March 2020

The Virginia Economic Developers Association hosted an informational COVID19 webinar on March 30.  Featuring economic development state leaders Stephen Moret (CEO, Virginia Economic Development Partnership); Jody Keenan, (State Director, Virginia Small Business Development Centers Network), and Erik Johnston, (Director, Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development) the recorded webinar is filled with useful information for economic developers, civic leaders and businesses.

With so much information about financial relief for businesses and citizens starting to flow, it's tough to sort through.  Where's the most relevant information for my business?  Which agency is the feds' primary channel to distribute the funds?  What's the application process?  With these posts, the MPA is attempting to curate information before posting, to bring information that is current and relevant. In this blog are some of the sources we follow. Open this blog page for more information.

Click HERE for a good quick way to understand the Governor's Emergency Order Fifty-Three and how it impacts your business or organization.

The Virginia Economic Developers Association is hosting an economic development webinar that will feature the CEO of VEDP, Stephen Moret; the Director of DHCD, Erik Johnston; and the Executive Director of Virginia's SBDC Network, Jody Keenan.  Webinar is Monday, March 30 at 12 noon. Join other economic development professionals and learn how these state partners are addressing the current economic situation and what impacts might occur with the programs and services they offer.  Click here to register:  VEDA Webinar Registration

For some of our manufacturers there may be opportunity in this environment.  See the report from our partners at GENEDGE:

Manufacturing capability wanted now

URGENT: Manufacturers Needed:
On behalf of the White House, the National Association of Manufacturers is seeking manufacturers that can produce critically needed supplies for the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey will help identify those that can contribute to the federal government’s fight against COVID-19. Let’s show the federal government what Virginia manufacturers can do! If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact the National Association of Manufacturers’ COVID-19 response team at Survey

Governor Ralph Northam ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses and K-12 Schools, effective March 23, 2020 and lasting until April 23, 2020.  See the full press release here:Governor Northam Statement

Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA 1st District) is providing real-time updates on the status of the COVID19 situation, from the federal perspective.  His website Rep. Wittman Website is an excellent one-stop shop of resources and information at the federal government level and he conducts regular telephone town halls so constituents can hear directly and ask questions.  Sign up here Telephone Town Halls if you're interested.

We know there's a lot of information out here and it can be overwhelming to navigate these resources.  This link will take you to the Governor's website which is the most current and valid holistic source of information that is relevant to Virginia businesses and localities.  Bookmark it on your own computer and refer to it regularly.  COVID19 - Virginia Updates

Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), please know that our thoughts are with each and every one of our Region's businesses and our local leaders during this time. As we receive details from the federal and state governments about disaster relief, we will share them with you.