ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Message From The Director
Dear Stakeholders,
What does it mean to thrive? Are you thriving?
The City’s vision statement in conjunction with the City Council’s new strategic framework is “to be a place where everyone thrives.” A tall order to be sure, but a noble pursuit, nonetheless. In support of this overall vision, there are nine focus areas or strategic outcome areas guiding the work of the organization, with the economic prosperity goal mapping most directly to the work of the Office of Economic Development. A strong economy is essential to the prosperity of this community and everyone who calls it home. That’s why each day the OED team works to bring investment that provides opportunity to residents and critical revenues to maintain and enhance Charlottesville’s quality of life.
In May, OED in partnership with representatives from the Office of Social Equity and Office of Human Rights were selected into ICMA’s 2024 Economic Mobility and Opportunity Peer Learning Cohort and Grant Program. This unique opportunity supports access to key economic mobility resources and provides funds to pursue a small program aimed at boosting upward mobility of residents.
In addition, this year marked the launch of the implementation phase of our new Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City. This report reflects updates on activities related to each of the five major goals driving the plan.
These efforts and others are detailed in the following pages as additional examples, both small and large, of our recent efforts to help this community thrive.
Thank you for your interest and your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Chris Engel Director, Office of Economic Development
My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive; and to do so with passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Maya Angelou
since 2016 employees SERVED OVER 161 City businesses ASSISTED OVER 67 11 IN 2024 PARTICIPANTS COMPLETED THE GO START-UP PROGRAM
67 participants have completed the program since inception in 2020
BUSINESS VISITATION PROGRAM
19 99
GRADUATING CLASSES since inception
275+ BUSINESS VISITS conducted in 2024
INDIVIDUALS successfully entering the culinary workforce industry
COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT
$41.3M
364
271 Posts 219 Comments 747 Shares
COMMERCIAL PERMITS ISSUED VALUE OF COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT
17,760 Clicks 21,720 Interactions
2,994% Reactions 443.32 Average reach per post
171 Posts 213 Comments
2,617 Followers 4,509 Likes 8.46% Average post engagement 342.06 Average reach per post
225 Saved Posts 4,947 Interactions
PIEDMONT PITCH
1,710
off street publicly available spaces
In the past year, over 1,400 hours of charge time were logged using the EVgo charging stations.
PARKING SPACES MANAGED BUSINESS EQUITY FUND HIGHLIGHTS
31 LOANS in place totaling $365,300
INTEREST SUBSIDY PROVIDED since inception exceeds $36,000
OED SOCIAL MEDIA STATS
240
FACEBOOK POSTS reaching 88,247 users
1,511 “Likes” 143 Comments 240 Shares
195
LINKEDIN POSTS with 64,142 Impressions 35,843 Unique Impressions
4,698 Clicks
2,347 Reactions 142 Comments with 60 reposts 9.76% Average engagement rate 844 New followers
194
X POSTS with ~6,865 Impressions
OED WEBSITE STATS
26,375
35 SECONDS average dwell time per page
PARKING INFORMATION most frequently visited pages
2024 Highlights
Economic Development Strategic Plan Update
2024 marked the first year of implementation for the 2024-2028 Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP). Developed and approved in 2023, the EDSP focuses on five key strategies – Equitable Entrepreneurship, Intentional and Innovative Growth, Pathways for Opportunity, Creative Placemaking, and Storytelling for Investment.
Using the EDSP’s chart of recommended objectives within each strategy and the associated proposed timeline for implementation of each as a guide, OED staff was able to lay a solid foundation in year one that will continue to be built upon in subsequent years.
Examples of new or revised programs and initiatives in 2024 as a result of the EDSP include:
• hiring of the City’s first Entrepreneurial Program Specialist (Equitable Entrepreneurship)
• the Future of Talent workforce series in collaboration with the Greater Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce (Pathways for Opportunities)
• launch of OED’s LinkedIn page (Storytelling for Investment)
• increased collaboration and a more formalized relationship with Friends of Cville Downtown for events and other outreach (Creative Placemaking)
• additional opportunities for one-on-one business engagement (Intentional and Innovative Growth).
