City of Winchester Economic Development Authority

05/04/2026

🌟 Happy Economic Development Week! 🌟

This week we join communities across the country and around the world in celebrating Economic Development Week, an annual initiative started by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Created in 2016, this special week highlights the critical impact economic development professionals and organizations have in shaping vibrant, thriving communities.

Economic development isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a powerful force that drives job creation, attracts new investment, supports local businesses, and enhances quality of life for residents. From workforce development to infrastructure improvements and support for entrepreneurs, the work being done behind the scenes builds stronger, more resilient communities for today and tomorrow.

We’re proud to recognize the dedication, collaboration, and innovation of all our local partners and economic development champions this week and every week. 💼🏙️

Join us in celebrating the efforts that fuel growth, opportunity, and prosperity in our region!

04/29/2026

🚨 Employers! Have You Registered Yet? 🚨

If not, don’t worry, there’s still time to register for The Employer Expo - Shenandoah Valley's Regional Hiring Event, the largest hiring event in the region!

This is your opportunity to connect one-on-one with motivated jobseekers from across the region. Whether you're hiring now or building your talent pipeline, The Employer Expo puts you face-to-face with the people you want to meet.

💼 Showcase your organization
🤝 Build meaningful connections
📈 Find your next great hire

Secure your place today and be part of one of the region’s premier hiring events!

📅Deadline to register is May 6, 2026
Register here: https://business.regionalchamber.biz/events/details/employer-registration-employer-expo-hiring-fair-may-13-2026-27840

Be sure to follow The Employer Expo's page - The Employer Expo - Shenandoah Valley's Regional Hiring Event for the latest updates!

04/21/2026

☕✨ Calling all Women Entrepreneurs!

The HIVE at Shenandoah University is hosting a FREE energizing Women Entrepreneurs Coffee Networking Event!

🗓️ Monday, April 30th. 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM

Start your morning with coffee, connection, and conversation in a welcoming space designed to help you grow. Meet fellow women entrepreneurs, founders, and industry leaders as you share ideas, resources, and inspiration to support women-led ventures and make a meaningful community impact.

Come ready to connect, collaborate, and leave inspired. 💼✨

Registration link in the comments below 👇

04/17/2026

Building a business is just the beginning. Growing it sustainably is where the real work (and opportunity) begins!

We’re excited to share an upcoming session from Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center and Top of Virginia Regional Chamber designed to help small business owners strengthen and scale what they’ve started.

Beyond the Launch: Building a Sustainable Small Business will cover key topics like cash flow management, pricing for profit, customer growth, and creating systems that support long-term success.

This session is open to both members and non-members and is a great way to connect with the resources and expertise SBDC offers our business community!

👉 Register today: https://loom.ly/mVjsHC4

04/16/2026

We’re feeling incredibly grateful and proud after an amazing experience with Trex Company ! 🙌

A huge thank you to Trex for welcoming students from Wi******er Public Schools’ Work-Based Learning Program for an inside look at one of the most innovative manufacturing operations right here in Wi******er.

Special shoutout to our very own Deputy Director, Vanessa Santiago, for facilitating this incredible connection, and to Steve, Production Assistant, and Lindsey, Sustainability Manager, for making the visit so impactful and engaging!

Students got a firsthand look at how Trex creates its world-leading composite decking, made from a unique blend of sawdust and recycled plastic. In fact, Trex repurposes about 5 million tons of plastic every year, making them one of the largest plastic recyclers in the U.S. 🌎♻️

It’s inspiring to see a company with such deep roots in our community. Founded in 1996 through a buyout of Mobil Chemical’s composite products division, Trex traces its innovation back to a 1993 invention right here in the Shenandoah Valley. From its beginnings in the former Capitol Records plant, Trex has grown into a global leader now headquartered in Wi******er and continuing to expand, including a state-of-the-art headquarters opened in 2022–2023. And a fun piece of its history, “Trex” was the name chosen by the founder’s six-year-old daughter!

As the company celebrates 30 years of manufacturing in 2026, their story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when innovation, sustainability, and community come together.

At the Wi******er EDA, we’re passionate about connecting industry with our future workforce. Experiences like this give students real-world insight, spark curiosity, and help build the strong, skilled workforce that will carry Wi******er forward.

