Dickenson County Economic Development

06/20/2026

This week, we had the opportunity to attend the inaugural Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) Recovery Conference in Roanoke alongside more than 400 people from across the Commonwealth who are working every day to support recovery and strengthen communities.

We were honored to be invited by the OAA to share the work happening in Dickenson County and to highlight the partnerships that are helping build a stronger recovery ecosystem in our region.

Director of Economic Development, Dana Cronkhite, presented alongside Matt Brown of Wildwood Recovery Center and Recovery Connections SWVA, Dr. Clint Pinion of Mountain Empire Community College, and Rachel Patton of the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board Area 1. Together, we shared how treatment, education, workforce development, and community support are coming together to create new opportunities for people in recovery.

While it was rewarding to share our story, one of the greatest benefits was learning from others across Virginia who are doing this important work. We left with new ideas, new connections, and an even stronger commitment to the work ahead.

Community health is economic development, and we are grateful to be part of a statewide effort to help individuals, families, and communities thrive. ♥️

For more information:

Wildwood Recovery Center:

https://wildwoodrecoveryva.com

Recovery Connections SWVA:

https://recoveryconnectionsswva.com

Project Soar:

https://www.mecc.edu/projecta

ROPES:

https://vcwsouthwest.com/careers-for-job-seekers/ropes/

06/17/2026

Dickenson County Director of Economic Development, Dana Cronkhite, had the privilege of presenting Dickenson County’s work at the first annual OAA Recovery Conference in Roanoke, Va. Conference participants from across the Commonwealth learned about how Dickenson County is working to create a recovery ecosystem - with partners from across the region - in order to help get people back into the workforce.

06/13/2026

🏡 Building Stronger Communities Through Housing Solutions

This past week the Economic Developers of the Lonesome Pine RIFA hosted Incremental Development Alliance to lead a Housing Policy Workshop bringing together localities across the Lenowisco and Cumberland Plateau Planning Districts (including Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Russell, Tazewell, Buchanan, and the City of Norton) to discuss strategies, challenges, and opportunities related to housing development.

Local leaders and partners gathered to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore policies that can help strengthen housing availability and support future growth throughout our region. We hosted two sessions: one at Southwest Virginia Community College and one at Mountain Empire Community College. We appreciate their hospitality hosting us!

A big thank you to our local partners for all their hard work in planning this workshop! And we also want to thank our funding partners: Virginia Housing and Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, for funding this opportunity for our region.

Creating quality housing takes collaboration. Research like this helps our communities move toward practical solutions that support residents, workforce needs, and economic development. 🤝🏡

06/05/2026

Our job fair was a huge success! 💪🏼

A huge thank you to Southwest VA Works for all their work in making this happen!

We also want to thank all of our local resources and employers for attending!

We hope for an even bigger turnout next time!

06/04/2026

💼 Career & resource fair is on until 2pm today at the Dickenson Center for Education and Research (818 Happy Valley Drive, Clintwood, VA)!

06/01/2026

Two Dickenson County Professionals Selected for LEAD SWVA Program

Dickenson County is proud to announce that two local professionals have been selected to participate in the 2026-2027 LEAD SWVA Program, a regional leadership development initiative led by the University of Virginia's College at Wise and supported by VCEDA and The Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation.

Sabrina Stanley, Communications & Community Engagement Specialist for the Dickenson County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and Miana Abshire, Disaster Recovery Programs Assistant with the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, have been selected for this year's cohort. Both women are residents of Dickenson County and are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and throughout Southwest Virginia.

The LEAD SWVA Program brings together emerging leaders from across the region to explore key issues, strengthen leadership skills, and build relationships that support the future growth and success of Southwest Virginia.

"Our greatest asset in Southwest Virginia has always been our people," said Dana Cronkhite, Director of Economic Development for Dickenson County. "Programs like LEAD SWVA are important because they invest in the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of our communities. Sabrina and Miana are both passionate about this region and deeply committed to serving others. Their selection reflects not only their individual talents and dedication, but also the strength of the emerging leadership we have here in Dickenson County."

Scotty Wampler, Executive Director of the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, echoed the importance of developing regional leadership.

"Strong communities require strong leaders, and leadership development is one of the best investments we can make in the future of Southwest Virginia," said Wampler. "Miana and Sabrina have already demonstrated a commitment to service, collaboration, and community improvement. The LEAD SWVA Program will provide opportunities to broaden their perspectives, strengthen regional connections, and further develop the skills that will help them serve their communities and our region for years to come."

The 2026-2027 LEAD SWVA cohort includes professionals from throughout Southwest Virginia who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to improving their communities. Participants will engage in leadership development activities, regional learning experiences, and discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges facing Southwest Virginia.

Dickenson County congratulates Sabrina Stanley and Miana Abshire on their selection and looks forward to the positive contributions they will continue to make both locally and throughout the region.

05/30/2026

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

05/28/2026

Southwest Virginia has a story worth telling and we want to make sure Dickenson County is part of that story.

Friends of Southwest Virginia has launched a regional survey to help shape the future of tourism and the creative economy across SWVA. We encourage our residents, businesses, and partners to take a few minutes to share their input.

We also ask that you all share this post so we can reach as many people as possible!

Take the survey at www.destinationswva.org.

Creating a strategic roadmap to strengthen Southwest Virginia’s economy through destination development, asset-based investment, and regional collaboration.

05/27/2026

✨Calling all Small Business Owners

We’re excited to launch our Small Business Saturday Series on the Visit Dickenson County Instagram page! https://www.instagram.com/visitdickensoncounty/

Each Saturday, we’ll spotlight amazing local businesses, shops, restaurants, makers, and entrepreneurs that help make Dickenson County such a special place to live, work, and visit. 🛍️☕🏔️

Are you a local small business owner who would like to be featured?
👇 COMMENT BELOW

Please help us share and tag your favorite small businesses!

We can’t wait to showcase the incredible people and businesses that keep our community thriving! ❤️