A variety of metrics will be used throughout the course of the next few years to assist staff in identifying progress toward overall goals of the EDSP. While baseline data was included in development of the EDSP, staff felt it was important to obtain additional data from previous years in order to see any trends taking shape in the years immediately preceding the baseline data. This data, along with information about the objectives in each of the five strategy areas and any progress already made year-to-date, was shared with the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority (CEDA) Board in a series of presentations. This format of providing regular updates to the CEDA Board will continue in year two of implementation.
Equitable Entrepreneurship
OED Participates in ICMA’s Economic Mobility and Opportunity Cohort
In June, the International City Managers Association (ICMA) competitively selected fifteen cities, towns, and counties representing diverse populations, geographies, operating budgets, and other local conditions to participate in ICMA’s 2024 Economic Mobility and Opportunity Peer Learning Cohort and Grant Program. Charlottesville was selected and is being represented in the cohort by Deputy City Manager for Social Equity, Ashley Reynolds Marshall, and Director of Economic Development, Chris Engel. In addition to professional development and networking opportunities for their team leaders, the selected local governments will each receive a $20,000 grant to advance a local assessment, planning process, or program aimed at boosting upward mobility of residents.
Charlottesville’s project is designed to address the issue of economic mobility by analyzing our community’s existing services that can facilitate economic mobility. It also includes efforts to gather data on how the end user—our community member—can be best supported to achieve that mobility. This effort will help to address the Economic Prosperity component of the City’s Strategic Plan as well as support the Office of Economic Development’s work in implementing the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Gardening for Success
One of the state-level initiatives that Charlottesville companies have successfully utilized is Virginia Economic Development’s (VEDP) Economic Gardening program. Offered through a partnership with the National Center for Economic Gardening (NCEG), VEDP’s Economic Gardening program provides qualifying companies with access to market data, analytical tools, businessspecific counseling services, and customized resources, that are normally only available to large companies. Through an intense 6- to 8-week program, local companies participating in the Economic Gardening program use these resources to identify growth opportunities in markets outside of the Charlottesville area and develop strategies designed to overcome obstacles that may prevent additional business growth. All services during this first phase of economic gardening are offered to companies at no charge by VEDP.
For smaller localities like the City of Charlottesville, economic gardening helps to grow the local economic base by focusing on providing existing companies with the information and tools needed to move into the next phase of growth, rather than relying predominantly upon new business attraction in order to grow and diversify the business community. Two City of Charlottesville companies were engaged with the Economic Gardening program in 2024, North American Sake, which successfully completed phase one of the program and Silver Ring Splint Company,
which was accepted into the program and is expected to complete phase one in early 2025.
For the companies that complete the initial phase of the program, results have been immediate. Andrew Centofante, Founder of North American Sake shares,
“We were extremely excited to get support through the Economic Gardening Program and the City of Charlottesville. The program helped to identify key areas that our business could focus on to drive additional revenue and growth without finding a brand new strategy or coming up with a totally new revenue stream. We used the research to create new target lists to help increase our distribution and find new sales opportunities as well as focus our marketing, SEO, and social media strategy to better tackle the challenges of reaching consumers in today’s saturated market. Growth is difficult and the Economic Gardening Program helped us see a path toward new outcomes.”
For participants of the economic gardening program, the Office of Economic Development helps to encourage practical application of an economic gardening strategy and report recommendations by offering a limited amount of matching grant funds for phase two implementation work.
Community gathering at Ting Pavilion.
Cville Match Spotlight
Develop a product that can disinfect personal and household water supplies without the need for potentially toxic chemicals, electricity, and complex processes. Oh, and if you can make it portable with a virtually unlimited shelf life, that would be an added bonus.
Those were the goals when Dr. James Smith and his research team began work at the University of Virginia to explore the potential of utilizing silver ions in a ceramic tablet delivery system to disinfect water supplies. After a series of successful tests in the lab environment, as well as field testing, MadiDrop was ready to go to market in 2018. Since then, development and refinement of the MadiDrop product has continued to move forward under the direction of Silivhere Technologies, a Charlottesville-based company devoted to bringing safe drinking solutions to areas around the globe.
