From a regional perspective, the Shenandoah Valley has a diverse economy made up of numerous industries and no one dominant company. As a result, the Harrisonburg, Virginia, area is doing well economically.
The “Economic Expectations” survey released by the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) looks at how its members view the business climate in the state as well as the economic issues Virginians will face. Building upon the survey results, the following are my highlights for doing businesses in the Shenandoah Valley:
- There is an increased commitment to economic development locally.
- Stability of Harrisonburg’s largest sector, higher education, helps a number of industries represented in the area.
- Local colleges have traditionally partnered with local employers to train the workforce needed.
- The Hotel Madison and Shenandoah Valley Conference Center will open next year, providing an added boost to the local economy.
- Population growth is helping fuel growth in other area, too.
As a past chair of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce and a member of the VSCPA, I was asked by Virginia Business Magazine to share my thoughts on economic issues in the Shenandoah Valley. Read more about my ideas on the 2018 VSCPA Survey: Shenandoah Valley. To see highlights from the survey and how other Virginia regions compared, check out the entire article on “Moving Forward.”
With a strong focus on retaining and expanding local companies, Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley is a great place for businesses to conduct business.
