One fact is becoming quite clear: Our region is expanding rapidly. From the growth of arts and cultural activities to the redevelopment of beloved historic buildings, our region’s leaders have been working tirelessly to keep engagement and success growing in our area.
In our 2025 Market Report, read what’s on the horizon in the City of Lynchburg, as well as Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell counties in the coming year.
Appomattox County
Looking Ahead
In 2025, the Economic Development Authority will continue to work toward improving site readiness at the Appomattox Center for Business and Commerce, and, in coordination with CVCC, seek additional opportunities to enhance educational offerings at the CTE Institute. Local tourism officials are excited, as the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will host the 160th Civil War Commemoration of the Surrender activities in April. Large crowds are expected for these events.
2024 Successes
1. Appomattox County continued to see success in the areas of tourism and workforce development. The CTE Institute, in partnership with Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), saw the successful launch of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training course, all the while, completing additional renovations to the welding and fabrication areas. With these renovations nearly complete, equipment installation is set to begin any day now. Course offerings in welding and fabrication should begin in 2025 at the Appomattox site.
2. Local tourism officials, again, tout a stellar 2024 tourism season. At the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, visitorship remained strong on pace to finish the year at more than 90,000 guests. A total of 72 school groups visited the park, bringing more than 3,000 students to see firsthand this important piece of our nation’s history. The park has well over an $8 million economic impact to local gateway communities through visitation, employment, and value-added services. The American Civil War Museum continued to see strong visitation in 2024, continuing to rebound from reduced visitation during the pandemic years. This robust tourism effort bears out through local Meals Tax and Lodging Tax revenues collected by the Town of Appomattox. As in 2023, the Town is poised to see the local Meals Tax revenue exceed $1.5 million in 2024 and the Lodging Tax revenue was on pace to eclipse $100,000 by year’s end. The Town saw several new restaurants open over the course of the last year, with several more in the planning stages.
3. The Town of Pamplin City saw amazing growth in 2024! In April, the High Bridge Trail State Park opened a new trailhead, along with a 1.1 mile extension into Pamplin, while Main Street has experienced a renaissance, with multiple new businesses, including a restaurant, coffee shop, and ice cream shop; all either open or “coming soon.”
The completion of the “last mile” and parking facility is the realization of a project that has been in the works for 15 years. Town officials report a renewed interest by investors looking for commercial and residential development opportunities in the town.
Amhurst County
Looking Ahead
It is anticipated that a new company or two will be added to the Amelon Commerce Center in 2025—either the new industrial building or Lot 4, a build ready site graded for a 200,000 SF industrial building. Developers continue to submit building plans for projects in the Madison Heights area. The Madison Heights Town Center will continue building and bringing new residents into Amherst County and new retail businesses.
2024 Successes
1. After years of hard work and investment the Economic Development Authority of Amherst County (AEDA) has completed construction on a 45,000 SF industrial building to accelerate job growth and create additional economic opportunities. The building is designed for modern manufacturing with 36’ ceiling heights, clear open workspaces, loading docks, and drive-in doors. The building site is graded and permitted for potential future expansion of 20,000 square feet as businesses continue to grow. One business could occupy the entire space or there could be several tenants, each with their own independent unit. The new building is ready for occupancy and the AEDA is actively marketing to existing and new businesses. The AEDA is looking forward to bringing high-paying jobs and new capital investment to the community.
2. In order to attract businesses and good paying jobs you must have sites and buildings ready. The AEDA was awarded a $112,257 Virginia Business Readiness Sites Program grant for a 110 acre site in a prime location across from downtown Lynchburg and next door to the former Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC). The Rt. 210 site is located next to the US 29 bypass interchange with quick access to the region and state and across from downtown Lynchburg.
3. There has been tremendous growth along the US 29 business corridor. The Madison Heights Town Center project is underway with two new apartment buildings completed with plans for an additional 800 housing units (townhomes, single-family, apartments/condos) 70,500 SF of commercial space, and a 13-acre park. The project is on 180 acres in the heart of Madison Heights and will be the largest planned community in Amherst County history. The community wants more restaurants and retail options and the new housing will help bring those businesses.
4. Amherst County is the home of the Monacan Indian Nation, a federally recognized sovereign tribe of 2,600 citizens. Their new 13,000 SF Health Center opened in the fall 2024 to meet the health needs of their citizens.
5. The Johnson Health Center opened its new 22,000 SF facility in September 2024 that expanded their health care services and streamlined multiple services under one roof with the goal of providing affordable and comprehensive healthcare for all.