In 2023, Silivhere joined OED’s Cville Match program which provided matching dollars for a state investment and very quickly saw sales of the MadiDrop product increase ten-fold. In addition, the company increased its impact in the local region by entering into a new master distributor agreement with Fluvanna County-based Snow Hill Water, and a packaging and shipping agreement with Techni-Pak, a Greene County business. As a result of these agreements both Snow Hill Water and Techni-Pak created new jobs for positions dedicated to the MadiDrop product. Silivhere also experienced growth in its team bringing on four new employees in 2024.
Of the way in which businesses are collaborating in our region, Alan Yost, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Greene County said, “Since 2021, Techni-Pak has served the packaging and order fulfillment needs of many companies in Central Virginia and beyond. Silivhere’s selection of Techni-Pak for distribution of the MadiDrop product is further testament to the collaboration and synergy the exists among the various
businesses and localities in our region. Silvihere’s growth in the City of Charlottesville will continue to feed the growth of Techni-Pak in Greene County, which will in turn facilitate additional opportunities and efficiencies for the other companies the business works with.” Jennifer Schmack, Economic Development Director for Fluvanna County, added, “Inter-locality collaboration has been one of the keys to the ongoing success of the Central Virginia business community. A perfect example of this is the MadiDrop product, which encompasses three separate business entities located in neighboring localities. For Fluvanna County, this relationship has led to the creation of Snow Hill Water, a small business dedicated to the marketing and sales of the MadiDrop product created by Silivihere, located in Charlottesville. The success of each is tied to the other in a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ nature. Fluvanna County is pleased to be the home of Snow Hill Water, and to play a role in supporting the business growth of both Silivihere and Green County-based Techni-Pak.”
These partnerships will remain important as Silivhere sees what happened in 2024 as the beginning of a rapid growth phase for the company with the 5th generation of MadiDrop preparing to launch in 2025 and expanded marketing paving the way into new areas of the United States and abroad.
A MadiDrop tablet.
Ready to Work Grows
Ready to Work is a workforce training program developed by the City of Charlottesville’s Office of Economic Development in collaboration with Rappahannock Goodwill Industries to address the evolving needs of local businesses. Following the pandemic, many employers expressed the importance of hiring candidates who not only possess the technical skills required for their roles but also demonstrate essential soft skills, such as teamwork, time management, professionalism, and the ability to take direction effectively.
Launched in July 2023, Ready to Work focuses on certifying job seekers in 12 critical soft skills, evenly divided between professional development and interpersonal collaboration. Participants access an online platform called My Career Advisor, where they complete self-paced modules designed to enhance their understanding and application of these skills. Each module includes knowledge checks to ensure comprehension. Upon successfully completing all 12 modules, participants earn a soft skills certificate.
Graduates receive additional support, including resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and practice. They are then connected with participating Ready to Work employers in the city for guaranteed interviews. While employers are not required to extend job offers and job seekers are not obligated to accept them, these interviews provide valuable opportunities to match qualified candidates with reputable employers. In cases where a job match isn’t achieved, candidates receive constructive feedback on their interview performance, which can be applied to future opportunities. Meanwhile, a Career Navigator continues to assist job seekers with additional job placement services.
All participating Ready to Work employers offer competitive wages, low barriers to entry-level positions, and clear pathways for career advancement, ensuring that both employers and candidates benefit from this innovative workforce development initiative.
Careers and career pathways are all individual, and the RTW program is designed to meet jobseekers where they are, provide the individualized supports they need, and ensure they are Ready to Work when they connect with an opportunity for employment.
Since the program’s launch, 140 jobseekers have expressed interest in learning about the free initiative. Of these:
successfully secured employment
OED Table Setup at Black Business Expo.
When asked, here’s what some of the RTW jobseekers had to say about the program:
“The Ready to Work program has been hugely instrumental in helping me keep my spirits up during my intensive job search. Currently living in a highly competitive, fast paced job market there aren’t enough nice things to say about the staff and their commitment to helping people find their dream jobs. Having a champion on your side during the search helps ease a lot of the stress that comes with the job hunt.
They are always ready to help with your resume, interview skills and frequently send job listings they think might be a good fit. Their extensive network of businesses is a huge asset to job seekers and their cultivation of talent pool to employers seeking the perfect hire.
Additionally, they are encouraging when it comes to adding to your skill set and perhaps looking at careers or jobs that may be a stretch or you may not immediately connect with your skill set. 10/10 recommend the Charlottesville Ready to Work Program to anyone in the workforce and those looking to hire.”
