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Economic Development
Economic Development is a top priority for Town Council as evidenced by the designation of 0.5% of all meals tax receipts collected going to fund economic development initiatives only. Town Council, in collaboration with the Town of Bedford Economic Development Authority, has established a renewed effort to attract new economic development opportunities leveraging various grants and performance-based incentive programs. As part of the Economic Development expansion, Town Council continues to have a major focus on community planning and the level of service required for accommodating growth and providing resources for a sustainable future. www.betterinbedford.com
Business Advantages
- Power - Local, renewable, reliable and affordable
- Water - Industry compatible, redundant, abundant supply
- Internet - 400 Gigabyte "backbone" access
- Sites - New and existing building options
- Location - Mid-Atlantic advantage
- Incentives - Local and State available
- Work Force - Daily commute to 500,000
- Low Costs - Utilities and taxes
- Quality of Life - Schools, recreation, and low crime @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
Incentives
There are several incentives available in the Enterprise Zone and downtown area for property improvements. Within the Enterprise Zone there are also property incentives from Virginia for property improvement and job creation. For additional information and to see where the rebates apply, see the map below and contact Mary for more information.The Economic Development Authority adopted its Incentive Policy for all other incentives in May 2019. If you need assistance that doesn't fit the real property or jobs incentives, please let staff know to see if the EDA can help.
Guide to Starting A New Business
Area, Location, Quality of Life Profiles
- Bedford Area Welcome Center - Tourist Information
- Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce
- Region 2000 - Area-Wide Projects and Assistance
- Bedford Community Guide 2021 - provided by Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce
- County of Bedford Economic Development Website
- Virginia Economic Development Partnership - Commonwealth Information
Economic Development Authority
The general purpose of the Authority is to promote industry, develop trade, and promote the attraction and retention of businesses located within the Town limits. The Economic Development Authority of the Town of Bedford, Virginia, fulfills all the purposes and intents of the General Assembly of Virginia, in Title 15.2, Chapter 49, of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, and by any other enactment adopted by the General Assembly. The Authority fulfills all purposes and intents of the Town Council of the Town of Bedford, Virginia and serves at the appointment of Council. The seven member body serves in rotating 4-year terms of appointment.
The EDA has adopted a Strategic Plan to guide its focus and efforts over time.
EDA Strategic Plan
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Jonathan Buttram
Term Expiration: 11/30/2025
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David Sensenig
Term Expiration: 11/30/2024
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Kevin Turner
Term Expiration: 11/30/2023
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Lynn Scott
Term Expiration: 11/30/2024
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Ryan Kirkpatrick
Term Expiration: 11/30/2022
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Liz Brown
Term Expiration: 11/30/2022
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Michelle Crumpacker
Term Expiration: 11/30/2025
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Mary Zirkle
Economic Development Coordinator
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Economic Development
Physical Address
215 East Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: 540-587-6006Fax: 540-587-6143