The Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia that was founded in 1989 and is funded primarily by Wythe County, the Town of Wytheville, and the Town of Rural Retreat in Virginia.
The mission of the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County, Wytheville, and Rural Retreat is to initiate, develop, and coordinate industrial and economic development efforts in order to achieve and sustain the optimum quality of life for all citizens of its member jurisdictions.
The Joint IDA Board of Directors worked with the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, Wytheville Town Council, and Rural Retreat Town Council to develop a strategic plan during the spring of 2014. It was revised by the Joint IDA staff and board in June of 2016. The Joint IDA is currently undergoing a full review and redevelopment of its strategic plan with the assistance of a consulting firm and input from working partners, area businesses, and member localities.
This organization is the economic development office that serves lead roles in business attraction, business retention and expansion, and small business assistance. We also are a support organization for workforce development, tourism, and downtown development.
The JIDA is governed by a Board of Directors that is appointed by the three local governments. The Board of Directors makes major policy decisions and the Executive Director appointed by the board manages day-to-day activities.
Michael Cole
Chairman
192 Sunset Drive
Rural Retreat, VA 24368
276-686-5057
Email Mr. Cole
Appointed: 2018 (partial term)
Term Expires: Dec. 2026
Representing: Town of Rural Retreat
Occupation: Manager, Rural Retreat Depot
Jeffrey Lucas
Vice-Chairman
885 N. 10th Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
276-228-4042
Email Mr. Lucas
Appointed: 2021
Term Expires: Dec. 2024
Representing: Town of Wytheville
Occupation: Wythe-Bland Agency Manager, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance
Sherri Case
Treasurer
PO Box 57
Wytheville, VA 24382
276-228-0200
Email Ms. Case
Appointed: 2023
Term Expires: Dec. 2026
Representing: Wythe County
Occupation: Physician Relations & Industry/Recruitment Coordinator, Wythe County Community Hospital
Matthew Clarke
585 Stafford Umberger Dr.
Wytheville, VA 24382
276-228-5441
Email Mr. Clarke
Appointed: 2017
Term Expires: Dec. 2024
Representing: Wythe County
Occupation: Owner, Clarke Precision Machine
Dennis Manuel
317 Barrett Mill Road
Wytheville, VA 24382
276-724-0283
Email Mr. Manuel
Appointed: 2023
Term Expires: Dec. 2026
Representing: Wythe County
Occupation: President, Fairview Contractors
Vicki Parks
675 Pine Ridge Road
Wytheville, VA 24382
276-228-0201
Email Ms. Parks
Appointed: 2024
Term Expires: Dec. 2027
Representing: Town of Wytheville
Occupation: CEO, Wythe County Community Hospital
Aaron Robinson
3572 Peppers Ferry Road
Wytheville, VA 24382
276-228-3548
Email Mr. Robinson
Appointed: 2024
Term Expires: Dec. 2027
Representing: Wythe County
Occupation: Owner, R&R Enterprises/R&R Septic
Ex-Officio Members
The Chief Administrative Official of each local government in Wythe County serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Joint IDA Board.
As an independent political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the JIDA is subject to the same rules that govern any public body. Accordingly, open meetings are held regularly. The public is invited and attendees are given the opportunity to speak during citizens’ time.
The JIDA Board of Directors generally meets monthly on the 4th Thursday at 3:00pm in the Town of Wytheville Council Chambers at 150 E. Monroe Street in downtown Wytheville. If you need special accommodations, please contact the office at 276-223-3370.
Authority staff reports to each local governing body, typically at their joint meeting and at others times, as well.
If you have questions about the JIDA or how it operates, please let us know. We also welcome your comments at any time, especially during our monthly meetings.
The meetings are held in the Wytheville Town Council Chambers at 150 E. Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382.
We send an occasional newsletter with information about the growing economy and opportunities for continued growth in Wythe County, Wytheville, and Rural Retreat, Virginia.
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