Many factors influence the outcomes of the Ready to Work (RTW) program, including each job seeker’s unique needs and challenges, the availability of open positions with RTW employers, and the alignment of those positions with participants’ skills and interests. Despite these variables, we are thrilled to witness the many benefits and positive impacts of the program beyond job placement metrics.
One of the most inspiring outcomes has been the significant growth in self-confidence and self-assurance among RTW participants as they progress through the program. Many also extend
their personal development journey by engaging in additional community programs recommended by the Career Navigator, such as free financial literacy and basic computer classes, obtaining their GED, attending hiring events, and more.
We are also encouraged by the dedication of RTW employers who give back to the community, not only by participating in the RTW program but also by supporting local schools and community colleges through internships and apprenticeship programs. Their investment in the community helps build a robust network and foundation to ensure the success of Charlottesville’s future workforce.
Marty Bywaters-Baldwin, Chief Mission Officer for Rappahannock Goodwill Industries shared,
“According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, employers cite “skills gap in the labor market” as the number one barrier to organizational transformation. The City of Charlottesville’s Office of Economic Development is building competitive advantage for City businesses by investing in workforce skills through Ready to Work. Rappahannock Goodwill is proud to partner in this transformative project.”
As RTW contines to grow, we are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to a promising 2025.
GO Programs Continue Their Impact
The GO Hire grant program, established in 2016, aims to help City businesses expand and enhance their workforce. The program also provides funding to create meaningful employment opportunities for residents, with a special focus on underserved populations. City for-profit employers can apply for funding to support training their existing employees and/or for wage subsidies to assist with hiring new employees.
Since its launch, GO Hire has supported 67 City businesses and 161 employees. In 2024, six employers received awards, including Bad Luck Ramen Bar and Sir Speedy.
Bad Luck Ramen Bar was seeking a highly skilled and experienced Executive Chef to join their dynamic team. As an integral part of their culinary leadership, the Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of menu development, kitchen operations, with a focus on maintaining the highest standards of Japanese culinary excellence, managing staffing, optimizing food costing and labor, and scaling logistics to meet the demands of the rapidly growing business.
The GO Hire Wage Subsidy grant significantly eased the hiring process by enabling the offer of a higher wage, which attracted a larger pool of high-quality candidates. This higher wage also improved retention of the new hire, Bradley Yoder. Bradley’s strong leadership skills have allowed Founder and Owner Andrew Centofante to focus on other tasks essential for the company’s growth and success. Bradley’s ability to build a stronger kitchen team has led to the restaurant operating seven days a week with extended hours, resulting in increased revenue. Now in its sixth year, the business is experiencing significant growth and success after years of merely staying afloat. GO Hire has helped Bad Luck Ramen Bar to continue to move forward, succeed, and grow.
Sir Speedy utilized the GO Hire Workforce Training grant to send their employee, Sam Currey, to Geek Wraps University for specialized 3M installation training. This program focused on wall, floor, and vehicle graphics, providing Sam with handson experience and expertise in large graphic layout installation and advanced Geek Wraps Air-Wrangler techniques. These included intricate applications such as fleet graphics, boat wraps, smooth and textured walls, and floor graphics. Upon earning his certification, Sam received a $3/hour raise. With this achievement, Sir Speedy became the only 3M-certified graphic and vinyl installer in the Charlottesville market, positioning the company for significant growth.
Additionally, Sir Speedy leveraged the GO Hire Wage Subsidy grant to address a critical need for a full-time Job Estimator. Previously, the lack of dedicated estimating staff created bottlenecks, delaying quotes and potentially losing clients to faster competitors. By hiring KeriAn Dodson, the company gained the ability to deliver prompt and accurate project estimates, generate work orders for repeat clients, schedule daily production, notify clients when orders were ready, and coordinate deliveries as needed. This hire, supported by the GO Hire grant, significantly improved Sir Speedy’s service efficiency, allowing for faster turnaround times, reliable delivery schedules, and an enhanced ability to meet customer demand, ultimately leading to business growth.
