Most communities’ small business economic development foundation is 80% from people that were already there. Think about that embedded human capital as an asset. - Matt Wagner, Main Street America #goveda

Our afternoon also featured several options for tours, including Dan River Falls where attendees enjoyed a first-hand update on construction progress at the iconic White Mill as the former textile plant evolves into a vibrant commercial, retail and residential space. #goveda

And that’s a wrap! Day 1 of our 2024 Summer Membership Meeting concluded with receptions at Danville’s Ballad Brewing. Good times and great networking were had by all!

Our 2024 Summer Membership Meeting resumes this morning at Danville's world-class IALR. Looking forward to great sessions, award presentations and networking opportunities today. Special thanks to all of our sponsors and hosts who help us create these events! #goveda

Today’s discussions kick off with opening remarks from Kristy Johnson, Executive Director, Industrial Development Authority of Halifax County and IALR President Telly Tucker.

We are honored that this fine gentleman and fearless leader of @vedpvirginia joined us today on his very special day. Happy Birthday, Jason R. El Koubi! Thank you for coming today and for your continued support! #goveda

Next up on the Summer Membership Meeting agenda: the presentation of Community Economic Development Awards! Congratulations to all of our CEDA recipients, and thank you for the insightful dialog!

Congratulations to CEDA recipient Kathy Stewart for The Lyric Theater on St Paul Main Street!

Congratulations to CEDA recipient John Matthews, Deputy Director, Joint IDA of Wythe County, for the Southwest Virginia Regional Housing Summit!

Congratulations to CEDA recipient Gregory Hitchin, CEcD, Director, Waynesboro Department of Economic Development and Tourism, for Grow Waynesboro Main & Wayne!

Congratulations to Andrea Dono of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance and Brian Shull of Harrisonburg Economic Development on their CEDA award for Harrisonburg Downtown 2040!

Congratulations to CEDA recipient Ebonie Atkins, Managing Director, Henrico EDA, for the Henrico County Pop-Up Mentoring Program (PUMP) for Small Business!

Congratulations to CEDA recipient Ryan Touhill, Director, Arlington Economic Development, for the Arlington Innovation Fund!

Day 2 of our Summer Membership Meeting started with an early morning jog in beautiful Danville, and it includes several other opportunities for networking and a chance to catch up with fellow economic development professionals. Missed out this time? Join us next time!

Cheers to Clark Casteel of the Danville Regional Foundation for a thoughtful discussion around Foundations and Philanthropy to Support Community Development. Special thanks to VEDA President Linda Green, Executive Director, @sovaregion, for the warm introduction! #goveda

Welcome, Courtney Mailey, State Coordinator, Virginia Main Street and Doug Jackson, Capacity Development Specialist, @vadhcd, for the presentation of Mainstreet Awards. Hats off to the amazing professionals, projects and localities that were recognized! #goveda

Our final featured presenter today was Ted Ted Abernathy, CEcD, Founder and Managing Partner, Economic Leadership. Ted, thank you for taking us through the data and sharing your perspective on the Future of Economic Development in Virginia!