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County of Brunswick IDA Economic Development Blueprint

Overview

Brunswick County, like many other Southside Virginia communities has struggled economically in recent years with the decline of the tobacco industry in Virginia. The County continues to have a strong agricultural base, particular in forestry and wood products. Though several large, long-standing industries continue to succeed in the County such as Lawrenceville Brick and Tile, the County has had little success in recent years in attracting new business and industrial development. From recommendations in a previous economic development report, the Brunswick County Industrial Development Authority set out to develop a unifying vision, strategies, and action plans for future economic development.

Approach

After performing an analysis of the community and establishing preliminary lists of assets, obstacles, and opportunities for economic development, K. W. Poore & Associates, Inc. conducted a series of three visioning public meetings to gain input from the community regarding an economic development vision. Additional data was collected to supplement the previous study. Detailed research was conducted in key areas of opportunity. The firm also developed plans, maps, and illustrations for the expansion of an existing industrial park, the creation of a potential Virginia Ethanol Corridor, and the location of industries and water and sewer improvements across the County.

The final report included all of the background data on assets, obstacles, and opportunities. The heart of the economic development blueprint was a vision statement, strategies, and action plans in outline form and in an implementation timeline.