative Coordinator, Virginia's Innovation Crossroads Alliance
- Bethany Lanza, Managing Director, Marketing, Virginia Economic Development Partnership
REGION 7
- David Maloney, Manager, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
REGION 8
- Timothy Cognata, Director of Sales, InterChange Group
- Conor Mitts, Administrative Specialist, Rockbridge County
| | Nominate a Rising Star in Economic Development | | |
The Rising Star Award will be given to a VEDA member who has made a mark on their employer during a relatively short tenure in a new role. The idea for this award (debuted in 2020) originated with the VEDA Emerging Leaders to recognize the Stars of Economic Development in Virginia.
Nominees for this award should demonstrate an appetite for excellence, an aptitude for learning new skills or mastering new responsibilities and show initiative in the workplace while modeling a positive attitude and professionalism in the field.
The nominator must be a member of the Association and will be asked to participate in presenting the award. Award nominees are not limited to Emerging Leaders Members.
A nominee must have been in a new role for less than three (3) years from the date of the nomination (a new role is defined as a promotion, changing place of employment, or changing departments/ divisions/ teams, etc.). The Rising Star may only be awarded to an individual once.
The following requirements apply to all nominations:
- Both the nominee and endorser must be current members of the Virginia Economic Developers Association.
- The candidate's professional resume must be attached.
- The candidate’s professional photo must be attached.
- A one sentence quote about the nominee that may be used in introductions and promotional materials related to the award.
- Please note that each nomination should include a clear explanation of what sets the nominee apart from others, e.g., what have they done that is above and beyond their job description or what is expected of them in the first three years. Please use clear examples of the nominee’s accomplishments. Additionally, recognizing there are many talented individuals across Virginia, doing spectacular work in their communities, the Awards Committee considers the nominee’s participation in VEDA to be of high importance.
- All nominations must be submitted online.
DEADLINE TO NOMINATE: MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
| | Apply for 2027 Professional Development Scholarships | |
Economic developers realize the importance of professional development. Educational venues — where knowledge, professional experience, and best practices are shared between economic development practitioners — provide invaluable learning opportunities. VEDA offers professional development scholarships through the Waller Family Memorial Scholarship Program annually to help its members with their professional development efforts.
The Waller Family Memorial Scholarship was initially created in memory of Smiley H. Waller, VEDA’s first Executive Director who served the organization for more than 15 years. The scholarship was funded by Smiley’s family until Tom Waller’s passing in 2022. The VEDA Board voted in October 2022 to continue to fund this scholarship and rename it for both Tom and Smiley Waller under the name Waller Family Memorial Scholarship. In October 2023, the VEDA Board restructured VEDA’s scholarship program to be more flexible for applicants and created the Waller Family Memorial Scholarship Program to cover all scholarship funding. VEDA scholarship funding is determined in VEDA’s annual budgeting process and distributed at the discretion of the VEDA Awards & Scholarship Committee, based on the number of applications received and the tuition costs of the indicated course.
General Scholarship Application Information
The VEDA Scholarship application process begins in the fall with applications due in January. The scholarship portal remains open throughout the year, but applications will not be reviewed until January, with recipients being immediately notified once the committee has made its decisions. All scholarship recipients must utilize the scholarship in the calendar year.
Scholarship funding is determined through the VEDA budget process annually (usually in September). The VEDA Board strives to allow for as many scholarships as possible within the confines of the budget based on anticipated revenue and expenses for the coming year.
Professional Development Scholarships
VEDA has identified the following professional development training opportunities to be eligible for scholarship support:
All scholarship application information must be submitted online through the VEDA website. Any requested documents in addition to the online form must be uploaded to the VEDA website as a single PDF document. All applicants must provide the date of the course they wish to attend and the amount of tuition for that course.
