Date: May 14, 2020
SVP Investors and Partners,
Like many of you, I’ve participated on zoom meetings and webinars these past few weeks and the two buzz words – resilient and pivot – are consistent throughout the conversations. On behalf of myself, SVP staff, and SVP Board of Directors, thank you. Thank you for proving the Shenandoah Valley’s resiliency during these unique times to quickly pivot manufacturing operations, loan funding, and marketing initiatives responding to the needs of customers, businesses, and citizens locally and across the country.
We look forward to continuing to partner with you to market the Shenandoah Valley business development story with confidence. With your collaboration and financial support, our organization will continue to encourage new capital investment and job creation, advocate for existing business expansions, and assist with regional workforce development efforts. Your investment now is more important than ever and I encourage you to listen to this message from our Chair, Keith May.
The last six weeks are perhaps some of the busiest in my economic development career. SVP staff is working on substantive and tangible outcomes and I’m very proud and impressed by their commitment and versatility. Travis is working projects and completed a regional sites evaluation. Cari continues our marketing efforts, distributed our virtual site tour promotion, and has altered our digital outreach with amazing speed. Jen is juggling SVP administrative duties and a multitude of GO Virginia projects.
I’m serving on resiliency and recovery committees in which we have taken action and implemented programs in coordination with local Chambers of Commerce and regional partners. I have been in communication with peers locally, regionally, at the state-level, and nationally. I am talking with site location consultants about what is next in the corporate world. In the near future, I’ll be sharing details on GO Virginia applications, including the Business Scale-Up program, to better leverage assets and provide services for existing businesses.
While our Connect Event at Cave Hill Farms Brewery has been postponed indefinitely, please don’t hesitate to connect with me if you have any questions or we can be of assistance.
Stay safe and healthy.
Jay A. Langston, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Email | (540) 568-3259