Meet City resident and GO Cook Cohort 18 graduate Lyan Figueroa
From a young age, Lyan Figueroa knew she wanted to be a chef. Growing up in Puerto Rico, her fondest memories revolved around food, family, and culture. Food was the thread that brought her loved ones together, celebrating their heritage. Lyan recalls her mother cooking from scratch for her and her siblings in a hot kitchen with no air conditioning, and she fondly remembers her grandmother, who, despite not enjoying cooking, was remarkably skilled in the kitchen. Her grandmother’s knack for making enough food for everyone from a single pot and small moments like her mom’s midnight pancakes and trips to the neighborhood bakery were a significant part of her childhood. “Food brings people together,” Lyan says.
In 2022, Lyan moved to Charlottesville. During the Pandemic, Lyan was isolated and missing her family and friends, and she found solace in baking. She started dropping treats off at friends’ porches as a way to stay connected, soon discovering how much she enjoyed baking and how happy it made others. Encouraged by her mom, she began selling her baked goods, starting with a simple post on her personal Facebook page. By the year’s end, she had sold 50 loaves of pumpkin bread and soon expanded to cakes for special occasions, including her sister’s engagement and wedding. The positive feedback motivated her to launch her business, Lyan’s Sweets & More.
As a self-taught baker, Lyan sought professional guidance to turn her passion into a sustainable business. She enrolled in the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)’s Entrepreneur Workshop in Spring 2024. The 16-week program helps entrepreneurs assess business viability, create launch plans, and learn business fundamentals. For Lyan, the course provided a solid foundation and transformed her dream into a structured plan. “It helped me dig deeper into my business idea, answer tough questions, validate my market, and identify costs,” she explains.
With a business plan in place, Lyan focused on expanding her culinary skills and learning more about hospitality. She turned to GO Cook, a six-week culinary training program taught by Culinary Concepts AB, LLC (CCAB) and sponsored by the City of Charlottesville’s Office of Economic Development.
GO Cook provided more than just culinary training. The program emphasized leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. Lyan appreciated the holistic approach, learning to identify her core values, reflect on her progress, and build essential life skills. “If you’re not focused or taking care of yourself, it shows in your dish,” she notes. Her biggest takeaway from GO Cook was humility. “Every element matters, no one is more or less important. Respect and communication are key—we’re one team.”
Chef Antwon Brinson, Founder and President of CCAB, was impressed by Lyan’s clarity and determination. “She knew what she wanted and showed up with intentionality. She’s the only student in the history of GO Cook to bring an iPad on the first day of class.” Lyan embraced the program’s soft skills training and applied what she learned to set realistic goals, outline skills needed and create actionable milestones.
The support from Chef Brinson and the CCAB team left a lasting impression on Lyan. She admired their dedication and care, from offering mentorship to small gestures like providing everyone tea and snacks during long days. “Chef Brinson is an exceptional leader who truly invests in your well-being. His team reflects his vision, and that’s what I want for my business.”
Today, Lyan’s Sweets & More reflects her roots and aspirations. Offering baked goods from diverse cultures, it embodies her vison to create “A place where nations meet” (Matthew 28:19) where people can enjoy “A taste of home away from home.” With her culinary and entrepreneurial journey underway, Lyan’s story is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of pursuing one’s passion.
GO Solar
GO Solar, launched in Spring 2024, is a collaborative initiative between the City of Charlottesville’s Office of Economic Development and training provider FLIPP Inc. This workforce training program focuses on the installation and design of photovoltaic (PV) systems, equipping graduates with the skills to earn the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic (PV) Associate certificate. Since its inception, the program has successfully trained three cohorts, comprising a total of 23 students.
The NABCEP PV Associate credential is globally recognized, offering participants portable and stackable career pathways within the renewable energy industry. The 40-hour course delivers in-depth training on PV system operation, design, output prediction, and installation.
Participants also gain essential knowledge about the relationships between voltage, current, power, and energy, along with an understanding of system economics and payback periods.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations, driven by the widespread adoption of solar technologies across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Solar careers offer diverse opportunities, including system design, installation, sales, maintenance, and project management. These roles provide competitive wages and opportunities for career advancement, particularly for individuals with certifications like the NABCEP PV Associate credential.
