One Amherst, the vision for the strategic plan, brings together the whole community working in unison to create a stronger economy. Over 600 Amherst County citizens participated in the strategic plan. Amherst County is focusing on five initiatives: branding, space for business to grow, small business and entrepreneur development, education and workforce development, and leadership development.
The strategic planning process included an economic and demographic overview, community engagement, Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats Analysis, target industry analysis, and the identification of five initiatives for the Economic Development Authority. A two page overview is available here. To see the strategic plan presentation, click here.
Amherst County is now in process of becoming the first Certified Entrepreneurial Community® in Virginia. More information on the CEC® program can be found at http://creativecec.com/.
Amherst County’s board of supervisors recently voted to add one penny on the tax rate specifically for implementation of the strategic plan. Staff is currently working on implementation of year one action steps. We are engaged to return to Amherst County in 2017 for a one-year review.