EDAAgenda2023October24ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
| TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24TH |
| 8:00 AM |
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING @ FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
107 KENT STREET WINCHESTER, VA
1.Call to Order
2.Approval of Minutes – September 7, 2023|| ACTION
3.Treasurer’s Report || ACTION
4.Performance Agreements Virginia Business Ready Site Program || ACTION
Review of agreements related $7.23 million award for the Valley Innovation Park
for sanitary sewer and electrical upgrades
5.EDA Strategy || DISCUSSION
Annual review process of EDA Strategy which will continue by reviewing the main
goals’ actions and measurements
6.EDA Partner Showcase || DISCUSSION
Concept for regular presentation from key stakeholders to enhance board
members understanding on connectivity to the EDA Strategy
7.Worlds of Work || INFORMATION
Recap of this year’s regional 8th grade hands-on career exploration
8.Such other business as may come before this Authority
MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
| THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 |
A meeting of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority was held on
Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. in the County Administration Building, First
Floor Conference Room, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT: Rick Till, Diane Kearns, Judy McCann-Slaughter, Stan Crockett, and Gary
Lofton.
STAFF: Patrick Barker and Shayla Rickard, Frederick County Economic Development
Authority; Michael Bryan, Attorney; and Jay Tibbs, Deputy County Administrator
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Till called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from the July 6, 2023, meeting were presented.
On motion duly made by Mr. Lofton and seconded by Mr. Crockett, the minutes were approved
by the following recorded vote:
J. Stanley Crockett Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Absent
Diane Kearns Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann-Slaughter Aye
Karen Swecker Absent
Rick Till Aye
TREASURER'S REPORTS
Mr. Barker submitted the following reports:
Checking Account - Bank of Clarke as of June 30, 2023 - $31,699.56
Savings Account - Scott & Stringfellow as of June 30, 2023 - $588.60
Intrafi Account – Bank of Clarke as of June 30, 2023 - $1,525,535.30
Checking Account - Bank of Clarke as of July 31, 2023 - $24,683.16
Savings Account - Scott & Stringfellow as of July 31, 2023 - $.06
Page 2 of 4
Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | September 7, 2023
Intrafi Account – Bank of Clarke as of July 31, 2023 - $1,530,838.74
On motion of Ms. McCann-Slaughter, seconded by Mr. Crockett, the Treasurer’s
Reports were approved by the following recorded vote:
J. Stanley Crockett Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Absent
Diane Kearns Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann-Slaughter Aye
Karen Swecker Absent
Rick Till Aye
LAUREL RIDGE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Mr. Barker introduced Ms. Christine Kriz, Executive Director of the Laurel Ridge Small Business
Development Center, who provided an update on the Center’s activities and expressed
appreciation for the EDA’s support.
Diana Patterson, also from the Small Business Development Center, gave a presentation on the
bilingual services they provide with the financial support they have received from the EDA. She
was accompanied by one of their clients who gave a testimonial for this program.
BUSINESS RETENTION MANAGER PROJECT UPDATE
Shayla Rickard, Business Retention Manager, presented an update on her activities in this
position.
JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Mr. Till asked each Board member their thoughts on the recent joint meeting with the BOS.
Ms. McCann-Slaughter stated she felt it went well and Mr. Barker had done a good job
reviewing the EDA’s activities and future goals.
Ms. Kearns remarked that feels there needs to be more conversation about targeted industry
jobs vs. jobs in general---i.e., how do they relate and what do we want to do on the BOS level.
Her hope was that the BOS would have dug into the subject more so there could have been
some discussion with them. She also stated there seems to be a perception in the community
that the EDA is trying to block some development.
Mr. McCann-Slaughter stated the BOS has confidence in the EDA Board and she believes
diversity in any community is imperative.
Page 3 of 4
Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | September 7, 2023
Mr. Lofton remarked that the BOS placed their confidence in the EDA when it was transitioned
from an IDA to an EDC. When looking at our targeted industries, the biggest is warehousing but
the EDA needs to be an advocate for our community to attract all industries. He also stated he
struggles with target industries as we move forward and the BOS looks at the EDA Board to give
them direction.
Mr. Crockett feels the EDA Board’s function is to act as a consultant for the BOS to advise what
we are doing and how the EDA is meeting its fiduciary responsibility.
Mr. Till stated he feels the BOS is supportive of the EDA and agrees with our direction.
PROPOSED EDA COMMENT AT PUBLIC HEARING FOR NORTHEAST LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Board members were provided a copy of the comment that Mr. Till plans to make at the Public
Hearing on this topic and were asked for comments/suggestions.
Ms. McCann-Slaughter stated she feels there should be comments added about how the
County’s tax base would be affected by both plans (one plan vs. another).