GO Start-Up: Empowering Charlottesville’s Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The GO Start-Up program is a four-week introductory entrepreneur workshop designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs in Charlottesville with the essential knowledge and skills needed to transform their business visions into reality. The Program is led by OEDs Entrepreneurship Program Specialist Keith Groomes Jr., who is joined by local business owners and entrepreneur support organizations. This course provides a solid foundation across key areas of entrepreneurship, empowering participants to build sustainable businesses confidently.
Throughout the program, participants dive into a diverse curriculum covering:
• Week 1: Mindset, Vision Statement, Branding, Culture
• Week 2: Pitch Development, Administrative Duties, Product Analysis
• Week 3: Customer Analysis, Competition, Advertising, Sales
• Week 4: Financial Structure, Financial Institutions, ESOs, Forecasting
Recently, the GO Start-Up fall 2024 cohort concluded with great feedback. This entire cohort are eligible to be certified as SWAM businesses. Participants gained the tools, insights, and practical experience necessary to grow their businesses.
Each cohort graduates with the preparation and tools needed to embark on the next phase of their entrepreneurial journeys, should they choose to do so. To support their continued growth, Keith will follow up with participants after the class to access their progress and identify resources that may help them advance further.
In 2025, GO Start-Up will be offered in March, June and September. The Summer cohort will be a virtual lunch-and-learn experience to allow more aspiring entrepreneurs to learn online.
Piedmont Pitch 2024: Celebrating Local Entrepreneurship
Building upon the success of last year’s inaugural event, the 2nd Annual Piedmont Pitch entrepreneurial training and pitch event took place last spring. Through the continued collaboration of the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development, Albemarle County Economic Development, Community Investment Collaborative, and Central Virginia Small Business Development Center, 30 local entrepreneurs participated in an intensive 8-week Business Essentials Training course, designed to equip them with the skills needed to grow and sustain their ventures.
At the end of the Business Essentials Training course, 17 entrepreneurs completed and submitted business plans for consideration as participants in the final pitch event. Six of these plans were selected as finalists, to present their ideas to a panel of local judges and an audience of family and community supporters at the Final Pitch Night.
Throughout the Final Pitch Night, pitches highlighted a range of innovative designs, artistic projects, and essential community-focused businesses ideas. Judges noted the exceptional caliber of all 17 business plans submitted and the difficulty of selecting just six finalists. After the judges completed their deliberations, Kartia Cunningham was awarded the $10,000 grand prize for Rita’s Bright Beginnings Preschool. Eva Saunders was awarded the $5,000 second-place prize for her creative venture, Quilt Your Masterpiece.
We proudly celebrate not only the winners of this event, but all participants of Piedmont Pitch 2024. Their hard work embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity that helps the Charlottesville business community continue to thrive.
The Office of Economic Development Welcomes its First Entrepreneurship Program Specialist
In February, OED announced the hiring of Keith Groomes Jr. as the City’s new Entrepreneurship Program Specialist. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Keith brings firsthand insights that allow him to understand the unique challenges and opportunities local businesses face.
As Entrepreneurship Program Specialist, Keith is responsible for ensuring that business owners and entrepreneurs are aware of and can access the valuable programs offered through the OED and its partner organizations, guiding new and growing businesses through various stages of development. He shares information on business development, accessing capital, recruiting workforce talent, and securing the resources for ventures to thrive experience sustainable growth.
With the recent relaunch of OED’s GO Start-Up program after a year-and-a-half hiatus, Keith has reinvigorated a critical initiative designed to nurture Charlottesville’s start-up scene by providing hands-on support and education for emerging entrepreneurs, continuously building a network that promotes collaboration, shares success, and fosters a vibrant, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Charlottesville.
Charlottesville Hosts Virginia Economic Developers
In March over 300 economic developers from across Virginia gathered in Charlottesville for the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) Spring Conference. Many attendees kicked things off with a walking tour of Downtown Charlottesville that included stops at the Kindlewood housing community and Apex Plaza. Keeping in line with VEDA’s theme for the year, “Exploring the Intersection of Community & Economic Development”, participants were able to learn about the transformation taking place as aging Friendship Court housing is being replaced with a number of more modern housing options through the phases of Kindlewood’s implementation, and the importance of community engagement throughout such a project. At Apex Plaza, representatives from Hourigan were on-hand to discuss the unique elements of the cross-laminated pressed timber construction process used in construction of the tallest mass timber building on the east coast. During a walkthrough of the space, participants were able to see some of the energy-saving measures that makes Apex Plaza one of the most energy efficient buildings in Charlottesville.
