Stafford County will celebrate Business Appreciation Week by welcoming Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine at the annual luncheon saluting Stafford businesses on Thursday, May 17, 2007. The Stafford Economic Development Authority (EDA) will also unveil its first Annual Report at the event.

Governor Kaine will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon, which is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Riverside Center Conference Facility, located at 95 Riverside Parkway, just off of Warrenton Road (U.S. Route 17). The governor is scheduled to speak about economic development progress in Stafford and the Commonwealth.

According to the EDA, Stafford is leading the state in many key economic categories. For example, in the last five years, the number of businesses has grown from 1,486 to 2,151, the 2nd highest growth rate in Virginia. These businesses have added more than 7,000 new jobs in the last five years, a 5 percent growth in employment, the 7th highest job growth rate in Virginia.

“Stafford’s economy is stronger than it has ever been,” said Tim Baroody, Director of Stafford’s Department of Economic Development. “We have been very aggressive over the last few years with our efforts to create a favorable business environment, and we are excited about the growing opportunities that Stafford can offer current and prospective business owners.”  

More details about Stafford’s economy are available in the annual report, which will be distributed at the luncheon on Thursday. For more information about Stafford’s Economic Development Department, please call (540) 658-8681 or visit the department online at www.gostaffordva.com.

 

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