(Alexandria, VA) -- The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Inc. announced today the launch of a new program created to assist with business retention efforts.

Welcome to Alexandria was created to encourage face-to-face meetings between new businesses and the AEDP staff. Proactively, as well as by request, a member of the AEDP staff visits stores and offices to officially welcome new businesses to the City and to drop off a Welcome Package. This package contains general information about AEDP, City and other organization's services that may be of interest to the new business. A sample package is also now available for review in the Business Tax Office at City Hall, often times one of the first stops for new businesses in Alexandria.

"Alexandria is a bustling and vibrant business community, with new businesses opening doors on a weekly basis. Welcome to Alexandria is the perfect way for our economic development office to begin providing retention services as close to the business' arrival in our city as possible. We are hopeful that this program, along with other services provided by the AEDP, will assist in keeping businesses in the City of Alexandria," said Stephanie Landrum, Acting Executive Director.

George Williams, Manager, Business Retention and Assistance, will be the lead AEDP staff person coordinating this program. Mr. Williams' title was recently changed to better reflect the services he provides to the existing and start-up business community.

This week, the AEDP also announced the permanent addition of Christy Blake to the economic development staff. Ms. Blake will continue her role providing Community Outreach & Research services while pursuing her Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the Alexandria campus of Virginia Tech.

The AEDP is a public/private partnership, which plans, directs, manages and implements efforts to attract, expand and retain business operations in the City of Alexandria. AEDP has worked since 1981 as a facilitator to establish Alexandria as a nationally recognized community and business center. AEDP is located at 1729 King Street, Suite 410, Alexandria, VA 22314. 703-739-3820, email: info@alexecon.org; website: www.alexecon.org.

For Immediate Release- 9/12/06

Contact: Stephanie Landrum
703-739-3820 xt. 14

Back to Press Releases