For a few hearty souls, Thursday morning kicked off with a run through Charlottesville led by our very own Chris Engel. As everyone reconvened for the main conference session, Mayor Juandiego Wade provided remarks and a warm Charlottesville welcome. Throughout the remainder of the conference attendees heard from a number of speakers on topics such as the importance of the Virginia Community College System, the economic impact of sports tourism, and updates on the Commonwealth’s Innovative Framework for Economic Development. Dr. Wendy Horton, CEO of UVA Health University Medical Center,
shared about exciting innovations taking place in community health and the ways in which technological advances and artificial intelligence are being utilized to advance patient care.
The VEDA Spring Conference was a fantastic way to share our city with colleagues from across the state and allow them to experience the vast array of lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment options Charlottesville has to offer. We look forward to welcoming VEDA back to Charlottesville in the future!
Charlottesville and Albemarle County EDAs Hold Joint Meeting
In June, the City of Charlottesville Economic Development Authority and the Albemarle County Economic Development Authority held a joint meeting to hear about two projects of regional significance.
First was a presentation from Ruth Emerick, Chief Operating Officer of the Thomas Jefferson Planning Desitrict Commission (TJPDC), on the recently completed Comprehensive Economic Development Startegy (CEDS) for the planning district. This document helps to set a collective vision for shared econmic development goals within the district, and is often a critical component for success when competing for federal, state, and other sources of grant funding for multi-locality initiatives.
Second, members of the EDA Boards hear from Dr. Nikki Hastings, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CvilleBioHub, regarding successes and challenges associated with the Charlottesville region’s biotech ecosystem. One of the largest needs is incubator/accelerator space for the region’s emerging biotech companies to use during the early stages of development. To help address this need, CvilleBioHub has partnered with the University of Virginia, Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the private sector in an application for GO Virginia funding to support development and operation of a new Charlottesville Biotech Accelerator. The proposed accelerator will provide approximately 6,500 square-feet of dedicated space considing of wet lab facilities, coworking facilities, private offices, and shared amenities. In addition, the accelerator will provide the additional support services and guidance necessary to ensure emerging biotech companies have the greatest potential for success.
Collaboration with VEDP
Charlottesville collaborates and works closely with our colleagues at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), advocating for the businesses and industries located in the City of Charlottesville. One of the ways we do this is through joint business visits where OED staff and someone from VEDP calls on members of our existing business community to find out what some of their successes and challenges are, and make sure they are aware of local and state programs that might be of interest. Aisha Johnson is VEDP’s Business Manager for Regional Talent Solutions & Business Outreach, responsible for covering Charlottesville and the surrounding area. Since joining VEDP this summer, Aisha has participated in multiple joint business visits, including one this fall to some of the City’s renewable energy and innovative technology companies. OED appreciates the strong relationship we have with VEDP and the ways in which we are able to collaborate for the benefit of our local businesses.
OED and VEDP Visit with Virginia Diodes
Working with Friends
Since 2021, Friends of Cville Downtown has worked to bring together the City of Charlottesville, merchants in and around Downtown, and residents of the City, in ways that celebrate the vibrancy of the Downtown business community, while promoting economic growth and vitality. While the City and Friends of Cville have collaborated on a number of events in the past, things took another step forward in 2024 as the City and Friends of Cville entered into a formal agreement, in which the City will provide funding and support to the organization on an annual basis to support a more robust series of events and activities that Friends of Cville will coordinate and manage, as well as enhanced marketing opportunities for Downtown businesses. Last summer saw one of the first examples of the collaboration as Friends of Cville Downtown and OED worked to update the aging map kiosks along the Downtown Mall with new graphics including a QR code linking visitors to a redesigned mobile resource displaying businesses, events and activities. During the 2024 holiday season Friends of Cville Downtown brightened up the Downtown Mall, literally, with installation of multicolor tree uplighting, two larger than life lit flower sculptures, and a 12’ illuminated topiary homage to the City. These new elements immediately became photo destinations and social media moments for those visiting “Magic on the Mall”, which ultimately encourages others to visit the Downtown Mall to see the lights, grab dinner or a beverage, and browse through the retail shops during their time here. We look forward to collaborating on more events like this throughout 2025!