After discussion, Mr. Barker agreed to explore the existence of more in-depth analytical data to
add to the EDA’s comment.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Till gave a brief report on the meetings he and Mr. Barker held with each EDA Board
member individually. There were interesting discussions with varying topics of importance to
Board members but everyone believes the EDA is on the right path. Some important issues
expressed were:
(1) Workforce---support for Laurel Ridge Community College and local schools, job fairs
(hold Expo twice a year), Widget Cup, Boot Camp for manufacturing jobs
(2) Sites---land acquisition, collaboration between Valley Health and Fisher Scientific,
manufacturing roundtable, support of airport, working with other regional EDAs
(3) Other ---share informational topics with EDA Board quarterly (utilities,
transportation, Federick County departments, Frederick Water, etc.), build on and
maximize what we are doing, grocery store attraction, self-promotion of
accomplishments
Mr. Lofton asked if Wendy May, Marketing Manager, had any data/comments from restaurants
who participated in the FredCo Eats program as to how successful their participation was---he
would be interested in knowing.
Page 4 of 4
Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | September 7, 2023
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before this Authority, the meeting was adjourned at
9:15 a.m.
________________________________ ____________________________
Richard Till Jay Tibbs
Chairman Secretary
DATE: October 18, 2023
TO: Board of Directors,
Frederick County Economic Development Authority
FROM: Patrick Barker, CEcD
Executive Director
CC: Jay Tibbs
Deputy County Administrator
RE: EDA Strategy Update
The EDA Strategy, as approved by the EDA Board, helps to guide staff as they pursue Frederick
County’s economic development activities. Each year the EDA Board reviews and approves the
Strategy to reaffirm and/or modify the overall goals and objectives.
Last year, the update consisted of EDA Board feedback and minor staff updates. The previous
year, the EDA Board performed a deep review of the Strategy. This process included a strategic
brainstorming session, a review of the EDA’s mission and main goals and a restructuring of the
objectives and measurements by staff.
This year, the EDA Chair and EDA Director held informal discussions with most board members,
at the time of this memo. These conversations have confirmed the strategy’s organization,
format and content. Staff has updated the strategy’s economic statistics to current available
data and actions and measurements based on current trends and performance.
EDA Board members are requested to review the updated draft Strategy for 23-24, which is
enclosed. Any suggested revisions should be sent to staff by Friday, November 10th. Staff will
incorporate any Board comments with staff suggestions for review at the next EDA Board
meeting.
FREDERICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
2022-20232023 - 2024
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 2 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
-factors contributing to County success
Role of Economic Development Authority
-why created, main functions
Situational Analysis
-strengths, concerns and asset analysis
-basic relevant info on local economy with comparison to State and US economies
Implementing the Plan
-discusses how the plan includes the mission, objectives and long-term guidance for specific
activities and measures
Mission, Strategic Goals & Objectives
1. Talent Engagement
2. Business Retention
Manufacturing & Business Services
Agriculture
Small Businesses
3. Business Attraction
Business Targets
4. Business Climate
Impact Measures
-capital investment values, new jobs creation, new jobs wages, relationship developed and other
measurements
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 3 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
INTRODUCTION
The Frederick County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has developed this strategic plan to clarify
the direction and focus of Frederick County’s economic development activities. The plan highlights the
importance of maintaining and enhancing the diverse economy of Frederick County. The goals and
objectives outlined in the EDA’s strategic plan support and align with the Business Development section
of Frederick County’s comprehensive plan. Moreover, this strategic plan will drive the formulation of
the EDA’s annual operational plan.
BACKGROUND
Frederick County, VA has earned a long-standing reputation as a top economy in the State of Virginia
and Shenandoah Valley region. Some of the competitive factors that have contributed to Frederick
County’s success are listed below.
Central & Essential
Frederick County, VA serves a range of industries – from manufacturers and financial
institutions, to IT companies and startups – that benefit from our strategic geographic
advantages in the heart of the East Coast. Located just 80 miles from Washington, D.C.,
Frederick County, VA is a central part of the Winchester, VA-WV metro statistical area
(MSA), which includes Frederick County’s City of Winchester, as well as Hampshire
County, West Virginia. Our county’s advantageous location places businesses and
residents near Washington D.C.’s established business market, both in the public and
private sectors. The region’s efficient transportation network – with easy access to
major highways, including Interstates 81 and 66, railways, including CSX and Winchester
& Western, three international airports and one general aviation airport and the Virginia
Inland Port – allows companies to reach customers anywhere in the world. Two-thirds
of the U.S. and Canadian population can be reached within a day’s drive.
Dedicated Workforce and Standard of Excellence
Frederick County draws from a skilled workforce that is nurtured at all levels. Labor
supply for Frederick County is drawn from a 45-mile radius across 10 counties in
Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. The total labor supply is more than 380,000
professionals, over 90% of which are high school graduates (or higher); 39.7% hold an
associate degree or higher. The Frederick County Economic Development Authority’s
market-leading Career Pathways program is a fourmulti-tiered workforce development
initiative poised to groom next-gen talent and ensure our business outfits can tap into a
skilled and motivated talent pool.
Business Diversity – From Local to Global
Widely recognized employers are operating here, including HP Hood, Trex, Kraft-Heinz
Foods, Berry M&H PlasticsBerry Global , Navy Federal Credit Union, Rubbermaid and
Thermo Fisher Scientific. A mix of manufacturing, retail, professional services, logistics,
customer service, technology and entrepreneurial enterprises keep the economy strong.
Our region is among the top 10% best performing metros in Virginia for capital
investment and new job creation. Our business community has steadily grown over the
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 4 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
years and has been recognized for its range of offerings, proximity to major metros and
its long-term appeal to some of today’s leading manufacturers, financial operations and
more.
