Staff/Board

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.

Lori Saunders - Amherst EDA

Lori Saunders
Director
lsaunders@amherstvabusiness.com

Lori Saunders has over 20 years of small business experience.  Saunders has experience in many different areas of business including finance, accounting, project management and construction.  Saunders is from the area and has lived with her husband and four children in Amherst for 20 years. She is a graduate of Emory & Henry College.

Derin Foor 
Economic Development Coordinator 
dfoor@amherstvabusiness.com

Derin relocated from Pennsylvania to Amherst in 1992, bringing a strong background in agriculture and a passion for hands-on work.

He spent 28+ years as a farrier and owns Loose Shoe Brewing Company, with locations in Amherst and Appomattox.

He dedicated 15 years to the Amherst Planning Commission, helping shape the community’s growth and future. In his free time, Derin enjoys gardening, kayaking and spending time with his family.

He looks forward to continuing to help make Amherst a great place to live, work, and thrive.

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.