|
Virginia named the Best State for Business ... again |
 |
|
According to Forbes, Virginia remains an excellent location for new or existing businesses. The business and finance organization asserts that Virginia has "the best regulatory environment by our count, thanks to the second-best incentive programs in the country--as well as the fifth best tort atmosphere."
Other points weighing in Virginia's favor, says Forbes, include energy costs 30% below the national average, an educated labor force fueled by its proximity to Washington, D.C., and top colleges like the University of Virginia and William and Mary.
|
|
2008 Conference on World Trade Addressing U.S. - India Relations |
|
Governor Tim Kaine has announced that this year's Conference on World Trade, being held October 15 - 16 in Norfolk, will showcase the opportunities of doing business in Virginia and India.
 "Virginia is the first state to focus on India in its World Trade Conference ..." said India Ambassador to the United States Ronen Sen, seen above. "...I have no doubt that it will help forge even stronger ties of trade and investment between the business communities of India and the U.S."
Virginia has worked to cultivate a relationship with India for the last four years, conducting trade missions and specialized business sessions in India.
For conference registration and information, contact Terri Noll at tnoll@yesvirginia.org or 804-545-5764. |
|
|
Twilight tour at Wheatland Farms next Thursday |
|
|
|
Wheatland Farms workers
Space is still available for the Twilight Tour September 11 at 5 p.m. at Wheatland Vegetable Farms in Purcellville.
Sponsored by DED's rural team and the other groups organizing the Forum for Rural Innovation, this latest Twilight Tour will feature farm owners Chip and Susan Planck demonstrating how their innovative solutions to farm labor, direct marketing, and ecological production of vegetables and small fruits have enabled their sucess during their 25-year farming history.
The $20 fee for the event includes a farm tour, the educational program, and a meal of local foods. For more information, call 703-777-0426 or visit www.loudounfarms.org. |
|
Brambleton adding new restaurants The Brambleton community, now home to more than 2,000 
Loudoun families, has announced
the upcoming
openings of new restaurants in its developing town center. Blue Ridge Grill, currently in Leesburg, will open its second location at Brambleton this fall. Also on the way is Johnny Rockets, planning to open in mid-November with its menu of hamburgers, hand-dipped shakes and malts, and freshly baked apple pie. Cantina Cove, opening in early 2009, will spotlight a Mexican-theme with new twists, including freshly made guacamole, unique specials, outdoor seating, and a second-story mezzanine. | |
|
Dear Loudoun County EDC Members and Friends:
Welcome to our second electronic newsletter. Please take a look and see if you like it, and give us your feedback by taking our 4-question survey. |
|
Local farms and food producers in the spotlight at Whole Foods Market
Photos by Ann Higgins
Emeril Lagasse, above, tapes a segment with Endless Summer Harvest's Mary Ellen Taylor at the Fair Lakes Whole Foods Market. The segment will appear on Lagasse's "Emeril Green" show on the Planet Green network in late October. Below, Chef Eloy Carrera provides samples of his locally produced salsas in the Whole Foods produce department.
Continuing to live up to its corporate mission to do what it takes to buy 'fresh and local,' the 18-month old Whole Foods Market at Fair Lakes in Fairfax County has been earning a name for itself for its support of farmers in Loudoun and the surrounding counties.
 "Eat seasonal, buy local!" said Jessica Baer, spokesman for the company. "Whole Foods Market Fair Lakes is actively supporting our local economy, working with Loudoun County farmers in forming a partnership that we hope will benefit the community and our farmers."
Currently, the store offers Loudoun's own Endless Summer lettuce, Stoneybrook Farms produce, Chef Eloy salsa, Fabbioli Cellars wine, as well as other wines, jams and jellies, honey, eggs, and other products from a variety of local producers.
Baer noted that the company is also currently working on bringing in local meat, poultry and additional items, and is hosting regional farmers networking luncheons in the effort.
"You cannot find the selection that we have in other [competitor] stores with local produce and products," she continued. "We are doing more than just trying to increase sales with the current 'local' buzzword. We really pushed the local phenomenon before our competitors in the area did." To accomplish this, the 270-store Whole  Foods company enables individual store and regional buyers in the United States and the United Kingdom to seek out locally grown produce, a policy that Mary Ellen Taylor of Purcellville's Endless Summer Harvest says makes a difference.
"Whole Foods has decentralized buying and is able to work with farmers on the farmers' terms, not on a large corporate scale," said Taylor. "We name the price, the quantity, and the date we'll deliver. They don't restrict us, which is what farmers need because we never know exactly what our yield will be. Their general manager, Rick Defilippis, is so enthusiastic about what the farmers of Loudoun County can produce year round. A lot of what they buy from Loudoun farmers is speciality niche, and they prize our products."
|
|
New guide for nonprofits now online 
Following the Department of Economic Development's (DED) launch of its new website, DED is now offering an online guide to starting a nonprofit business. A companion report to the recently updated Guide for Doing Business in Loudoun County, the Guide for Starting a Nonprofit in Loudoun County addresses the unique issues associated with launching mission driven organizations, including obtaining professional assistance and applying for and filing the correct legal paperwork. Printed copies may also be ordered online through the DED website. |
Bridgman offering personal-sized suites
 Bridgman Communications is currently offering fully furnished and ready-to-go renovated business suites at its Dulles location. This first-ever offering includes parking, security, and cleaning services, as well as state-of-the-art communications support including a live operator during business hours and 24/7 voice mail, messaging, and auto answering. Interested businesses should contact Business Development Manager Mike Graves at 703-904-6812.
|
Summer is over, and we're getting into that great time of year to be outside. Loudoun has much to offer right now, including a community party for the 250th anniversary of Leesburg on September 14 on the Town Green. Come out and enjoy music, cake, and the unveiling of the new town flag.
In the meantime, if you ever encounter a business you think might be a great fit for Loudoun, drop me a line and let us know your thoughts!
Larry Rosenstrauch
Director
Loudoun County Economic Development | |
|
|
|