Recognized Performance and Efficiency
With an extensive and diverse business portfolio, $326 156.1 million in capital
expenditures between 20182020-2022, plus ongoing partnerships between the business
community and educational institutions, Frederick County has consistently recruited and
retained leading companies. We have also been recognized as one of the most
prosperous economies in the state. In fact, Frederick County falls within the top 10% of
Virginia localities over the last decade (top 109% in capital investment and top 68% in
new job growth). Frederick County is consistently rated a great place to operate a
business – registering at No. 9 on Forbes’ “Best Small Places for Business and Careers” in
2019.
Time is Money
Frederick County operates a permitting process which allows for land grading within 2-3
months from the execution of an agreement. This permitting system, combined with our
local construction industry, has a proven track record of providing a large-scale design-
built office/industrial building for occupancy within 6-8 months. A prompt permitting
process can be achieved with properties requiring rezoning. For example, two large
industrial buildings were delivered for occupancy in 12 months on a property requiring
rezoning.
Business Support at Every Step
With a diversity of companies, consistent performance and signature workforce
development programs, Frederick County continues to shine as one of Virginia’s finest
regions, leaning on numerous resources to ensure the success of our community. One
such resource includes call-team visits to local businesses to communicate training
resources and expansion assistance opportunities. The Frederick County EDA has an
established track record of working with the County and State partners to identify and
secure assistance programs to expanding companies.
ROLE OF EDA
The EDA is committed to leading Frederick County to continued economic prosperity. The Frederick
County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) was created by the Frederick County Board of
Supervisors in 1967. The Industrial Development Authority of the County of Frederick, Virginia was
created to:
1. Permit it to acquire, own, lease, and dispose of properties to the end that said Authority may be
able to promote industry and develop trade by inducing manufacturing, industrial and
governmental enterprises to locate or to remain in this Commonwealth;
2. Further the use of its agricultural products and natural resources;
3. Increase of commerce;
4. Promotion of safety, health, welfare, convenience and prosperity.
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 5 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
On January 8, 2014, the Board of Supervisors amended the original ordinance creating the Industrial
Development Authority to change the name to the Economic Development Authority of the County
of Frederick, Virginia. On July 1, 2014, the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development
Commission staff transitioned to the Frederick County Economic Development Authority. Frederick
County’s decision reflects a recommendation by its Business Climate Assessment Citizens’
Committee. The recommendation focused on creating an opportunity to re-establish the economic
development vision for the County and provide flexibility to pursue a variety of business attraction
and retention options. Also, Frederick County wished to duplicate the success achieved by other
EDAs in Virginia. Issuing tax free bonds for qualified users remains a function with a seven member
EDA Board setting policy and overseeing the operation of a staff of five. Partnering with the
Frederick County Board of Supervisors and Frederick County administration, the EDA is focused on
attracting new capital investment and quality jobs to Frederick County through new business
location and existing business expansions with a heightened focus on the County’s targeted business
sectors. Those sectors are Corporate Services, Information Technology, Finance & Insurance,
BioScience, Advanced Manufacturing and Food & Beverage
The EDA focuses on four areas:
1. Attracting and retaining workforce talent.
2. Retaining and cultivating existing businesses.
3. Recruiting targeted businesses.
4. Employing policies that keep Frederick County a competitive business location.
SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
The following is a brief listing of Frederick County’s strengths, concerns and critical target business
assets.
Frederick County has many reasons why a business should choose to locate here. Potential businesses
should find the following generalized asset(s) and/or offering(s) by Frederick County that will provide a
better solution than competing localities.
Talent
• Largest employment in key employment sectors in the Northern Shenandoah Valley
• Strong occupational employment in some core occupational groups
• Favorable population dynamics and a large pool of millennials
• Area is growing at a faster pace than the rest of Virginia
• Virginia is one of the most highly educated populations in the US
• Virginia has the largest and most highly educated veteran workforce
Workforce Development
• Market-leading Career Pathways program is a four-tiered workforce development initiative
poised to groom next-gen talent.
• Virginia has one of the strongest corporate services talent pipelines in the Mid-Atlantic &
Southeast
• Relatively strong university and community college system compared with competing areas
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 6 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
Infrastructure and connectivity
• Areas with robust broadband speeds with planned improvements to underserved areas
• Area served by three major airport hubs and general aviation airport
• Strategically placed on Amtrak’s network
• Within driving distance of many major cities in the Northeast and Southeast and dense,
quality highway system
Sites and buildings
• A pro-business climate that permits prompt building construction and rezonings for business
Cost of doing business
• Moderately competitive average industry salaries among competitors
• Highly competitive lease costs
• Low Unemployment Insurance Tax per Employee
• Lowest Workers' Compensation Employer Insurance Costs Per $100 of Payroll
• Competitive tax rates compared with competitor states
Market and cluster presence
• High concentration of many employment sectors in the area
• Central position on the East Coast of the United States, with quick and easy access to all
major population centers east of the Mississippi
• Within one hour of 76% of the US population's regular daily schedule
Quality of life
• Moderately competitive or in line with cost of living in major population centers
• Relatively strong primary and secondary school system
• Relatively low level of violent and property crime
• Moderately more healthy and active population
Frederick County clearly possesses many positive attributes for business yet, conversely, it has some
areas for improvement.
