Lynchburg leaders hear about economic development prospects

Eleanor Kennedy

Lynchburg’s government and business leaders heard a consultant’s findings and voiced their opinions on the city’s economic development prospects and marketing efforts during a presentation of the Economic Development Authority’s new strategic plan Tuesday night.

Consultant Jay Garner, president of Atlanta-based site selection firm Garner Economics, and Mike Tveidt, a research economist for the company, presented suggestions for a new strategic plan for the EDA Tuesday at the Academy of Fine Arts during a break between City Council sessions. Attendees included Council, other local government representatives and business leaders who participated in the research stage of the plan’s development.

Garner’s plan — developed via focus groups and statistical research — included actionable items such as building hangar space to attract the aircraft repair industry to Lynchburg, taking the lead on a statewide push for sustainable economic development funding and consolidating local permitting and licensing into a “one stop shop,” among other recommendations. More here.