VIENNA, VA — An economic summit and walking tour will put the Town of Vienna's economic strength under the microscope during the upcoming Vienna Economic Development week from May 12 to 16. One of the themes addressed during the economic development event will be the impacts of federal workforce amid reductions sought by the Trump administration.
The Town of Vienna's Economic Development is inviting all residents to participate in the Vienna Economic Development Week, which celebrates people, policies and partnerships that contribute to the town's economy.
The week kicks off with Business Outreach Day on Monday, May 12. Town Council and Town Business Liaison Committee members will join the Vienna Economic Development team to visit local businesses to learn more about them, take feedback, and build relationships.
Tuesday, May 13 targets those affected by federal workforce reductions. The Webinar: "Fed to Founder" from 10 a.m. to noon focuses on teaching participants how to turn federal experience into business ownership or contracting. Registration is available through Zoom.
On Wednesday, May 14, economic development staff will meet with commercial property owners to discuss the town's economic vision and long-term goals.
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Thursday, May 15 brings the week's biggest event, the Vienna Economic Development Summit. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Local officials and experts will gather to discuss Vienna's economic outlook, upcoming development projects and trends impacting the region, including federal workforce changes. Registration is requested.
Mayor Linda Colbert will provide welcoming remarks. Other speakers will include:
Nicole Toulouse, Town of Vienna economic development director: Vienna’s Local Economy and Business Climate
David Levy, Town of Vienna planning and zoning director: Major Project Updates and Comprehensive Plan Vision
Stephen Tarditi, director of market intelligence, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority: Impacts of Federal Workforce Reductions
Rebecca Moudry, director of economic initiatives, Fairfax County: Regional Economic Strategies and Small Business Support
The summit will also recognize Vienna businesses that have been operating for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 years with Legacy Business Awards.
To complete the week, Friday, May 16 will be the Explore Vienna Community Walking Tour. Attendees will meet at 10 a.m. at the Vienna Town Hall lobby for a community walking tour with the Vienna Economic Development team and the Town Business Liaison Committee. The tour will focus on Vienna’s commercial corridors to identify where beautification and placemaking are needed. Possible enhancements could include signage, landscaping, lighting, public art, outdoor seating and walkability. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. In the event of rain, there will be a conversation about beautification and placemaking inside Town Hall.