Given the current and forecasted labor situation, talent is an area needing improvement. In addition,
labor availability analysis completed using JobsEQ revealed high to moderate results with many
occupational sectors. Sites and buildings need attention as only a few sites match the identified acreage
using Conway Analytics’ database on corporate expansion projects for all targeted business sectors. For
most targeted businesses, Frederick County possesses the necessary infrastructure and connectivity
though projects with large demands of electric and wastewater may strain this point.
Frederick County’s economy has consistently ranked near the top of all localities in Virginia, in part,
because of the community’s ability to address businesses’ concerns about factors such as highway
accessibility, quality of life, occupancy/construction costs, available buildings, and labor costs. Despite
Frederick County’s decades of success and securing additional corporate decisions, areas of opportunity
have been identified. The EDA will execute a planned and strategic initiative to secure capital
investment and quality jobs forfrom existing companies as well as companies new to Frederick County.
To achieve these vital goals, the EDA will require an appropriate level of staff and operational and
incentive funds.
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 7 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
The following are a sampling of measures illustrating Frederick County’s economy with some
comparison to the State and Nation.
Employment Trends
As of 2023Q12022Q2, total employment for Frederick County, Virginia was 39,889 38,421 (based on a
four-quarter moving average). Over the year ending 2023Q12022Q2, employment increased 4.3%2.7%
in the region.
Employment data are derived from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, provided by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics and imputed where necessary. Data are updated through 2022Q1 2022Q4 with
preliminary estimates updated to 2023Q12022Q2.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate for Frederick County, Virginia was 2.12.5% as of September 2022June 2023. The
regional unemployment rate was lower than the national rate of 3.33.8%. One year earlier, in
September 2021June 2022, the unemployment rate in Frederick County, Virginia was 2.5%.
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 8 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
Unemployment rate data are from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics, provided by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics and updated through September 2022June 2023.
Wage Trends
The average worker in Frederick County, Virginia earned annual wages of $54,52956,451 as of
2022Q22023Q1. Average annual wages per worker increased 7.3% in the region over the preceding four
quarters. For comparison purposes, annual average wages were $67,77768,501 in the nation as of
2022Q22023Q1.
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 9 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
Annual average wages per worker data are derived from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages,
provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and imputed where necessary. Data are updated through
2022Q1 2022Q4 with preliminary estimates updated to 2022Q22023Q1.
Industry Snapshot
The largest sector in Frederick County, Virginia is Manufacturing, employing 6,5036,393 workers. The
next-largest sectors in the region are Transportation and Warehousing (4,8405,201 workers) and Retail
Trade (3,8904.189). High location quotients (LQs) indicate sectors in which a region has high
concentrations of employment compared to the national average. The sectors with the largest LQs in
the region are Transportation and Warehousing (LQ = 2.552.63), Manufacturing (2.091.98), and Finance
and Insurance (1.631.67).
Sectors in Frederick County, Virginia with the highest average wages per worker are Management of
Companies and Enterprises ($102,678), Public Administration ($83,234), and Utilities ($79,661). Regional
sectors with the best job growth (or most moderate job losses) over the last 5 years are Transportation
and Warehousing (+2,729 jobs), Finance and Insurance (+699), and Retail Trade (+515)Public
Administration ($78,977), Finance and Insurance ($75,900), and Utilities ($75,049). Regional sectors with
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 10 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
the best job growth (or most moderate job losses) over the last 5 years are Transportation and
Warehousing (+2,474 jobs), Manufacturing (+717), and Finance and Insurance (+714).
Over the next 10 years, employment in Frederick County, Virginia is projected to expand by 7,9747.472
jobs. The fastest growing sector in the region is expected to be Information with a +4.63.6% year-over-
year rate of growth. The strongest forecast by number of jobs over this period is expected for
Transportation and Warehousing (+1,1411,152 jobs), Manufacturing (+9361,065), and Accommodation
and Food Services (+886702).
Occupation Snapshot
The largest major occupation group in Frederick County, Virginia is Transportation and Material Moving
Occupations, employing 6,0576,456 workers. The next-largest occupation groups in the region are Office
and Administrative Support Occupations (4,5144,725 workers) and Production Occupations
(3,8863,809). High location quotients (LQs) indicate occupation groups in which a region has high
concentrations of employment compared to the national average. The major groups with the largest LQs
in the region are Transportation and Material Moving Occupations (LQ = 1.801.85), Production
Occupations (1.791.69), and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations (1.251.23).
Occupation groups in Frederick County, Virginia with the highest average wages per worker are
Management Occupations ($110,500121,900), Legal Occupations ($107,100), Computer and
Mathematical Occupations ($92,60099,300), and Legal Occupations ($88,300). The unemployment rate
in the region varied among the major groups from 0.70.9% among Healthcare Practitioners and
Technical Occupations to 4.33.9% among Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
Over the next 10 years, the fastest growing occupation group in Frederick County, Virginia is expected to
be Personal Care and Service Occupations with a +4.03.1% year-over-year rate of growth. The strongest
forecast by number of jobs over this period is expected for Transportation and Material Moving
Occupations (+1,3791,405 jobs) and Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (+853661). Over
the same period, the highest separation demand (occupation demand due to retirements and workers
moving from one occupation to another) is expected in Transportation and Material Moving
Occupations (8,4139,755 jobs) and Office and Administrative Support Occupations (5,1015,900).
