Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation

05/13/2026

We are thrilled to announce that Alleghany County and the City of Covington, VA have been awarded GO Virginia Grants through Governor Spanberger’s AM2 Initiative!

The AM2 Initiative will strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem in the Alleghany Highlands and across the Commonwealth. From the classroom training to the production line, we look forward to continuing to develop a seamless pathway to create jobs, business success and workforce opportunity!

Read more: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/governor-spanberger-announces-153-million-go-virginia-funding-grow-virginias-economy-create-600-new

05/08/2026

Happy National Small Business Week!

Our small business community is the true champion of our region, creating jobs, supporting our economy, driving innovation and keeping our local culture vibrant.

Today and every day, we celebrate your impact.

05/06/2026

The Covington Farmers Market returns this weekend for the 2026 season! Join us in supporting our region's local vendors and businesses.

05/04/2026

It's Economic Development Week, which celebrates the positive contributions economic development makes to localities and regions across the Commonwealth.

The Alleghany Highlands provides the perfect environment for both companies and employees to thrive.

Some of our region's unique advantages include:

🌟Regionalism
The four communities that make up the Alleghany Highlands are all about cooperation. From schools and infrastructure to housing and healthcare, serving the ‘greater good’ is always the best choice for the community.

🌟 Innovation
More than 95% of the region is connected through a 100% Gig+ fiber broadband network, making it a leader in VA and years ahead of many locations across the Eastern US.

🌟 Opportunity
Home to the largest exporter in Virginia and several advanced manufacturers, the region is poised to capitalize on new target industries including data centers, recreation tourism, hospitality and the health sciences.

🌟 Access
Businesses can take advantage of the region’s strategic location to Interstates 64 & 81, rail access and proximity to airports and seaports to easily access the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest markets.

🌟 Hometown Pride
The region’s family-friendly nature, rich heritage and natural beauty are strong draws to the four unique communities of the Alleghany Highlands. The region’s two historic Main Street districts are currently undergoing exciting revitalizations with retail, restaurants and downtown living.

🌟 Balance
Boasting nature’s beautiful backdrop of the Alleghany Mountains, residents enjoy an important work/life balance critical to employee retention and an outstanding quality of life.

Learn more: www.ahedc.com

04/29/2026

To celebrate 20 years of service to our region in their current facility, the YMCA of the Alleghany Highlands is launching a $1 million capital improvements project.

This two-year initiative is an investment by The Alleghany Foundation and YMCA in critical infrastructure, accessibility and the health and well-being of future generations.

Read more: www.alleghanyhighlandsymca.org/press-release

Click below to read more. Projects underway at our YMCA!
https://www.alleghanyhighlandsymca.org/press-release/

04/28/2026

Looking for a well-deserved, sweet treat? Look no further than the Sweetest Side!

Their unique collection of confections brings a fun, indulgent and nostalgic experience to the Five Sides building and downtown Clifton Forge!

🔗 Learn more about the collection of specialty shoppes at Five Sides here: www.five-sides.com

04/23/2026

Last week, our partners at the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hosted representatives from Visitors Centers across the Commonwealth to explore the incredible outdoor adventures, vibrant arts scene, heritage and charm of both historic downtowns and exceptional local dining that the Alleghany Highlands has to offer.

It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty and business potential of our region while strengthening partnerships to drive continued growth.

🔗 Read more in this WSLS 10 / WSLS.com article: https://lnkd.in/eUwtd8jv

Take a look in this video!

04/21/2026

Thank you to our partners at Branch for your incredible work in preparing the Alleghany Regional Commerce Center pad site for business development!

04/16/2026

Exciting, new opportunities at Alleghany Regional Commerce Center (ARCC)!

Virginia Economic Development Partnership has awarded a $190,000 grant to the Alleghany County-Covington Industrial Development Authority for purposes of continuing the engineering and permitting of pad sites at ARCC and to plan for increasing available water and wastewater capacities serving the site.

ARCC is strategically positioned to drive long-term business growth and unlock future potential.

🔗 Learn more: www.ahedc.com/lps/alleghany-regional-commerce-center

04/15/2026

Last week, we joined our community partners in celebrating the ribbon cutting of the Alleghany Highlands Community Services’ One Stop Continuum of Care Facility in Covington.

This larger facility will play a vital role in supporting mental health and substance use recovery across the Alleghany Highlands, expanding access to care and contributing to a healthier region.

At the event, AHEDC Board Member Greg Madsen shared remarks emphasizing the impact of facilities like this, supporting both individuals and families while easing the demand on hospitals and emergency rooms.

👏 Thank you to all of our partners for your continued collaboration!