The Tourism–Economy Connection

Small business is economic development, and Frederick County's new economic development director is ready to plant her flag on that hill. For Tourism Tuesday, Winchester-Frederick County edition, Janet Michael and Justin Kerns sit out back at the Visitor Center with Amanda Killen, the new Director of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority, just four weeks into the job.

Amanda shares her path from serial entrepreneur and Main Street director in Tazewell (on a $25,000 budget that included her own salary) to consulting for communities across the country. She explains why the county's 2,000-plus existing businesses deserve as much support as the big employers, and what's coming next: listening sessions, an incentive package, and a new Small Business Development Center satellite office at the EDA. Justin tells the story of a big employer lost to bad customer service, shares what tourism is worth to every local household, and announces a new agritourism leadership and advisory group. And yes, FredCo Eats lives on. If you own a business, work at one, or just love where you live, this one's for you.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau (events calendar under the Events tab): visitwinchesterva.com Frederick County Economic Development Authority: yesfrederickva.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

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