Industry Clusters
A cluster is a geographic concentration of interrelated industries or occupations. The industry cluster in
Frederick County, Virginia with the highest relative concentration is Chemical with a location quotient of
7.206.62. This cluster employs 2,5602,427 workers in the region with an average wage of
$80,64676,036. Employment in the Chemical cluster is projected to expand in the region about 1.01.7%
per year over the next ten years.
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 11 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
Location quotient and average wage data are derived from the Quarterly Census of Employment and
Wages, provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, imputed where necessary, and updated through
2022Q1 2022Q4 with preliminary estimates updated to 2022Q22023Q1. Forecast employment growth
uses national projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics adapted for regional growth patterns.
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 12 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN
This strategic plan defines the role of the EDA and proposes the EDA’s long-term economic development
strategic goals and objectives. The plan also includes several strategic measures to monitor the progress
of the EDA’s program goals.
The plan will provide long-term guidance and direction for the EDA’s work. In addition, it will be a basis
for developing an annual plan comprising specific marketing and operational strategies, tactics and
measures. The EDA will adjust the strategic plan to reflect economic climate shifts. The EDA Board will
review the strategic plan annually to ensure that it accurately represents the appropriate overall
direction and goals for Frederick County’s long-term economic development program.
MISSION, STRATEGIC GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Mission
The EDA’s mission is to facilitate economic development efforts for Frederick County through the
retention, expansion, and attraction of businesses that create high quality jobs and new capital
investment resulting in Frederick County as a premier business location and enhancing the quality of life
for its citizens.
This strategic plan focuses on four goals:
1. Address current and projected workforce needs by engaging the talent in Frederick County
and greater community encouraging their retention and attraction
2. Enhance Frederick County’s business environment to encourage the expansion and
retention of existing business
3. Conduct strategic and measured business attraction efforts to expand the commercial and
industrial base and create quality jobs for all citizens
4. Foster and maintain a pro-business climate by enhancing critical assets and employing
business friendly policies and procedures
Talent Engagement
Goal
Address current and projected workforce needs by engaging the talent in Frederick County
and greater community encouraging their retention and attraction
Objectives/strategies
Maintain awareness of current and projected workforce needs
Action Measurement
Acquire bi-annually from JobsEQ County workforce
10 years projections
Identify top occupational needs
Disseminate top occupational needs to partners Open rate of emails Distribute bi-
annually
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 13 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
Participate in seminars/presentations/meetings on
top occupational needs
Attendance at the Winchester Area
Society for Human Resource
Management meetings
Attendance at the Frederick County
Public School’s CTE Advisory
Committee
Organize an annual meeting feedback with business
and education partners to discusson workforce
needs and solutions
Number of participants
Number of potential solutions
Partner with appropriate local and regional partners to create and execute short-term
workforce solutions, those that have strong potential to produce talent in 12 month or less)
Action Measurement
Facilitate work groups, as necessary and
appropriate, on short term projects resulting from
the Business and Education Summit annual feedback
on workforce needs and solutions
Attendance at work groups
Action plan for projects
Perform internet review for best-in-class workforce
solutions
Number of discovered solutions with
applicability
Showcase talent from area public school’s career
and technical programs (i.e. Widget Cup)
Number of participants
Competitor survey results
Number of internships/hires
Create and promote marketing tools and programs
that help employers sell location to candidates and
existing employees.
Website analytics of regional talent
website
Social media analytics
Amplify existing efforts to host career fairs/regional
hiring events (i.e. Employer Expo)
Number of participants
Number of hires
Survey of participants
Build perceptions of community as a great place for
careers with local young talent (i.e. Regional
Internship Fair)
Number of participants
Number of internships resulting
Conversion of internships to careers
Create a regional tour resource for employers and
their candidates
Number of participants
Number of tours
Implement a burst transitional program for
advanced manufacturing
Number of participants
Conversion of participants to hire
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 14 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
Partner with appropriate local and regional partners to create and execute long term
workforce solutions, those that have strong potential to produce talent in 12 month or
more)
Action Measurement
Facilitate work groups, as necessary and
appropriate, on short term projects resulting from
the annual feedback on workforce needs and
solutionsBusiness and Education Summit
Attendance at work groups
Action plan for projects
Provide an in-person career exploration event for
middle school students (i.e. Worlds of Work)
Number of participants
Survey of participants
Enhance awareness of students, educators and
school staff to the many rewarding local careers
available (i.e. student and teacher tours)
Number of participants
Survey of participants
Build pathways from post-secondary and K-12
schools, allowing entry into these industries
Number of Workforce Models built
Number of participants
Number of hires
TBD
Conduct regular messaging on all career pathways
(post high school to college)
Social media analytics
Website analytic of relevant page
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 15 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
Business Retention
Goal
Enhance Frederick County’s business environment to encourage the expansion and
retention of existing business
Objectives
1. Understand the overall health of existing industry sectors, recognize changing industry
trends, and ensure consistent, personal contact with businesses.
