[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6487709,"mediaKeyId","5555079-61bc7048c3048bdcb2a8512a6a1f99e8","parentId",5555079,"title","Leesburg EDC raises business confidence index, permit timing and September work session","audioSeconds",315,"startMs",1554000,"endMs",1869000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5555079-61bc7048c3048bdcb2a8512a6a1f99e8&start=1554&end=1869","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5555079-61bc7048c3048bdcb2a8512a6a1f99e8/thumbnail_1554000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6487709/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-EDC-raises-business-confidence-index-permit-timing-and-September-work-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487709-fca0f3d1672d327ab3514ebade8809db/orig.mp4?Expires=1773431987&Signature=HrSRFx2V6bE5QF1kw1b6GsGflaBdtlNRE2wLULeGwWoGaSxbpkwVGZBENLMFFZRoi6MSlogj1cGWmcBaeXf0~npACAMgBZFastjoQ0oHMEkSJScbOK0vI6o7PW319SOz9XQIRNLQXLGwnMLyfGXvY7Hc9jzbYmfXa8FoK0P1Gj0BZabhsVsm8elb67ZLBp5MeilfSE2CNKo4wF3fpkQiqeTbY8pxyEH2qILafdKU95hE72C47QD~ReYDtSO1VTJoz6Ykw7gbzso2pS-sREOCD9CuDq~eSiPhteAMYahtizVMFrsg3jGPNqpUZGC-Evji2~B~41nOAMAZckUhC73MTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leesburg","date","2025-08-06T00:00:00Z","article","At its Aug. 6 meeting the Leesburg Economic Development Commission discussed longer‑term priorities including a proposed business confidence index, efforts to simplify permit timelines and scheduling a work session in September to develop measurable recommendations for the Town Council.

Commissioners said measuring a business confidence index could help quantify how local operators view the business climate, though they acknowledged data aggregation with Loudoun County may limit granularity for some indicators such as tax receipts. Commissioner Tony Talent suggested identifying feasible, locally measurable indicators rather than replicating countywide datasets.

On permitting, commissioners discussed fast‑track permitting approaches used in other jurisdictions and noted one example cited at the meeting: a Minnesota state law that creates a 90‑day deemed approval if permits are not resolved in that window. Commissioners did not propose a specific local ordinance but identified fast‑track options as a potential area for future recommendations and directed staff to include permitting as a topic for the September work session.

The commission cancelled a July work session because of scheduling conflicts and agreed to reschedule in September, aiming for the third week if a full slate of commissioners is available. At that session commissioners said they plan to refine three or four actionable measurements (for example: business confidence indicators, permit processing metrics, and outreach/engagement measures) that could form the basis of brief recommendations to the Town Council.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed metrics and permitting process improvements as tools to help the town better support business retention and growth. A locally tailored confidence index and clearer permit timelines could inform policy recommendations to reduce friction for businesses seeking to expand or open in Leesburg.

Next steps: Staff will place a work‑session scheduling item on the September agenda, prepare background on permit fast‑track models and provide data availability notes for proposed business confidence indicators.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Leesburg - Leesburg Economic Development Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners discussed proposing business confidence metrics, fast‑track permitting ideas and scheduling a September work session to refine priorities.","taxTitle","Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia","taxId",5641,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6487714,"Leesburg EDC discusses sponsor model and timing for outreach breakfast event",297,1919000,2216000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5555079-61bc7048c3048bdcb2a8512a6a1f99e8&start=1919&end=2216","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5555079-61bc7048c3048bdcb2a8512a6a1f99e8/thumbnail_1919000.jpg","/articles/6487714/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-EDC-discusses-sponsor-model-and-timing-for-outreach-breakfast-event","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487714-61b553c4275bdc77a6cb75557f331ff5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773431987&Signature=GjhLuRDwS7mRTwcDnlNrRFsygpg-3pcBZ9GnFKzJUlL-vX0p7bRTTe6PJpcQohV8s-AV5cXw21r-VPDvdqs9PrkKwaXnhp5pGAwoOOEMW9IYD72NXNPy9H24uPmEXb1liwANNuP13UDPGxc~MpY3EQRlUEFksEKdgrSigx-PLbsRXdpFnuog7qRHi3HgCtYXQ3GHISaaGugRArr1d9yo91pv~HWfikrzNSZC2rk0Rltoz5GcsVcSG-XocmTQodI-wMnr133Z0jDAbd8U5yEkEyZgdrn0bJH1FxA4YqwKThwZeAZJ6gUMUfxsNg1Jkj3g4wIi5aqpXYPOQQrI3EEcSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg Economic Development Commission discussed plans on Aug. 6 for a follow‑up business outreach breakfast intended to connect local business owners, share resources and gather feedback.

Commissioners said the June breakfast was successful but ran long, and they proposed narrowing future sessions and seeking sponsors to offset costs rather than charging attendees. Commissioners suggested a headline sponsor (for example, a regional bank, insurance provider, CPA or law firm) that could provide a short educational presentation — for example, on business banking, retirement planning, or employee benefits — in exchange for underwriting part of the event costs. Commissioner comments noted interest in local firms or organizations with hometown ties rather than national firms flown in for a single event.

Commissioners discussed sponsorship levels (principal/headline sponsor and smaller $500 spots) and agreed the goal is to defray costs rather than raise funds; a sponsor would also receive program recognition and a short speaking slot. Melanie Scroggins (staff) and commissioners said staff will investigate whether sponsorships are permissible within town policies and will confirm remaining commission event budget (discussed in the meeting as approximately $1,200 pending confirmation).

