While the staff of the Department of Economic Development is happy to try to assist any business -- whether existing, expanding, relocating, or newly formed -- we realize that rural businesses sometimes
present themselves with unique requirements. The department has a six-member rural team, led by Manager of Innovative Economic Development Warren Howell, dedicated to assisting them.
In addition to the Department and the Rural Economic Development Council, the department also works hand in hand with a variety of rural-focused organizations dedicated to strengthing the economy of western Loudoun. These include:
This Association was designed to carry on educational and promotional work in connection with the production and sale of livestock or value-added livestock products. In addition to educating and promoting cattlemen activities to the community, the group provides opportunities for the sharing of ideas and production techniques among its members.
The mission of Loudoun Cattlemen's Association is to represent all aspects of Loudoun County's cattle industry and to foster, promote, and protect an environment conducive to profitable beef production through its services, activities and policy formation.
The Loudoun Horse Association was established in 2005 to serve as a resource for local horse owners, professionals, and equine industry providers. The focus of the Association is to improve communication and cooperation among the many equestrian disciplines in Loudoun County, provide information about equestrian activities, offer educational programs and networking opportunities, and assist in the development of public infrastructure to meet the needs of the Loudoun equestrian community.
The Loudoun Winegrowers Association brings wine grape growers and winery owners together to advance their mutual interests. They share knowledge about Loudoun’s soils and climate, learn new grape-growing and wine-making techniques from Virginia Tech and County Extension experts, and gain greater appreciation of the joys and challenges of making great wine. For more information call 703-851-6193, or email them at info@loudounwine.com.
The Loudoun Valley HomeGrown Markets Association sponsors five farmers markets in Loudoun County from May through October, along with a winter farmers market in Leesburg. These are "homegrown, producer-only" markets, meaning that the people selling you the food are the people who grow the food. They stand behind their products 100%. If an item you purchased wasn't fresh or was damaged in some way they will replace it or refund you for your purchase.
This report, presented to the Economic Development Committee in November 2006, summarizes the Loudoun County rural economy.