
Amherst County believes job creation and economic development are fundamental to the future prosperity of the County.
The mission of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) of Amherst County is to promote economic development policies and practices that help retain the county’s existing businesses and employment base; facilitate the growth of existing commercial and industrial enterprises; and attract new businesses and employment opportunities. Success in this mission will result in high-quality jobs and a stable and diverse tax base that increases the quality of life of Amherst County residents.
EDA staff work to improve the economic well being and quality of life for the Amherst County community by working with current businesses and attracting new businesses to create and/or retain jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base.
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Victoria Hanson Executive Director victoria.aeda@gmail.com Read more > |
Lori Saunders Assistant Director lsaunders.aeda@gmail.com Read more > |
Good leadership is vital for both business and government. Leadership Amherst, an 5-month leadership development course, teaches emerging leaders the skills to become effective in their jobs and organization and provides participants with an understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and issues facing our community. We want to challenge individuals to enhance their leadership abilities in order to influence, motivate and enable others to contribute toward their own effectiveness and the strength of the larger community.
Topics include crucial conversations, a roundtable discussion with local leaders, diversity challenges, economic development, workforce & education, etc.
Benefits of investing in leadership development training include increased skills, grounding participants in the community, and developing a strong network of other professionals. Developing good leaders who understand business and government just makes sense. It is our hope that graduates of Leadership Amherst will engage their knowledge by leading in business, non-profits, and/or government.
Economic Development Strategic Plan
The EDA completed an economic development strategic plan in July 2016 after receiving $122,000 in grant funds. The strategic plan conducted the first in-depth analysis of the Amherst County economy to determine the top 5 economic development initiatives that could be undertaken to replace lost jobs, expand the employment base of the county, increase the county tax base, and better position our community to seize economic development opportunities when they arise.
The economic development strategic plan has been endorsed by the Amherst County Board of Supervisors who funded the implementation of the plan with a .01 cent real estate tax.
To help limit the spread of COVID-19 within Amherst County, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) office will be closed to the public except by appointment only starting Tuesday, March 24th, until Friday, April 3rd. Please call ahead to see if we can assist you remotely or to schedule a time to come in, at (434) 946-5200 or infoamherstva@gmail.com.
Meetings are at the EDA offices on 328 Richmond Hwy. and are held on the Second Wednesday of each month.
Due to COVID-19 Board Meetings will be held at the County Administration Building.
AGENDA: December 8, 2021 Meeting is canceled.
Approved Minutes of EDA Board Meetings:
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The EDA was created by the Amherst County Board of Supervisors with authority to acquire, own, lease, and dispose of properties and make loans for the general purpose of promoting and developing manufacturing, industrial, governmental, non-profit and commercial enterprises and institutions of higher education to locate or remain in Amherst County.
EDA board members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors to four-year terms and represent one of 5 election districts.
Local Government Information
Amherst County has a county administrator and a 5 member board of supervisors.
The Town of Amherst is the county seat. There are no other incorporated towns in the county.