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MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
| THURSDAY, June 11, 2026 |
A meeting of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority was held on
Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. in the County Administration Building, 1st Floor
Conference Room, 107 N. Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT: Jason Aikens, Bryan Fairbanks, Diane Kearns, Christine Kriz, Tina
Murphy, and Doug Rinker.
STAFF: Wendy May, Interim Director, and Shayla Rickard, Business Retention Manager,
Frederick County Economic Development Authority; Jay Tibbs, Deputy County
Administrator; Michael Bollhoefer, County Administrator, and Michael Bryan, EDA
Attorney.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Bryan Fairbanks, Acting Chair, called the meeting to order at
8:00 a.m. The Board observed a moment of silence in remembrance of former Authority
Board member Gary Lofton.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the May 7, 2026, meeting were presented. On motion duly made by Mr. Aikens
and seconded by Ms. Kearns, the minutes were approved as presented by the following
recorded vote:
Jason Aikens Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Christine Kriz Aye
Tina Murphy Aye
Doug Rinker Aye
TREASURER’S REPORTS
Ms. May submitted the following reports:
Checking Account – Bank of Clarke as of March 31, 2026 - $126,956.22
IntraFi Account – Bank of Clarke as of March 31, 2026 - $3,248,360.76
Checking Account – Bank of Clarke as of April 30, 2026 - $13,214.72
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IntraFi Account – Bank of Clarke as of April 30, 2026 - $3,245,399.87
On motion of Mr. Rinker, seconded by Ms. Kriz, the Treasurer’s Reports were approved by the
following recorded vote:
Jason Aikens Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Christine Kriz Aye
Tina Murphy Aye
Doug Rinker Aye
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
Counsel opened the floor for nominations for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair. Mr. Aikens
nominated Mr. Fairbanks for Chair. There being no further nominations, Mr. Fairbanks was
unanimously elected Chair. Mr. Fairbanks nominated Mr. Aikens for Vice Chair, and Ms. Kriz
nominated Ms. Kearns for Vice Chair. Following a vote, Mr. Aikens was elected Vice Chair.
BUDGET RESTRUCTURE REVIEW
Mr. Bollhoefer and Ms. May provided an overview of the restructuring of the EDA budget to all
for the site readiness fund.
On motion of Mr. Rinker, seconded by Mr. Aikens, the Restructured Budget was approved by
the following recorded vote:
Jason Aikens Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Christine Kriz Aye
Tina Murphy Aye
Doug Rinker Aye
EDA DIRECTOR SEARCH
Mr. Bollhoefer provided an update on the EDA Director search process and timeline. At the
time of the meeting, 17 candidates had applied. Mr. Bollhoefer anticipated selecting at least
four candidates for initial interviews within the next few weeks. The position will remain open
until filled.
VIRGINIA BUSINESS READY SITES PROGRAM
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Ms. May reported that One Logistics Park had been awarded an Accelerated Site
Characterization Grant through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's Virginia
Business Ready Sites Program. The EDA will serve as the conduit for the funding between VEDP
and the developer. The EDA and VEDP are finalizing the performance agreements, which will be
presented to the Board at a future meeting for review and approval.
AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT UPDATE
Ms. May reported that, moving forward, the EDA will continue to serve as a facilitator for
business development across all industry sectors. For agricultural businesses, the EDA will
continue to lead larger projects that may qualify for state or local incentives. The Laurel Ridge
Small Business Development Center will continue to assist with the needs of small businesses
and entrepreneurs, while the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau will
continue to support agritourism efforts.
EDA AUGUST MEETING
Ms. May shared that the August 6 meeting will be held at Winchester Regional Airport. In
addition to the EDA’s regular meeting agenda, Executive Director Nick Sabo will provide an
overview of the economic development opportunities associated with the airport.
SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY COME BEFORE THIS AUTHORITY
Ms. May shared that resolutions recognizing the service of former EDA Board members Gary
Lofton, Judith McCann-Slaughter, and Rick Till will be presented at the August meeting for the
Board's consideration.
Mr. Fairbanks shared proposed evaluation criteria based on key areas of expertise for
consideration when reviewing prospective EDA Board appointees. The proposed criteria will be
brought back for further discussion and consideration at a future Board meeting.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before this Authority, the meeting was adjourned at
8:50 a.m.
________________________________ ____________________________
Bryan Fairbanks Jay Tibbs
Acting Chairman Secretary