Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority of Smyth County (formerly Industrial Development Authority) works to promote industry and develop trade by inducing manufacturing, industrial, and commercial enterprises to locate or remain within Smyth County. They also serve as the primary organization responsible for publicly owned property and the financing assistance arm for the attraction of new or expansion of existing industry within the County. The EDA is composed of a seven-member board of representatives appointed by election district by the Smyth County Board of Supervisors for four-year terms. The EDA is supported by the Smyth County Community and Economic Development Department.

edaSome of the past projects of the EDA have been:
  • Successful attraction of Speyside Bourbon Cooperage to Smyth County, three significant expansions of one of our anchor industries; SIG (Scholle IPN), as well as multiple expansion of other existing industry within the County. 
  • Partnership with Bland, Wythe, and Washington Counties to form the Pathway Regional Industrial Facilities Authority for infrastructure improvements to and the marketing of Pathway Park, a joint venture of all three counties. 
  • Commonwealth Opportunity Fund (COF) awards, Tobacco Commission grant funding, industrial development bond financing, and local incentive funding for various new industry and industry expansion projects 
  • Support for workforce training initiatives and existing industry appreciation events
  • Strategic planning for economic development
  • Establishing a Revolving Loan Fund
Meeting Schedule & AgendasThe EDA meets regularly on the third Wednesday every month at 3:30 pm in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room, Smyth County Office Building, 121 Bagley Circle, Marion, VA.   mapGoogle Map
All meetings are open to the public.
MEMBERSJulius Winebarger, Park District (Chair)
Amy Allison McVey, Saltville District (Vice-Chair)
Hal Campbell North Fork District
Tara French, Chilhowie District
James McNeil, Atkins District
Justine Bradley, Royal Oak District
Larry J. Atwood, Rye Valley District

For more information contact:
Kendra Hayden, Director of Community and Economic Development
Email:  khayden@smythcounty.org
121 Bagley Circle, Suite 100 
Marion, VA 24354 
Phone: (276)706-8304
Fax: (276)783-9314
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