Action Measurement
Perform business call teams visits
Number of business call team visits
Number of follow-up business call team
visits
Number of business expansion
considerations
Number of business expansions
Value of capital investment from
expansions
Number of retained and new jobs from
expansions
Analyze business call team visit for industry trends Results from aggregate analysis of call
team visits using E-Synchronistbusiness
retention CRM system Bludot
Number of action oriented responses
Visit, as appropriate, in conjunction with VEDP to
headquarters of businesses
Number of visits
Number of expansion considerations
Organize topic specific forums, as appropriate Number of business participants
Percentage of business participants to
invited participants
Participate in meetings/workshops with relevant
business/industry groups
Number of actionable intelligence
gained
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 16 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
2. Showcase the operations, careers, and economic contributions of Frederick County
businesses.
Action Measurement
Highlight business sectors and employersemployers
and industry sectors employers and industry sectors
Industry Features (quarterly)
Website Views:
Facebook Reach:
LinkedIn Impressions:
Employer Features (bi-monthly)
Website Views:
Facebook Reach:
LinkedIn Impressions:
Cultivate and elevate the full scope of Frederick
County’s food economy (i.e., FredCo Eats)
Number of participating
businessesrestaurants
Survey of participants (satisfaction
rates, would participate again)
Social media analytics
Website views
3. Offer existing businesses key operational and loan assistance
Action Measurement
Provide financial management, marketing and
operational analysis for existing businesses through
the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center
Number of Frederick County business
clients consulted
Number of jobs created or retained
Value of capital
investmentinvestments/loans
4. Provide awareness of local conditions, resources and assistance opportunities
Action Measurement
Provide real time job posting information Open rate of emails Report created and
posted to website
Distribute targeted information on assistance
programs and other pertinent business conditions
Open rate of emails
Website analytic of relevant
pageExisting Business Update
distributed
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 17 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
Business Attraction
Goal
Conduct strategic and measured business attraction efforts to expand the commercial and
industrial base and create quality jobs for all citizens.
Objectives
1. Identify targeted business sectors for attraction purposes
Action Measurement
Review regularly project announcements in targeted
geographic areas
Report to EDA Board
Discover business sectors through employment data
for sectors with positive long-term growth and
wages that match or exceed the County’s average
wage
Identification of target business sectors
EDA Board acceptance of target
business sectors
Develop, as appropriate, an enhancement plan for
targeted business sectors
Report to EDA Board
Execution of plan
2. Collect and leverage market intelligence related to targeted business sectors
Action Measurement
Participate in meetings/workshops with relevant
business/industry groups
Number of actionable intelligence
gained
Acquire and review relevant industry reports Number of actionable intelligence
gained
3. Maintain and grow relationships with new business lead generators.
Action Measurement
Engage with site consultants and corporate real
estate brokers at appropriate meetings, office visits
and client activity
Number of new relationships
Number of refresh relationships
Number of project considerations
Number of best practices examples
acquired
Number of new business locations
Number of new jobs
Value of capital investment
Interact with business attraction managers at VEDP
at appropriate meetings, office visits and client
activity
Number of new relationships
Number of refresh relationships
Number of project considerations
Number of new business locations
Number of new jobs
Value of capital investment
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 18 of 20
DRAFT October 2023
4. Recruit additional grocery stores to Frederick County
Action Measurement
Conduct an outreach effort to strategic grocery
stores
Interest level of grocery stores
Number of grocery store locations
5. Offer new businesses with key operational and loan assistance
Action Measurement
Provide financial management, marketing and
operational analysis for new businesses through the
Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center
Number of new business clients
consulted
Number of jobs created
Value of capital
investmentinvestments/loans
6. Educate the community on the benefit of a proactive business development presence
and the need for its consistency and commitment.
Action Measurement
Speak to appropriate community groups
Number of speaking engagements
Conduct regular messaging on benefit of economic
development
Social media analytics
Website analytic of relevant
pageIncorporate post in social media
content calendar focusing on EDA
strategy areas
Business Climate
Goal
Foster and maintain a pro-business climate by enhancing critical assets and employing
business friendly policies and procedures.
Objectives
1. Encourage development of “ready to go” business properties.
Action Measurement
Manage online property database and survey
regularly real estate listing services for new/revised
properties
Monthly update on online database
Total SF available and vacancy rates for
office and industrial
Tier sites, as appropriate, according to the Virginia
Business Ready Sites Program
Number of Tiered sites
Acreage of Tiered sites
Collaborate with property owners to secure at least
Tier 4 of the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program
Number of Tier 4 or above sites
Acreage of Tier 4 or above sites
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 18 of 19
DRAFT October 2023
4. Recruit additional grocery stores to Frederick County
Action Measurement
Conduct an outreach effort to strategic grocery
stores
Interest level of grocery stores
Number of grocery store locations
5. Offer new businesses with key operational and loan assistance
Action Measurement
Provide financial management, marketing and
operational analysis for new businesses through the
Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center
Number of new business clients
consulted
Number of jobs created
Value of capital
investmentinvestments/loans
6. Educate the community on the benefit of a proactive business development presence
and the need for its consistency and commitment.