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR 2027 VEDA SCHOLARSHIPS: FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2027.
| | FALL CONFERENCE SNAPSHOTS | | THANKS TO OUR FALL CONFERENCE SPONSORS | | Christian & Barton, LLP ~ Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce ~ Farm Credit of the Virginias ~ Faulconer Construction ~ First National Bank ~ Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. ~ InterChange Group, Inc. ~ Mecklenburg County ~ Patrick County Economic Development Authority ~ RDG, a Convergent Company ~ The Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement ~ Whittington Consulting | | VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) | VBAF Site Remediation Grants - Have a vacant or underutilized property in your downtown that could benefit from environmental cleanup? The Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF) is opening its next round of Site Remediation Awards on October 1, 2026, with applications due November 13, 2026. Awards of up to $500,000 in grants or loans are available to support the restoration and redevelopment of brownfield sites, with a 1:1 match required. A brownfield is, generally speaking, a property where the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant may complicate its redevelopment or reuse. Addressing these environmental challenges can be an important step toward bringing long-vacant properties back into productive use. LEARN MORE. | VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (DHCD) | | |
2026 Virginia Governor's Housing Conference - Registration is open for this year’s Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference, on Nov. 18-20 in Hampton. This year’s theme is Affordable Virginia: Building the Future Together. Be sure to register and book your hotel soon. You don’t want to miss this event!
MAIN STREET
Exploring Main Street (EMS) - Registration is open for the final EMS Interchange of the year on Thursday, October 22, from 11 a.m. to noon featuring the Town of Hillsville. This event aims to provide opportunities for insight, connection, and inspiration among EMS communities across the state. The Town of Hillsville recognized that a strong Main Street organization provides an important foundation for downtown revitalization and made a dedicated investment in building the organization’s capacity. During this virtual Interchange, participants will hear firsthand about Hillsville’s approach, the results of that investment, and how strengthening Main Street infrastructure and resources can help create lasting impacts for the community. Join Virginia Main Street for an opportunity to learn, connect with peers, and explore how investing in your Main Street organization can pay dividends for your downtown and community. LEARN MORE.
Science Discovery on Main Street Grants - What unique science, technology, or natural history assets can be found in your community? The Science Discovery on Main Street grant program is offering $10,000 Discovery Grants to eligible Main Street programs interested in uncovering and celebrating their local science assets.
Supported by the Simons Foundation, the program provides funding and technical support to help communities identify local assets, engage community members, develop partnerships, and explore new programming and events.
Whether your community has a connection to agriculture, manufacturing, natural resources, or another field, this opportunity offers a chance to uncover new stories and create engaging experiences on Main Street. Affiliate or accredited Main Streets with a population of 50,000 or less are eligible to apply. LEARN MORE.
Virginia Main Street Mobilizing Update - Since 2023, Mobilizing Main Street has helped Exploring Main Street communities build capacity by establishing and developing their Main Street nonprofit organizations. The biennial education program prepares communities for the highest tier of participation in Virginia Main Street: Advancing Virginia Main Street. Along the way, the Virginia Main Street team has learned a great deal about what helps new Main Street organizations take root and grow. To put those insights to work, Virginia Main Street will pause Mobilizing Main Street for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027) and use the year to review and strengthen the program for future rounds. This means applications will not open in fall 2026. We recognize that some communities have been preparing to apply, and we appreciate your continued commitment to downtown revitalization. While the program is on pause, this is an excellent opportunity to focus on strengthening your Main Street organization, building local partnerships, and laying the foundations for long-term success. Communities that invest in these fundamentals today will be well-positioned when future opportunities to progress toward the Advancing Virginia Main Street level become available. LEARN MORE.
BROADBAND
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program - On September 3, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released guidance that allows states to connect newly identified unserved locations, as well as certain locations that may become eligible due to changes in other federal or state broadband programs, through a supplemental BEAD deployment round. Additional information, including eligible locations, funding availability, and timing, is expected in future guidance. Virginia’s Office of Broadband will share updates as more information becomes available and will continue progress on all existing BEAD awards.
Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) - Last month, VATI helped deliver broadband access to 5,506 locations across the Commonwealth. In total, more than 249,245 locations* have gained access to broadband since the end of July 2021! VATI provides funding through public-private partnerships to extend broadband service to unserved areas across Virginia. The Office of Broadband will host a How-To-Apply webinar for the next VATI funding round on October 7th. The webinar will be held virtually using Microsoft Teams, with a call-in option also available. LEARN MORE.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant - In August 2026, the Department of Commerce indicated that it “presently targets” December 2026 for the opening of applications for the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. The grant provides funding for broadband adoption, digital skills development, and access to public connectivity resources. NTIA is currently preparing a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and has opened a 60-day public comment period on the information collection and application requirements for this new round of funding. The public comment period closes October 26. The Office of Broadband will share updates as further information becomes available. LEARN MORE.
| VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP (VEDP) | |
InternshipsVA Matching Grant Program Now Open to Local Governments - Local governments across Virginia can now leverage the services and funding available through InternshipsVA to support and expand paid internship opportunities for undergraduate college students in Virginia. Internships provide local governments with a valuable way to build their future talent pipeline, introduce students to careers in public service, and cultivate early connections with potential future employees. In turn, local governments can offer meaningful, hands-on learning experiences by engaging interns in projects that contribute to their communities while helping students develop professional skills and explore career pathways. In addition to InternshipsVA’s support with developing or expanding an internship program, local governments of all sizes are eligible to apply for funding that reimburses 50% of an intern’s wages up to $7,500 per intern per state fiscal year. These funds are designed to support paid internships for students enrolled in two- and four-year, public and private colleges and universities in Virginia. Localities may apply for funding for up to ten interns per fiscal year and must coordinate with their Chief Administrative Officer before submitting an application. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted. View the grant criteria and application process HERE.
Virginia Economic Review Discusses How Virginia is Creating the Future - The Q2 issue of Virginia Economic Review mailed in July and takes the occasion of the America250 celebrations to juxtapose Virginia’s rich history with its continuous innovation. Highlights include an essay on Virginia’s place in the American experiment, historic profiles of long-established Virginia companies, and a look at the Commonwealth’s role in developing the internet, GPS, and other technological mainstays of American life. We also interviewed Christy Coleman, executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, about what citizens can take away from Virginia’s history at this historic moment. READ THE ISSUE.
Virginia Talent Accelerator in the Spotlight - The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program continues to set the national standard, earning recognition from Business Facilities as the top workforce training program in the country for the fourth year in a row. Recently highlighted by CNBC’s “Now We Know” series, the program gives companies a powerful competitive advantage by delivering customized, scalable workforce solutions that help businesses hire, train, and ramp up talent faster. As Virginia competes for high-value projects, the Talent Accelerator remains a key differentiator, and talent continues to be one of the Commonwealth’s strongest advantages.
VALET Graduates Diversify Sales - On July 21–22, VEDP’s International Trade division welcomed 13 Virginia companies into the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program and celebrated the graduation of 14 companies that have completed the intensive two-year export accelerator. This milestone highlights Virginia’s continued commitment to helping companies compete and succeed in global markets. Through VALET, VEDP provides participating businesses with customized export planning, market research, international business development support, and access to experienced global trade professionals. Since its inception in 2002, more than 450 Virginia companies have completed the program, with participants achieving an average 78% increase in international sales while enrolled. By equipping Virginia companies with the tools, expertise, and global connections needed to expand internationally, VEDP helps businesses strengthen their competitiveness, diversify revenue streams, increase exports, and drive long-term economic growth across the Commonwealth. VEDP always looks to ensure that the widest range of companies have access to our world-class international business development resources. Please reach out to us to learn more or share a client referral.
A Strong Start to FY27 Lead Generation - One of the most exciting developments this year is the growth of our FY27 Lead Generation Calendar. With a 20% increase in campaign activity compared to last year, VEDP and its partners are engaging more companies, markets, and industry sectors than ever before. This expanded collaboration strengthens our ability to identify new opportunities and showcase Virginia’s competitive advantages to business decision-makers around the world. With partner engagement on the rise, we are looking forward to continuing our lead generation success.
| | VEDA ANNUAL PATRONS FOR 2026 | | | | |