Timing: Commissioners suggested holding another outreach breakfast in October but noted the timeline is tight; several commissioners recommended avoiding countywide events and school calendar conflicts in late October, and to consider November dates that avoid holidays and major county events. The commission agreed to settle on a date and a sponsorship approach at the September meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the outreach breakfast as a recurring touchpoint to learn about small businesses’ needs (e.g., benefits administration, banking, flex space). Several commissioners said a focused topic such as employee benefits or flexible commercial space would address common challenges for growing small businesses and attract attendees.

Next steps: Staff was asked to confirm available commission event funds, research local sponsor prospects (banks, PEOs, insurance brokers, commercial brokers), assess town rules for sponsorship recognition, and present proposed dates and a sponsorship package at the Sept. meeting for a vote.","Commissioners debated sponsorship tiers, topics and timing for a fall outreach breakfast aimed at downtown businesses and recommended staff pursue local sponsors to defray costs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6487719,"Leesburg EDC interns present business 'rack card,' one‑stop resource and Lafayette tour work",529,607000,1136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5555079-61bc7048c3048bdcb2a8512a6a1f99e8&start=607&end=1136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5555079-61bc7048c3048bdcb2a8512a6a1f99e8/thumbnail_607000.jpg","/articles/6487719/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-EDC-interns-present-business-rack-card-onestop-resource-and-Lafayette-tour-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487719-3c40f3f059b5b0e1c1dae271a554e947/orig.mp4?Expires=1773431987&Signature=KeDhmsAjqioW-AUqaFtG00llvckds~UqC~iiL4JmJvTOmdtC5NziKRytfNncQK1odcfxwUgDwqstCLGeO~SyZefeqGkk9ANK-XBY~tDxDahM42zpIVgOLI9N2q--st~ObEfFas0FZ5yTeqz0WAg2Fnnm0F82~wjj5i8w4pDH9EnLoOG9PS6qxP9oVlKFfo0lUQsorgOxmBGSmgdrh8rnfvZ5qJPzl4DYc2lQGBwNcUDS879yF~gWyN~FAtdCATRJeNfbGn9dVv-GgIb0-m~sKLez0DEpCaOnQRzzN6MQvZolmhQU18PjzZJ8jn2g6OMetgmqUA5jgqpqGhsmnqSqQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg Economic Development Commission on Aug. 6 heard a presentation from two summer interns who created materials to guide prospective business owners, and staff reported recent ribbon cuttings and events tied to Taste Leesburg and Lafayette's bicentennial.

The interns, Pragya (intern) and Medha (intern), described a two‑sided printed “rack card” that outlines step‑by‑step actions for starting a business in Leesburg and a downloadable one‑stop PDF consolidating links and contacts for downtown entrepreneurs. Pragya introduced the team and the materials, saying, “I’m Pragya and this is Medha,” and outlined the rack card's front side with startup steps and the reverse side with quick decision bubbles for owners who have or do not have a location. The interns said they also proposed QR‑code forms for event registration and demonstrated use of HubSpot for tracking contacts and outreach.

Economic development staff member Melanie Scroggins reported business activity in town: Paris Baguette has opened and held a ribbon cutting; Hotel Berg held a ribbon cutting on July 29 and opened Aug. 1; the Shutters restaurant completed a soft opening and began taking reservations; and a ribbon cutting for Custom Floor and Design is scheduled for Aug. 14. Scroggins also said the department's internship program wrapped up its six‑week term the week following the meeting.

Allison (staff) summarized a July promotional “blitz” at the Fredericksburg Welcome Center that generated strong in‑person interest and material requests; she said Clearbrook Welcome Center invited Leesburg to run a similar display in the future. Allison and staff also described a Lafayette and Leesburg tour built for the TourLeesburg app that follows Lafayette’s 1825 visit and will coincide with the Taste Leesburg festival; a reenactor is scheduled to appear in town on Aug. 9.

The interns said their projects included: the business rack card, a one‑stop PDF resource for downtown business links, photography and content for the Lafayette tour, a draft blog series on local global cuisines, HubSpot contact management with segmentation for entrepreneurs and developers, and proposed QR‑enabled registration forms. They described field tours they took to municipal facilities — including the wastewater and water treatment plants, Leesburg Airport and the police department — as part of their learning.

Commissioners praised the interns’ work and asked staff to make the materials available digitally. Commissioners suggested placing a clickable version on the ChooseLeesburg/economic development web pages and distributing printed copies at partner visitor centers. The commission asked staff to confirm budget availability for continued outreach materials and promotional blitzes.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to adopt the meeting agenda for Aug. 6, 2025 — moved by Commissioner Tony Talent; second not specified in the record; outcome: adopted (voice vote: \"Aye\").
- Motion to approve minutes of July 2, 2025 meeting — moved by Kathy Gilman; seconded by Lindsay Potter; outcome: approved (voice vote: \"Aye\").
- Motion to adjourn the meeting — moved and adopted (voice vote: \"Aye\").

Why it matters: The materials aim to reduce friction for entrepreneurs by consolidating steps, contacts and digital links into a single package and by proposing CRM and QR workflows to improve data capture and follow up. The Lafayette tour and Taste Leesburg activities are timed to attract visitors and showcase downtown businesses.

Meeting context and next steps: Staff said the internship program concluded in early August and that the rack card and one‑stop PDF can be posted and distributed; commissioners asked staff to return with a plan for web placement and print distribution. The commission also discussed adding an event entry for Lafayette on the TourLeesburg app and continuing regional promotional blitzes next year.

","Two summer interns delivered materials for new business owners, a downloadable one‑stop resource and a Lafayette walking tour; staff reported several recent ribbon cuttings and upcoming Taste Leesburg events.","actionData","errors"]

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Leesburg EDC raises business confidence index, permit timing and September work session

Leesburg EDC discusses sponsor model and timing for outreach breakfast event

Leesburg EDC interns present business 'rack card,' one‑stop resource and Lafayette tour work