EDA hears request to fund Region 9 wine implementation coalition; decision deferred to February

Maureen Kelly, director of economic development and tourism for Nelson County, asked the Albemarle County Economic Development Authority on Thursday to consider providing $20,000 in cash to support a two‑year implementation grant to advance a Region 9 Virginia wine coalition. The coalition — built from a planning grant and intended to move Region 9 wine into the traded sector — would use state Go Virginia funds and private match to create an ambassador/credentialing program, marketing and sales capacity, and business support for wineries.