Every day, economic developers across Virginia work with partners to bring investment into communities, creating opportunity for residents and generating revenue to maintain and enhance quality of life. Whether it's job creation, career advancement, or building vibrant places to live and work, economic developers are committed to the prosperity of the communities they serve.

Economic Development in Frederick County, Virginia

The Frederick County Economic Development Authority partners closely with existing businesses and key investment decision makers, such as site consultants, corporate real estate brokers, and in-house location teams, to drive new investment in Frederick County. Companies are drawn to the area by its strategic transportation network, competitive tax climate, dependable utilities, access to higher education and workforce training, and a highly skilled labor pool. These are just a few of the many reasons businesses choose to locate and grow here.

• Frederick County is served by three major airport hubs (IAD, BWI, DCA) and a general aviation airport (OKV).
• The area offers a pro-business climate that permits prompt construction schedules for businesses.
• Winchester MSA is located near federal decision-makers and regulators.
• A strong university and community college system exists locally through Laurel Ridge Community College and Shenandoah University.

The Frederick County EDA is committed to enhancing the county’s economic vitality and quality of life by creating and retaining jobs while growing the local tax base. Its efforts are guided by four strategic pillars: Business Retention, Business Climate, Talent Engagement, and Business Attraction.

Business Retention

The EDA's top priority is existing business. Understanding the overall health of existing industry sectors, recognizing changing industry trends, and ensuring consistent, personal contact with businesses are important considerations in the EDA's business retention efforts. In addition to rotational one-on-one call visits with existing industries, the EDA works closely with business and workforce development allies in the region to identify and implement solutions on a broad range of topics that are of importance to existing industries, spanning from exporting and hiring, to workforce development and transportation.

Business Climate

Virginia is consistently rated as a top state for business by third parties. Fostering and maintaining a pro-business climate by employing business friendly policies is a key strategy pillar for the EDA. Objectives include encouraging the development of ready-to-go business properties, assisting and supporting community assets like Winchester Regional Airport and Virginia Inland Port, and encouraging the implementation of transportation projects with an economic development nexus.

Talent Engagement

Workforce is critical for both existing businesses and those considering Frederick County for new investment. The EDA partners to create and execute short and long-term talent development, engagement, and attraction initiatives to encourage the growth of available workforce in the region. The Widget Cup, Worlds of Work, The Employer Expo, and Northern Shenandoah Valley Talent Coalition are a few of the efforts where the EDA invests significant time and resources.

Business Attraction

The EDA works with lead generation partners to expand the commercial and industrial tax base and create new job opportunities for residents. A Target Business Suitability Study has identified sectors considered to be a best-fit for the County's existing assets, as well as matching or exceeding the County's average wage. This research helps position Frederick County for new investment when speaking with site consultants, corporate real estate brokers, project managers at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and companies conducting site location analysis in-house.

Data

Data serves as the base for each pillar. The EDA maintains a wide breadth of data on its website, YesFrederickVA.com, for businesses considering the area for investment.

• Demographics
• Employers & Industry Sectors
• Labor Statistics
• Job Listings Data
• Careers in Demand
• Locations & Expansions

Recent Growth Highlights

• Clasen Quality Chocolate, a U.S. manufacturer of chocolate, will invest $230 million to build a new production facility in Frederick County, creating 250 new jobs ... more
• Existing Frederick County manufacturer, ZM Sheet Metal will relocate to a larger facility under construction within Stonewall Industrial Park ... more
• Publix will open a grocery store in Frederick County ... more
• Winchester Regional Airport celebrates the opening of its new terminal ... more
• YHB CPAs & Consultants celebrates opening of expanded HQ in Frederick County ... more
• View more announcements here. 

We'd love to connect with you!

Please contact us to see how Frederick County can be the right fit for your business.