"Surviving and Thriving in Today’s Economy," a business summit hosted by the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) on Nov. 17, seeks to promote development on Route 1.
"We hope the event will help spur business development efforts by local and regional businesses. We aim to serve as a catalyst to initiating new development in this no longer overlooked new business opportunity commercial corridor," said SFDC Executive Director Debi Sandlin. "Fort Belvoir expansion will be one of the keys to commercial development in the corridor and we plan to be there to help make it happen."
While the nation and region continue to struggle to weather one of the worst economic recession’s in recent memory, the SFDC’s effort provides a timely, technical advice and networking forum for businesses of all types looking to jumpstart their efforts to take advantage of what some perceive as an underappreciated new business opportunity.
The forum seeks to assist businesses looking for land to build on, or needing advice on whom to speak to in the county about zoning or permitting, or wanting information about banks known to be interested in business loans to builders/developers in the Route 1 corridor.
John Thillmann, vice president, Landmark Atlantic Holdings, LLC, is one of the sponsors of the event and a member of the SFDC Board of Directors, said, "The summit is a wonderful opportunity for business networking, and for those interested in the route 1 corridor to hear Dr. [Stephen] Fuller describe the near future business and economic climate of the region. In addition, the George Mason University business incubators program staff and other technical and policy people will be there to provide advice to prospective businesses."
"This is an important first step in the SFDC and county’s effort to develop the route 1 corridor as one of the places for business growth to happen," Thillman said.
Fuller, director of the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, and an expert on the economic climate in the Washington Metro area, is the keynote speaker. Fuller’s speech is entitled "Shape of the Recovery," and is expected to forecast job opportunities, construction spending, housing, and discuss the unique characteristics of the regional economy as compared to the nation’s economy.
SFDC’s primary purpose is the revitalization of the Route 1 Corridor, one of the largest commercial corridors in Northern Virginia. Some Mt. Vernon community leaders have long held that Fairfax county government does not give sufficient priority to development efforts in the Route 1 corridor in comparison to other parts of the county.
"I do not share that view and I am convinced that the Board of Supervisors and the County Executive don’t either," said Sandlin. "This business summit is the first of several initiatives which the county, the Board of Supervisors, and the SFDC Board of Directors plan on carrying out to place a high priority on business development in the Route 1 Corridor. My door is always open for businesses who have an interest in the Route 1 corridor. If you are interested in the Route 1 corridor as a place to do business we are interested in helping you."