Calling Agricultural Leaders and Educators to Join Loudoun County’s REDC

REDC-Accepting-Applications

Loudoun County’s Rural Economic Development Council has multiple open seats for service and is encouraging anyone passionate about supporting Loudoun’s diverse rural industries to apply.

The REDC is comprised of Loudoun business owners and stakeholders, reporting to the Board of Supervisors and advising Loudoun Economic Development staff on best practices for promoting innovation and collaboration in county’s agriculture and other rural industries.

“Loudoun County has a rich agricultural tradition that has evolved to bring local food, craft beverages and unique experiences to residents and visitors alike. The best way to help preserve this part of Loudoun is to encourage economic activity for landowners,” Loudoun Economic Development’s Executive Director Buddy Rizer said. “We ask that REDC bring solutions to the table that encourage #LoudounPossible success for farm businesses well into the future.”

REDC members are expected to be experts, advocates and liaisons for their specific industries. There are seven REDC appointments with terms expiring on December 31, 2021.

Loudoun County seeks candidates with the following expertise:

    • Bed and breakfasts;
    • Craft beverage;
    • Education;
    • Finance;
    • Plant nursery (wholesale);
    • Wineries/Vineyards;
    • Production Agriculture.

The most recent USDA Ag Census estimated more than 1,200 commercial farms in Loudoun, with thousands of businesses supported directly or indirectly from the land. With the COVID-19 economic recovery already underway, now is a crucial time to encourage an equitable recovery for all.

“We expect REDC to play a hands-on role in diversifying and strengthening Loudoun’s economy, and we’ll be recruiting accordingly for these positions,” Loudoun Business Development Officer of Agriculture and Business Services John Magistro explained. “With so much attention on supply chains, we’re looking for new ways to open up markets for Loudoun’s farms.”

In order to be considered, REDC applicants must submit:

    1. An online standard application at https://lfportal.loudoun.gov/Forms/AdvisoryApp;
    2. A letter of interest and a resume, sent to the Office of the Board of Supervisors AND to the Department of Economic Development, via postal mail or email;
    3. Letters of interest and resumes are due by close of business September 1, 2021, to:

      Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
      1 Harrison Street, S.E., Fifth Floor
      P.O. Box 7000
      Leesburg, VA 20175
      Phone: 703-777-0204
      Fax: 703-777-0421
      bos@loudoun.gov

      AND

      Department of Economic Development
      43777 Central Station Drive, Suite 300
      Ashburn, VA 20147
      Phone: 703-777-0426
      Fax: 703-771-5363
      john.magistro@loudoun.gov

     

The REDC will review applicants and recommend nominees to the Board of Supervisors for appointment. To learn more about the REDC, visit Biz.Loudoun.gov/REDC.

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