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MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
| THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 |
A meeting of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority was held on
Thursday, April 2, 2026, 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, Jason Aikens, and Bryan Fairbanks.
STAFF: Wendy May, 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.
PARTNER SHOWCASE – INDUSTRIAL BOND ISSUANCE – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITIES
Mr. Bryan introduced Mike Craft from McGuire Woods, who discussed the issuance of
industrial bonds by economic development authorities.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Due to the lack of a quorum, no action was taken on the minutes of the February 5, 2026,
meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORTS
Due to the lack of a quorum, no action was taken on the January and February Treasurer’s
reports.
BUSINESS RETENTION UPDATE
Ms. Rickard presented an overview of current business retention efforts and opportunities,
including face-to-face visits with local companies to identify trends and needs. Current projects
include the upcoming Widget Cup competition and the Employer Expo on May 13.
Mr. Till asked if recruitment challenges are still an issue for businesses. Ms. Rickard stated they
have dealt with that and now are looking for higher level employees.
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FREDCO EATS
Ms. May gave an overview of this brand and announced it has received Honorable Mention
from the Virginia Economic Developers Association in the “Virginia Community Economic
Development Award” category.
SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY COME BEFORE THIS AUTHORITY
Mr. Bryan stated the Winchester airport would like to host a lunch meeting with the EDA to
hear about economic development projects. Suggested date will be forthcoming.
Mr. Till stated strategic plans for the EDA have been discussed with all Board members and
more will be forthcoming. He also discussed highlights from the last 10 years. He then
submitted his resignation from the EDA Board, effective today (April 2, 2026).
Due to Mr. Till’s resignation, Mr. Fairbanks, Vice Chair, will assume the Chair position. Mr.
Fairbanks made some remarks about the future of the EDA and making it central to doing
business in Frederick County.
Mr. Aikens thanked Mr. Till for his service to the EDA and recognized Ms. May for her efforts as
the Interim Director.
Ms. Kearns inquired about the process to fill the Executive Director’s position permanently.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before this Authority, the meeting was adjourned at
9:10 a.m.
________________________________ ____________________________
Richard Till Jay Tibbs
Chairman Secretary