Frederick County EDA outlines workforce strategy and pushes for project-ready sites

Patrick Barber, executive director of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority, told the Board of Supervisors on the EDA's annual briefing that the authority's work centers on two priorities: attracting new companies and helping existing companies expand to create high-quality jobs and grow local tax revenue.

Barber said the EDA's approach combines workforce development and site readiness. He described the county's labor market as a roughly 45-mile draw area with a highly educated base — "over 90% at least have a high school degree; 40% have at least an associate's degree" — but also noted significant underemployment (about 12,000 people) and roughly 25,000 residents who commute out daily for work. The EDA's talent programs include the Widget Cup and Worlds of Work for K-12 students, employer expos (spring and fall), and a regional recruitment brand called Live Love Shenandoah.

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