HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAMinutes2025October9MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
| THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025 |
A meeting of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority was held on
Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. in the County Administration Building, 1st Floor
Conference Room, 107 N. Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT: Diane Kearns, Rick Till, Gary Lofton, Judy McCann-Slaughter, Bryan
Fairbanks and Christine Kriz. Board member Tina Murphy participated remotely
for a medical reason and her participation was approved by those present.
STAFF: Patrick Barker, Shayla Rickard, and Donna McIlwee, Frederick County Economic
Development Authority; Jay Tibbs, Assistant County Administrator; and Michael Bryan,
EDA Attorney.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Till called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBER
Chairman Till introduced and welcomed Christine Kriz, Director Corporate Training, Laurel
Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions, as a new EDA Board member.
PARTNER SHOWCASE – WINCHESTER-FREDERICK COUNTY TOURISM
Justin Kerns, Executive Director, Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors
Bureau, presented an overview of operations and strategic initiatives as they relate to the
EDA’s strategic plan.
VICE CHAIR ELECTION
Due to the resignation of Mr. Crockett, Vice Chair, it was necessary to elect a new Vice
Chair to serve until the next EDA annual meeting, typically held in March.
Mr. Lofton nominated Ms. Kearns. Ms. Kearns nominated Mr. Lofton. Mr. Fairbanks
nominated Ms. McCann-Slaughter.
Mr. Lofton then declined his nomination and Ms. Kearns withdrew her name
from consideration.
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On motion of Mr. Fairbanks and seconded by Ms. Kriz, Ms. McCann-Slaughter was elected
to serve as Vice Chair by the following recorded vote:
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Christine Kriz Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann-Slaughter Aye
Tina Murphy Aye
Rick Till Aye
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the September 4, 2025, meeting were presented. On motion duly made by
Ms. Kearns and seconded by Mr. Lofton, the minutes were approved as presented by the
following recorded vote:
Bryan Fairbanks Abstain (was absent)
Diane Kearns Aye
Christine Kriz Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann-Slaughter Abstain (was absent)
Tina Murphy Aye
Rick Till Aye
TREASURER'S REPORT
Mr. Barker submitted the following report:
Checking Account - Bank of Clarke as of August 31, 2025 - $30,205.72
Intrafi Account – Bank of Clarke as of August 31, 2025 - $3,214,323.30
On motion of Ms. McCann-Slaughter, seconded by Ms. Kearns, the Treasurer’s
Report was approved by the following recorded vote:
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Christine Kriz Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann-Slaughter Aye
Tina Murphy Aye
Rick Till Aye
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EDA STRATEGY FY 27
Mr. Barker presented a draft Strategy for 2026-27 and stated it was a standard update due to
recent changes in the BOS. A more robust, in-depth update will be done after the EDA’s annual
joint meeting with the BOS. He stated this document serves as the guiding framework for
Frederick County’s economic development efforts and is reviewed and approved each year to
confirm or adjust overarching goals and objectives in response to evolving needs and
opportunities. Board members were asked to review the draft Strategy and provide any
recommendations to staff by Friday, October 24. Staff will compile Board feedback, along with
any staff recommendations, for further review at the next Board meeting.
Ms. McCann-Slaughter asked if graphs for 2025Q2 would reflect any changes. Mr. Barker will
check.
Mr. Lofton stated it appears the unemployment rate is ticking upward and asked if we know
why and if there is any way the EDA can help businesses. Mr. Barker stated the rate reflects the
national rate.
BENCHMARK ANALYSIS
Mr. Barker stated that, for several years, a benchmark analysis has been conducted comparing
Frederick County and the Winchester-Frederick County MSA to competing localities and MSAs.
The results help craft Frederick County’s value proposition to each target industry sector,
demonstrating why businesses should choose to locate here. It also identifies strengths and
weaknesses enabling the EDA to consider programs that build on the County’s competitive
advantages. In short, a benchmark analysis provides a factual, comparative framework that
informs strategy, supports decision-making, and strengthens Frederick County’s position in the
competitive economic development landscape. Board members were provided this analysis for
information purposes.
FALL EMPLOYER EXPO
Shayla Rickard, Business Retention Manager, reviewed the Fall Employer Expo held on
September 11 at Laurel Ridge Community College. There were 36 exhibitors registered and 156
attendees. Feedback from job seekers and exhibitors was positive.
WORLDS OF WORK
Shayla Rickard, Business Retention Manager, reviewed the Worlds of Work held on October 2
at the James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletics & Events Center at Shenandoah University. There were 10
different industry sectors, or “Work Worlds,” with 60+ businesses providing students with a
look into each sector.
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LARGE PROJECT READY SITES CONCEPT – NEXT STEPS
Mr. Barker reported staff has completed its assessment of properties less than 100 acres and
these sites were determined to be non-feasible upon further review. One site was encumbered
with multiple water features, which would greatly restrict the size of any potential building, and
the other site faced significant access challenges.
He also reported that top priority sites from staff’s initial review have yet to express interest in
a revised document that would focus on rezoning exclusively. Staff will continue to
communicate with the owners.
On a positive front, there is a growing potential for a partnership for another large land bay by
a prospective purchaser. This area was identified and evaluated in the first round of the
process but the current property owners were not inclined to pursue.
Mr. Lofton asked if there was a map or listing available of all presently empty
commercial/industrial property already zoned. Mr. Barker will provide.
LIVELOVESHENANDOAH.COM DEMONSTRATION
Mr. Barker asked Board members to look at this newly relaunched website for regional talent
retention/attraction efforts.
SALARY SONAR DEMONSTRATION
Due to time constraints, this topic will be discussed more in-depth at the November meeting.
SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY COME BEFORE THIS AUTHORITY
Ms. McCann-Slaughter requested that a letter or resolution be sent to Mr. Crockett for his
service to the EDA.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before this Authority, the meeting was adjourned at
9:05 a.m.
________________________________ ____________________________
Richard Till Jay Tibbs
Chairman Secretary