WC EDA elects officers, agrees to lease EDA office at Avtex property, and resolves to convey Avtex Conservancy park to County

On Friday, June 23, 2023, the Front Royal Warren County Economic Development Authority (EDA) convened for its routine monthly meeting. The attendees included six board members, the County Director of Economic Development, and legal counsel. Board Member Jim Wolfe participated in the proceedings remotely.

Scott Jenkins, the Board Chair, launched the session with Committee and Board Reports. Jenkins shed light on the recent Warren Heritage Society’s History Camp visit to Mountain Home. This initiative offered participants a chance to delve deeper into the local history of Warren County. Bruce Townshend, another Board member, narrated his experiences from an event organized by the Front Royal Independent Business Alliance (FRIBA) and Downtown Front Royal, Inc.

Joe Petty, the Director of Economic Development, offered critical insights into various ongoing economic activities in the community. Updates included the status of the FY2024 budget, the Small Business Loan Committee, and a recap of the recent Open-Door Business Session.

During the meeting’s new business segment, the Board approved a certificate of satisfaction for a loan successfully cleared. The Board also took a significant step toward ensuring transparency and objectivity by agreeing to develop a policy to outline the evaluation process for individuals or organizations wishing to use EDA-owned property.

The meeting also saw annual officer elections, with Scott Jenkins elected as Chair; JD Walter, Vice-Chair; Jim Wolfe, Treasurer; Hayden Ashworth, Secretary; Bruce Townshend, Assistant Secretary. Jorie Martin was appointed by the Chair as the Asset Committee Chair.

The Board ended the open session and retreated into a closed session to deliberate on potential property dispositions and seek legal advice on active litigation.

With the now unilateral WC EDA (legally still FR-WC EDA) having moved operations into the WCGC, its former 400 Kendrick Ln. office at the old American Viscose/Avtex Admin building is now up for lease. – Royal Examiner File Photo

Post the closed session, the Board greenlit two crucial motions. The first gave the Chair and Secretary the power to secure a lease for the EDA office located at 400 Kendrick Lane. The second motion put forth a resolution requesting the EDA to transfer the Avtex Conservancy property to the County of Warren.

The next regular monthly Board meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 28, 2023, at the Warren County Government Center.