Action Measurement
Speak to appropriate community groups
Number of speaking engagements
Conduct regular messaging on benefit of economic
development
Social media analytics
Website analytic of relevant
pageIncorporate post in social media
content calendar focusing on EDA
strategy areas
Business Climate
Goal
Foster and maintain a pro-business climate by enhancing critical assets and employing
business friendly policies and procedures.
Objectives
1. Encourage development of “ready to go” business properties.
Action Measurement
Manage online property database and survey
regularly real estate listing services for new/revised
properties
Monthly update on online database
Total SF available and vacancy rates for
office and industrial
Tier sites, as appropriate, according to the Virginia
Business Ready Sites Program
Number of Tiered sites
Acreage of Tiered sites
Collaborate with property owners to secure at least
Tier 4 of the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program
Number of Tier 4 or above sites
Acreage of Tier 4 or above sites
Strategy Frederick County EDA
Page 19 of 19
DRAFT October 2023
Number of Business Ready Sites Loan
Program Agreements
Applications to the Virginia Site
Development Grant Program
2. Encourage processes and policies that are attractive to businesses
Action Measurement
Suggest new/revised local policies, as appropriate,
(i.e., data center tax rate)
Number of EDA-introduced policy
suggestions
Respond, as appropriate, to Federal and State
legislative actions impacting County businesses (i.e.,
OMB’s MSA decrease, Ozone Early Action Plan)
Number of responses to proposed
legislative actions
3. Assist the Winchester Regional Airport implementing their strategic plan, as
appropriate.
4. Support the implementation of transportation projects with an economic development
nexus
Action Measurement
Provide letters of support as requested Number of letters submitted
Participate in the MPO’s technical review committee Attendance at meetings
CONCLUSION
This strategic plan serves to provide guidance to Frederick County’s economic development efforts. To
ensure the plan’s implementation, the EDA should conduct regular checks of the impact measures and
perform an annual review of the entire document. This plan should serve as the foundation for the
EDA’s annual budgeting process.
Frederick County has achieved much success. The challenge now is to build on the momentum of this
past success. This plan serves a platform to accomplish this need.
Action Measurement
Conduct an outreach campaign to companies with
large government portfolio and direct government
users
Assist with improving the site readiness of Airport’s
northern acreage
Partner with efforts to enhance business
opportunities with advanced air mobility
Number of companies reached
Number of meetings secured
Number of visits to airport
Number of locations
Tier status improvement
Number of activities
Support relevant initiatives Varies dependent on activity
DATE: October 2, 2023
TO: Board of Directors,
Frederick County Economic Development Authority
FROM: Patrick Barker, CEcD
Executive Director
CC: Jay Tibbs
Deputy County Administrator
RE: EDA Partner Showcase
As part of this year’s Strategy update, the EDA Chair and EDA Director have held informal
discussions with all board members One outcome from those discussions was to provide an
opportunity for EDA partners to present to the Board at a regular interval.
The presentations would include an overview of their operations and activities and how they
interact with the EDA. These 10–15-minute presentations would give EDA Board members a
better understanding of the partner’s role in implementing the EDA Strategy. Staff suggests the
following partners to start.
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Frederick Water
Virginia Department of Transportation
Electric Cooperatives
Winchester Regional Airport
Frederick County Public Schools
Staff is seeking EDA Board direction regarding this concept and other partners of interest.
DATE: October 18, 2023
TO: Board of Directors,
Frederick County Economic Development Authority
FROM: Patrick Barker, CEcD
Executive Director
CC: Jay Tibbs
Deputy County Administrator
RE: Worlds of Work 2023
Each year, businesses, educators, and economic development partners in Clarke County,
Frederick County, Page County, Rappahannock County, Shenandoah County, Warren County,
and Winchester, Virginia, come together to host Worlds of Work.
Nearly 3,000 eighth grade students from the region experience WoW! More than 70 businesses
showcase equipment, vehicles, and machinery that students climb into, fix, and manipulate.
There are animals that students can touch and care for as well as life-like mannequins they
might splint and stitch. The event is designed to be a hands-on exploration of possible careers.
During the event, students move through 10 different industry sectors, or “Work Worlds,” and
participate in brief, hands-on activities. More than 70 businesses participate each year
providing students with a look into each of these 10 business sectors:
Agriculture
Communications
Finance
Hospitality
Construction
Health Science
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Public Service
Transportation & Logistics
Staff will provide a brief recap of this year’s event which took place on September 14, 2023.
10/18/23, 2:39 PM Eighth graders explore the wonders of work at career expo | Winchester Star | winchesterstar.com
https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/eighth-graders-explore-the-wonders-of-work-at-career-expo/article_8da46202-320c-5f3d-94b7-932fa…1/4
https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/eighth-graders-explore-the-wonders-of-work-at-career-
expo/article_8da46202-320c-5f3d-94b7-932fa50f34b0.html
HOT
Eighth graders explore the wonders of work at career expo
By MOLLY WILLIAMS The Winchester Star
Sep 15, 2023
Eighth-grade students from the region check out a company's display at Worlds of Work on Thursday at
Shenandoah University's James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletics and Events Center.
