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Construction of infrastructure improvements for Burr Business Park, Phase 2, began in January, 2008 and is currently about 70% completed. This $7 million, 160 acre project will create 44 lots that are fully developed with water, sewer, electricity, and fiber optic telecommunication. Roads within the park will be owned and maintained by the West Virginia Department of Transportation. Two lots have already been sold, and a number of other potential tenants are awaiting the completion of the project before selecting their new location.
 Construction financing is being provided by a consortium of local banks made up of BB&T, the Bank of Charles Town, City National Bank, Jefferson Security Bank, MVB, and United Bank. Permanent financing will come from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council, and a much appreciated grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The original Bardane Industrial Park and Phase 1 of Burr contain 66 operating companies employing more than 2,000 people. Estimated new employment created by companies locating in the new phase could reach 1,500 jobs. Completion of construction is anticipated before the end of the year.
To see full details about the amenities in the Burr Business Park please click here.
Welcome to the first quarterly Jefferson County Development Authority newsletter. We are looking forward to using this new avenue to inform the community about new projects, successes, and upcoming events related to economic development and business in Jefferson County. We would appreciate reader feedback, so please let us know if you have information we could include in future issues or topics you would like us to add.
We are excited about the progress being made with the Burr Business Park construction, as well as the success of some of our existing local companies. Thank you for your interest in what we do, and stay tuned for future developments.
Jane K. Peters, CEcD
Concert Technologies, which has located a portion of their successful business in the former Bardane Community Center on Route 9, is a technology rollout company that specializes in the rapid deployment of multi-technology, multi-service, multi-site rollouts for government, commercial and international organizations.
Due to the increased importance and growing needs of the technology industry, Concert Technologies recently announced a new product - the world's first unified, industry-proven Maestro Technology Rollout System. Maestro defines the comprehensive set of organizational requirements, processes, and services necessary to ensure project speed and efficiency. It is based on their proven methodologies that span Concert's decade-plus of experienced rollout service.
- Concert Technologies
The Jefferson County Development Authority is pleased to welcome the Aromi d'Italia and Berzaci Companies to the Bardane Industrial Park. Aromi d'Italia is an exclusive distributor of the highest quality gelato products featuring ingredients by Berzaci. The company produces and distributes healthy gelato products, pastries and desserts. In addition, they offer the finest "ready-to-use" Italian pastry and dessert mixes, ingredients, accessories and know-how in North America. Their customers enjoy and appreciate the authenticity, freshness and purity of their ingredients.
Aromi d'Italia has over four decades of combined experience in the gelato industry and brings that experience to their clients. Gelato is an Italian word for ice cream. Created in northern Italy, it is known by its smooth texture, rich and exquisite taste, and it is naturally low in fat.
Starting in the mid 90's with just a few clients, Aromi d'Italia has grown to become the largest provider in the industry. Currently, they serve hundreds of foodservice customers throughout North America, from "mom-and-pop" shops to franchise and chain stores.
Current Aromi d'Italia restaurants in our area include those in Annapolis and Bethesda, Maryland. Others are located in Las Vegas and the Italian Embassy, to name but a few locations.
For more information about each company please refer to their respective websites:
- http://www.aromiditalia.com/
- http://www.berzaci.com/
 Kearneysville - WV 2nd District Congressional Rep. Shelley Moore Capito and Chris Strovel, Eastern Panhandle Field Rep. visited and toured BizTech and the Jefferson County Telework Center. The Congresswoman was greeted by teleworkers and private company employees who discussed the advantages of teleworking and how this opportunity saves time and gas. These constituents are employed by the federal government and various private companies whose offices reside at BizTech.
Beverly Bolger, Director of BizTech and the Jefferson County Telework Center, presented information to Ms. Capito about BizTech, which is a branch of the Jefferson County Development Authority that fosters a small business incubator environment in Jefferson County. The center's services are also available to businesses from neighboring counties. The telework center was originally located in Ranson, WV and est. 1997 and now located in Kearneysville.
Congresswoman Capito engaged in open discussion with Beverly Bolger, Dir. of BizTech and the J C Telework Center, and Bill Chesley, President of JCDA Executive Board regarding the GSA Sponsored Telework Program and future support. Ms. Bolger shared information and updates with the Congresswoman on GSA's current procedures and future changes for teleworking.
Bolger communicated the critical nature of teleworking and the future of thousands of federal and private workers who live in the Eastern Panhandle that travel long distances to work. These commuters are counting on teleworking as a work alternative. Not everyone will be able to telework for one reason or another. Surveys show that 92 percent of employees believe that their job could be done by teleworking, yet only 39 percent currently telework! It has been noted that if 53 percent of the employees teleworked two days a week, they could collectively save 9.7 billion gallons of gas and $38.2 billion a year.*
There are advantages to teleworking from GSA Sponsored Telework Centers. There are a total of 14 in the WDC Metro Region. These centers offer security, fully equipped workstations with computers or prepared for laptops that are supplied by agencies or company employers. Wireless and firewalls are in place with IT support available. The professional environment eliminates the feeling of isolation and distractions found at home. Web or teleconferencing is available; including 24 hour secure access and ample parking.
In June 2008, the House of Representatives approved Bill H R 4106; To improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks and for other purposes'.** This bill is another tool that encourages management approval for teleworking. Teleworking is the catalyst that helps us change our working and commuting habits to improve the quality of life.
Written by B. Bolger
*Reference; Telework Exchange: June 11, 2008
** Library of Congress Thomas/Bills/Resolutions: 6/19/2008
- http://www.biztech.bz/
The Jefferson Farms markets are in full-swing with tomatoes and sweet corn in abundance! It is the second year of the Saturday Charles Town Market. The Bank of Charles Town hosted the market during the inaugural 2007 market season, but due to expansion and construction at the Main Branch, was unable to host the market during the 2008 season. We thank the Bank of Charles Town for their generosity and promotion of the Saturday Market during its first season. When the move became necessary, the Charles Town City Council and the Mayor of Charles Town offered to close the 100 block of North Samuel Street weekly for the market. The new location has increased visibility for the market from Washington Street and total market sales in 2008 have doubled over corresponding weeks in 2007.
 On August 7, 2008, the Jefferson County Commission approved the purchase of picnic tables in the lawn adjacent to the Saturday Market for use by market patrons as well as county employees on lunch breaks. The Saturday Market has become a community event, supported by local agricultural producers, citizens, small businesses and county and city government.
The Jefferson Farms Markets gained an additional partner for the 2008 season; Frontier Communications has made the Saturday Charles Town Farmers Market, the Sunday Shepherdstown Farmers Market and the Wednesday Shepherdstown Farmers Markets wireless hotspots.
Also new for the 2008 season is the Jefferson Farms Market on Tuesday afternoons in Washington, DC. The Tenleytown Whole Foods Market hosts a group of six local producers to share our WV fresh and local products with the Metropolitan area. For most of the producers involved in the Tuesday market, this is there first experience selling at a Washington, DC market. Producers are spending the first season evaluating and adjusting to the new market.
Markets will be winding down over the next few months, from September to November, but there is still plenty of produce to come; grapes, apples and pumpkins.
In October of 2004, the Jefferson County Development Authority saw the need to support the development of Jefferson County’s rural economy by hiring Agriculture Development Officer, Kellie Boles to promote, market, and help sustain agriculture in Jefferson County by working with local producers, citizens, government and other interested parties. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Jefferson County Agriculture Task Force, the Market Manager for the Jefferson Farms Market, and as an advisor for the Farmers’ Cooperative Association and is active in numerous other groups and events.
- Jefferson County Farm Markets
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