Economic Development Commission

 

Click here for contact information for the current members.

 

Purpose

The purpose of the Economic Development Commission of Fluvanna County, "shall be to advise the Board of Supervisors on matters related to economic development with the primary objective of expanding the county’s economic base and employment opportunities." (EDC By-Laws)

 

The EDC is committed to bringing to Fluvanna County businesses that are beneficial to the community. "Beneficial" businesses may either provide a needed service to its community or may make an overall impact on the County tax base – thereby lowering the burden to the residents. In both instances a key component would be integration into the County without negatively impacting the environment or character of the area.

 

Oftentimes, a business looking to locate in the County, or a landowner wanting to rezone property in the County to a business/commercial use, will ask for the support of the EDC. Generally, the landowner or prospective business will get on the agenda of an EDC meeting and make a presentation on their venture in the County. The EDC evaluates the prospect on a number of levels: new jobs created, jobs to be filled by employees brought into the community, possible aesthetic effects of the new use, financial impact on County tax base, convenience of service, impact on environment and traffic, and impact on character of community. An enterprise meeting these criteria would be supported by the EDC by way of written and oral statements of support to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Those wishing to appear before the Commission should contact the Chairman.

 

The EDC also serves as the local point of contact for Virginia’s Film Office, which seeks to find suitable filming locations. Additionally, the EDC sponsors the Fluvanna Heritage Trail and its potential to increase tourism.

 

The EDC welcomes leads and contact information regarding ideal businesses looking for a home. Although some leads come from the state and regional level through the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development, sometimes we hear about the smaller companies looking to create a few jobs through concerned residents. While the EDC does not make final decisions as to approval of new businesses or expansions to existing facilities, it can and will take a proactive stance in its advisory role as facilitator and catalyst.