Thank you again to Trex for investing in our students and our community’s future! 💼✨

04/14/2026

A big congratulations to the Wi******er-area employers recognized by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) as 2026 Top Virginia Employers for Interns! Continental-Wi******er; Bank of Clarke, & First Bank 👏

These organizations are creating real opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and launch their careers right here in our region.

This recognition highlights the power of strong partnerships between employers, educators, and our future workforce, AND shows how our community is investing in talent that will drive Wi******er and Virginia forward. 💼🎓

Press release link:
https://www.schev.edu/Home/Components/News/News/764/263

******erVA

Richmond, Va. – The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) today honored 161 employers as the 2026 Top Virginia Employers for Interns, recognizing their efforts to establish high-impact, career-launching internships across the Commonwealth. The annual award celebrates Virginia empl...

04/13/2026

Did you know?

A simple turn down Boscawen Street helped shape a piece of Old Town history…

Shoutout to Wi******er Tales for sharing this great story about the Kurtz Building. Back in the 1800s, wagons hauling grain regularly made a tight turn onto what’s now Cameron Street and in the process, they kept scraping the same corner of the building.

Over time, that repeated bump and drag actually wore the brick down, smoothing what was once a sharp edge.

And the best part? That mark is still there today. A quiet reminder of the everyday movement and hustle that once defined downtown. 🧱

Next time you’re out in Old Town, take a look… you might just spot a little piece of history hiding in plain sight.

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04/11/2026

Old Town had a moment yesterday 🙌

We celebrated the ribbon cutting for the newly revitalized Taylor Pavilion and it marks an exciting step forward for our downtown.

We’re incredibly grateful to our partners who made this first phase possible:

• City of Wi******er VA - Local Government
• Friends of Old Town
• KEE Construction Services Inc
• Four Square Architects
• Damron Engineering & Consulting llc
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development-Main Street Program

Your collaboration and commitment helped turn this vision into reality. And of course, thank you to the community for showing up, sharing ideas, and continuing to invest in the future of downtown.

This is only the beginning. Watch this space!

04/08/2026

Exciting things are taking shape at the Taylor Pavilion! 🎉

This is just the beginning, with even more improvements ahead to make the space welcoming and usable every day.

👉 Join us this Friday at 11 AM for a ribbon cutting celebration and see the progress for yourself!

Event info: https://loom.ly/nQ70VsA

04/06/2026

🌍Looking to grow your business internationally? 🌍

This is your chance to make meaningful global connections and showcase your business. Registration is now OPEN for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) – International Trade 2026–2027 Trade Missions & Trade Shows calendar!

Explore opportunities to expand your reach, connect with international buyers, and grow your exports through curated missions and major global trade events.

Upcoming Trade Missions Include:
Poland & Czech Republic • Mexico • South Korea • Vietnam & Thailand • Saudi Arabia & UAE • Brazil • Sweden & Finland • Argentina • Australia

Featured Trade Shows:
AUSA (U.S.) • WHX Dubai • IDEX • LEAP (Saudi Arabia) • LAAD (Brazil) • Infosecurity Europe (UK) • Paris Air Show (France)

📅 Key Registration Details:
• April 1–30, 2026: Submit your interest for trade shows (no advantage to early submission!)
• If demand exceeds space, participation will be competitive based on export readiness and impact
• May: Selected businesses will be notified and must confirm by May 31
• June 1: Remaining spots reopen first-come, first-served
• Trade Missions: Open April 1 and filled first-come, first-served

Investment: $3,500 per company

Questions? Contact Nancy Price at [email protected] or email us as [email protected]

👉 Check out the full lineup and register here: https://loom.ly/0b0aJTI

04/03/2026

Join us in celebrating a major milestone for Old Town!

We’re thrilled to announce the completion of Phase 1 of the Taylor Pavilion renovations and we’re marking the occasion with a small ribbon cutting and community celebration.

This project is the result of incredible collaboration, with partners, city support, and a shared vision all coming together to create a more vibrant and welcoming space in the heart of Old Town. Phase 1 is just the beginning, laying the foundation for a place where events, performances, and everyday connections can thrive.

Come see the transformation, celebrate with us, and be part of the exciting future of Taylor Pavilion!

Event Info:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9e9pUNTk/