What’s Next, you ask? How about the fantastic redesign and functionality of our website. The entire ED&T Band contributed to this work but on this one we had our own Courtney Swenson on lead vocals. We hope you find it more informative and easier to access the information you need to expand your business in Stafford. Speaking of (new) business expansions in Stafford, we were pleased to announce that Stafford is the home of the latest Amazon Delivery Station to serve our greater region. 

 

Our work does not stop there. We continue to work with our existing businesses and explore opportunities for entrepreneurs and new business. We are working with Merritt Properties to encourage participation in an event, "Tricks & Treats of Employee Retention" on October 28. And we continue to leverage our partnership in the Virginia Smart Community Testbed, proudly participating in the Smart Cities Connect Fall Expo.

 

I ask you to continue to explore what we can do in Stafford to help expand your business.

 

Sincerely, 

John Holden, Director

Economic Development & Tourism

Lunch & Learn - Building a Portable Speed Trap
October 13th | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Virtual  

 

Join this Virtual Lunch & Learn session to see Rob Lauer of Blues Wireless walk through a real-world solution that ties together Machine Learning concepts, remotely-powered IoT deployments, and cloud connectivity (over cellular) in an easy-to-understand project. Rob will share how using an ML model created with Edge Impulse on a Raspberry Pi can be used to easily develop a portable "speed trap" that lets you identify problematic traffic areas in your own community.

Veterans Business Bootcamp 2.0 – Growth & Expansion
October 26th | 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM | UMW Stafford Campus 

 

The Stafford County EDA is proud to announce the Veterans Business Bootcamp will be back this Fall! In partnership with the UMW Small Business Development Center, this Bootcamp 2.0 will cover deeper details and insights into business development including the business mindset, human resources, and government contracting. Sponsored by Corp Solutions and REDCO. 

Tricks & Treats of Employee Retention by Merritt Properties
October 28th | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Merritt Business Park Quantico Corporate Center  

 

Join Merritt Properties, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and Stafford County Economic Development for an in-person conversation and networking event at Merritt’s new business park adjacent to the base. Ginni Mastin, Founder & President of Matern Staffing will be sharing “How to Attract and Retain Employees”. Plus we will have: Professional headshots, beer & wine, delicious food from The UFO Food Truck, and raffle prizes.

Beer & Business

Nov 10th, 2021 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Adventure Brewing

 

The Stafford Beer & Business Series is a quarterly outing provided by the Stafford County EDA. These events are designed to connect local professionals across all markets. In addition to networking, each Beer & Business outing will have a brief insightful, “Raw Truth” of an industry specific discussion, led by a local expert. Beer & Business is admissions free, and includes a beverage. Registration is REQUIRED. Sponsorships are still available for this event.

We will continue to accept nominations for our Business of the Year Award, Community Stewardship Award and Innovation Award. Applications will remain open until April 1, 2022.

On September 7th, 2021 the friends, family and loyal following came together to announce the grand opening of Hair Saviours located at 2773 Jefferson Davis Hwy Suite 119. “Congratulations Hair Saviours and owner Monica Dickenson on the grand opening of your business. We are proud to see your business grow and succeed. Thank you for your investment in Stafford, and for providing exceptional health and beauty services for the community” stated Cindy Lamb, Aquia District Supervisor.

On September 23rd, 2021, Cyber Bytes Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the American Cyber Labs. These State-Of-The-Art technology labs are focused on cyber security advancement. The event featured VIP Speakers and distinguished subject matter experts from Government, Industry, and Academia. Watch the FOX 5 DC Interview with John Holden, Economic Development Director, highlighting the new labs and sharing all things cyber security in Stafford.

On October 2, 2021, wide-eyed students and ecstatic parents gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony for Code Ninjas of Stafford! Say the words “video game” and your kids are bound to stop and listen. Code Ninjas offers a unique educational program, geared toward teaching children computer programming. Working with students ages five to fourteen, Code Ninjas capitalizes on kids’ love of technology and play by introducing complex concepts through hands-on learning.