Future of Talent Series
At the start of 2024, the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Charlottesville’s Office of Economic Development collaborated to launch the Future of Talent series, exploring the changing dynamics of the modern workforce. The series aimed to equip employers with innovative strategies to attract top talent and build strong teams. Director of Community Engagement for the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Ann Marie Hohenberger stated, “Fresh ideas on hiring and employee retention are crucial for every organization in today’s workforce environment. The Future of Talent series connected local employers with a variety of experts and opportunities for expanding their talent pools and attracting the best candidates.”
Featuring expert speakers and panelists, the program addressed pressing challenges and opportunities that have emerged in the post-pandemic era. Spanning six sessions throughout the year, the series focused on recruiting, retaining, and reimagining today’s workforce. A total of 119 participants attended, with most joining multiple events. Stay tuned for what this collaboration has planned for 2025!
“The Future of Talent event was an invaluable experience, offering fresh insights into the evolving dynamics of today’s workforce. The thoughtful conversations and expert perspectives left me with practical takeaways that are highly relevant to navigating a multi-generational team.”
Customized Workforce Solutions: Empowering Small Businesses to Overcome Workforce Challenges
Customized Workforce Solutions (CWS) provides small city businesses with tailored resources, data analysis, and tools to tackle unique workforce development challenges that traditional business assistance programs may not address. Participating companies begin with a consultation with Office of Economic Development (OED) staff, who conduct a brief assessment to identify specific workforce issues. Based on industry research, businesses receive recommendations and grant funding to engage specialized consultants for strategic guidance. Solutions may include strategies for recruitment, retention, workforce training, and more.
Success Story: Jones Heating & Air
As Jones Heating & Air experienced rapid growth, owners Jamie and Sodora Jones recognized the need to strengthen their workforce operations. Through CWS funding, they hired consultant Sarad Davenport of Davenport Strategic Innovation & Design (DSID) to streamline their human resources processes, enhance efficiency, and support workforce expansion.
Over a 45-day collaboration, Sarad worked closely with the Joneses to develop practical and impactful solutions. His deliverables included a comprehensive operations plan, standard operating procedures and career pathway documentation.
By adopting these strategies, the company achieved immediate improvements. Highlights include transitioning from generic paper applications to digital, customized employment applications, redesigning job descriptions to better align with company needs and creating performance calendars and KPIs to drive accountability and growth.
Jamie Jones shared, “Before working with Sarad, our operations had a lot of inconsistencies because Sodora and I were constantly pulled in different directions. I thought the solution was
hiring more staff, but Sarad showed us how to achieve more with the team we already had by becoming better organized and more efficient.”
The Joneses are confident that these new practices will enhance staff recruitment and retention. Weekly staff meetings, scheduled career pathway discussions, and annual performance reviews— guided by Sarad’s templates—have become part of their company culture.
So, what’s next? The Jones’s plan to continue working with Sarad – replicating the practices he created for their technician staff, building out their inhouse employee training program, and developing a succession plan so that Jamie and Sodora can start to step away from the office more and more.
We celebrate the Joneses’ achievements and look forward to their continued growth and success!
SP+ Selected as New Parking System Operator
Following an extensive review and selection process SP+ was selected as the new operator of the City’s 1,700 parking spaces spread across five facilities. The SP+ approach combines decades of experience managing traditional parking operations with a focus on new technology enabled solutions to improve both operations and customer experience.
SP+ began daily operation of the parking facilities on April 1, 2024 with an initial focus on cleanliness and safety in the two garages including the addition of regular evening security and new LED lighting in the stairwells.
Demand continued to increase for the two electric vehicle charging stations located on the 2nd floor of the Water Street Parking Garage by monthly and transient parkers. In the past year over 1,400 hours of charge time were logged providing 49,000 KwH of energy to vehicles.
In 2025, the new Joint City-County Courts complex in Court Square will begin operation and thus increase activity at the 7th Street Lot and the Market Street Parking Garage. Additional monthly parking is available at the surface parking lot located at 921 East Jefferson Street. This lot also offers free parking in the evening and on weekends.
2024 Social Media Highlights