Provided photo
WINCHESTER — Fire trucks, military vehicles and semi-trucks filled the parking lot outside
Shenandoah University's James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletics and Events Center Thursday morning.
School buses full of eighth-grade students from middle schools in Clarke, Frederick, Page,
Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren counties and the city of Winchester arrived in shifts for the
annual Worlds of Work.
Nearly 3,000 students were given the opportunity to speak with representatives from more than 70
companies and employers about future career options.
10/18/23, 2:39 PM Eighth graders explore the wonders of work at career expo | Winchester Star | winchesterstar.com
https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/eighth-graders-explore-the-wonders-of-work-at-career-expo/article_8da46202-320c-5f3d-94b7-932fa…2/4
"Eighth grade is a time where kids are transitioning into high school," said Shayla Rickard, business
retention manager for the Frederick County Economic Development Authority, who led the team
which works to put on the event each year. "So they're learning what they want to do with their lives.
And at 14, I don't think any of us know what we want to do with our lives, but this is a good time for
them to transition into, like, what classes they want to take."
Rickard said that when these students head to high school next year, they'll get to make their class
schedules, and being exposed to the workforce gives them the opportunity to include job-related or
Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes.
Students spoke to people working in agriculture, medical care, power companies, fire departments,
police departments, the military and more. For many employers, the event provided an opportunity
not only to plant the seed of interest in young people, but to scope out local students who might be
interested in one day joining their workforce.
"It's a very good public relations event. And it shows that there are companies that you can enjoy
doing your job and have a wonderful career," said Cathy Hoopengardner, a community paramedic
for Valley Health.
Valley Health attends Worlds of Work every year. Hoopengardner said students asked a lot of
questions about the different types of transport options at Valley Health, and they were very
interested in doing CPR on the mannequin and seeing the inside of the ambulance.
"It's very important because as they get ready to go into their high school years, they can take
advanced courses, which also now counts in a lot of schools as continuing education," she said.
"And it helps them to jump-start their career of their choice."
Alexandra Hassler, a transportation security inspector for the federal Transportation Security
Administration (TSA), said it was exciting to meet kids who are interested in discovering possible
careers.
"Because they're young kids, most of them just want the stickers or the swag, and they run off, they
don't care. But when you get the kids that really engage and are interested, they ask questions and
are possibly thinking about a future career with us. That's where, like, that's what I'm looking for,"
she said. "... I think with certain kids, one is going to stand out, and one is going to possibly shape
their future. ... you never know what you're, we're influencing and what kind of influence you have.
So I think it's good. It's fun."
10/18/23, 2:39 PM Eighth graders explore the wonders of work at career expo | Winchester Star | winchesterstar.com
https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/eighth-graders-explore-the-wonders-of-work-at-career-expo/article_8da46202-320c-5f3d-94b7-932fa…3/4
Jackson Korn, an eighth-grader at James Wood Middle School in Frederick County, said he
explored a number of career options during his time at Worlds of Work, from technology to military to
law enforcement.
"I mean, I'm definitely interested in, like, the military services," Jackson said. "It's good for finding job
careers to see what you might be able to get into when you're older."
He also said he was enjoying being around kids from different schools and hanging out with his
friends.
Olivia Fisher, an eighth-grader at Signal Knob Middle School in Shenandoah County, said she was
excited about exploring jobs in both agriculture and health care.
"I actually show livestock, so agriculture is a big part of what I want to do. And then health care, my
mom does, so that's also something that would be, like, a backup plan for me," she said. "... I only
have about, like, four or five more years till I have to decide what I want to do, so it's good for me to
see and start thinking about what I want to do now."
Tara Woolever, James Wood Middle's principal, said the event offered opportunities for students to
think about their future, and for the community to maintain and strengthen its connection with young
people.
"I think it's amazing if we can keep the kids that we have in our community and help them give back
and create a stronger community," she said. "So the better connections we can create to jobs, the
more likely we are to get them to stay here in their community."
This connection between the community and the students is a big part of the event's mission.
Rickard said that supplying students with the resources and knowledge to pursue careers in and
around their hometown is a big reason for hosting this event.
"The hope is that they see the importance of businesses here in our county, and that they can get it
right here," she said. "And we have a lot of people, as you know, in the area that drive over the
mountain, but there are so many opportunities right here. They're good-paying jobs. They're jobs
that have benefits, they have tuition reimbursement, some of them do, and they have on-the-job
training, and they can learn so much from those. And so this event shows them that maybe they
might want to go to a four-year university that is farther away, but they come back and they want to
do things here in their area."
10/18/23, 2:39 PM Eighth graders explore the wonders of work at career expo | Winchester Star | winchesterstar.com
https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/eighth-graders-explore-the-wonders-of-work-at-career-expo/article_8da46202-320c-5f3d-94b7-932fa…4/4
Molly Williams
— Contact Molly Williams at mwilliams@winchesterstar.com
Places To Go
"It's good for finding job careers to see what you might be able to get into when you're older."
James Wood Middle School eighth-grader Jackson Korn about Worlds of Work