Economic Development Committee
The Town of Colonial Beach Economic Development Committee works proactively and collaboratively to grow the business base of Colonial Beach. The EDC promotes encourages and facilitates the development of responsible and properly planned residential and commercial growth. The goal of this growth is to strengthen the local economy and diversify the Town’s tax base to give residents more opportunities to live, work and thrive in an economically focused and financially stable Town.
Encouragement
Encouraging the economic well-being and expansion of existing commercial businesses located within the Town
Collaboration
Leading a collaborative effort by serving as a conduit between organizations with interests improving the economic strength of Colonial Beach and the Region
Responsibility
Responsibly assisting in developing properties within the Town in an effort to improve the aesthetics of the Town and providing additional sources of revenue
Recruitment
Developing and implementing a plan to proactively recruit new businesses and developers to invest in Colonial Beach, thus expanding the tax base
Policies
Reviewing Town ordinances, policies and practices related to economic growth and making recommendations that will make Colonial Beach a “business friendly” Town
Opportunities
Evaluate opportunities to enlarge the town’s footprint to enhance economic growth
EDC Strategic Goals
- Pursue Main Street designation in collaboration main street affiliate Downtown Colonial Beach (DCB)
- Continue to develop and increase retail presence in town including expansion of restaurants
- Maritime – Strengthen and support local maritime industry
- Healthcare – continue to work to expand healthcare access in Colonial Beach
- Workforce Resilience & Development
2023 EDC Committee Goals
Continue efforts to recruit new business to Colonial Beach
Support the next Dodson phases
Capitalize on the HUBzone designation when recruiting new business
Continue to support the “Food Truck Court” development
Continue the Apprenticeship & Mentoring Program with CBHS & RCC
Continue to expand awareness and support the efforts of Colonial Beach through active participation in VEDA, Go Virginia, VIDA, COMREL,Mainstreet
Expand the inventory list of available property and prioritize recruitment
Collaborate with the town on the creation of an Economic Development Authority, in support of the Economic Development Manager
Support the efforts to expand Healthcare in the community
Support the Town, County, and developers in solutions for “Workforce Housing”
Create working Groups for the Marinas and Tourism to include stakeholders and to provide input to local businesses and Town Leadership
Members of the EDC
Recruiting Objectives:
Experienced business executives with reach beyond Colonial Beach
Strong vested interest in the success of our Town
Represent multiple business disciplines and bring multiple talents
Willing and able to devote the time and energy to the committee
Committee Members
Michael J. Fitzpatrick
Chairman, Economic Development Committee
Biotechnology Commercial Business Executive
20 year business owner in Colonial Beach
Joseph Kelly: CPA, former COO and President Royco (Commercial Real Estate), Consultant
Cathy Bokman: Government Contractor, Hospitality Industry (Choice Hotels, Marriott International)
Kelly Vaughn: Owner Riverview Inn, Executive Assistant Building People, INOVA Business Development
Douglas Cooper: Executive Wealth Manager for Raymond James, Extensive high net worth network, deep history and ties to Colonial Beach
Jeff Crook: President, Downtown Colonial Beach (DCB)
Shirley Bazdar: Downton Colonial Beach (DCB)
Victoria Luna: Colonial Beach Planning Commission
Lorrie Gore
Michele Merhling
David Williams
Kelly Evko