City Of Lynchburg
Looking Ahead
Strengthen Business Retention and Expansion Efforts
Through targeted business visitations and site visits, the City of Lynchburg aims to deepen relationships with local businesses, supporting retention and expansion across the city.
Invest in Site Readiness and Infrastructure
The City of Lynchburg plans to reduce barriers for business growth by investing in utilities and infrastructure at publicly owned sites, making them more accessible and attractive to new and expanding businesses.
Continue Workforce Partnerships
Building on the Regional Workforce Roadmap, the City of Lynchburg will enhance initiatives like the nuclear workforce strategy and the Educator Workforce Academy, which are essential for sustaining Lynchburg’s skilled talent pipeline.
These efforts are just a part of the commitment to ensuring the City of Lynchburg remains a premier location for business success and community vitality.
2024 Successes
Framatome Expansion
In 2024, Framatome, a worldwide leader in the nuclear industry headquartered in the City of Lynchburg, announced a historic expansion. With a capital investment of $49 million and creating 515 new high-paying jobs, this expansion reinforces Lynchburg’s reputation as a hub for the nuclear industry and advanced manufacturing.
MUMS Grant for Downtown Redevelopment
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a $500,000 Mixed Use on Main Street (MUMS) grant to the Economic Development Authority. This grant was to assist in the redevelopment of the former A&P grocery located at 400 12th Street, turning it into a mixed-use space with 28 apartment units and commercial space on the first floor, bringing new life to downtown Lynchburg.
Jobs Portal Growth
The LYH Jobs Portal saw a 366% increase in traffic, successfully connecting job seekers with local employment opportunities and supporting business recruitment efforts.
PDGA Pro Worlds and Future Disc Golf Tour Championship
Hosting the PDGA Pro Worlds elevated Lynchburg’s profile in recreational sports, and they are now set to host the Disc Golf Pro Tour Championship in 2025, drawing additional tourism and economic activity to the City and region.
Record Visitor Spending
Lynchburg hit a new high with $400.8 million in visitor spending, highlighting the city’s growing appeal and success in tourism promotion.
Bedford County
Looking Ahead
Bedford County is poised to revise the New London disc golf course as well as add two additional pad-ready sites plus two more cleared and grubbed lots in New London.
2024 Successes
Further development of Phase 2 in the New London Business and Technology Center
The Bedford County Economic Development Authority announced the award of $1,500,000 from Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) as well as a $750,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. The funds will be used to further site development in the New London Business and Technology Center.
The plans involve clearing two sites and continuing the Meade Road gravel extension, along with implementing stormwater, sewer and underground utilities as funding permits. This project will further develop the Phase 2 section of the New London Tech Center and advance the site from a Tier 3 to a Tier 4 level.
Solarix Invests in Bedford County
Solarix will invest $63 million to establish a solar module manufacturing facility in Forest. This Bedford County facility aims to support the Commonwealth’s renewable energy supply needs and mitigate reliance on foreign manufacturers, particularly from China. Solarix recently acquired the former TEVA Pharmaceutical building and will employ 104 people with manufacturing set to begin by July 2025. This 423,553-square-foot facility on 56.2 acres of land will be home to advanced solar panel production, reinforcing Solarix’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and reliable PV modules to support utility-scale, commercial, and residential solar projects.
Bedford County Economic Development Authority Announced Funding for Local Childcare Facilities
In July 2024, the Bedford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) launched a Childcare Facilities Grant in Bedford County. As part of the EDA’s FY25 budget, a total of $30,000 had been set aside for licensed childcare providers or those that would become licensed as part of the grants funding. Three childcare centers in Bedford County submitted applications to the EDA for funding: The Children’s Lounge SML, Blue Ridge Montessori School, and The School Zone. These centers have identified critical needs that, if met, will help them better serve families in Bedford County and increase enrollment.
Premier Disc Golf Event Took Place in Bedford County
In August, Bedford County and Lynchburg made history by hosting the prestigious PDGA Professional World Disc Golf Championships at New London Tech Disc Golf Course, located in the New London Business & Technology Center, and at Ivy Hill Golf Course in Forest. This marks the first time the event, one of the sport’s most anticipated tournaments, has been held in Virginia—and the region certainly made its mark. Over the course of five action-packed days, 297 elite players from around the globe gathered to compete. Alongside the athletes, thousands of spectators came to the area, bringing the vibrant atmosphere of a world-class competition to this scenic corner of Virginia.
20 Years of Welcoming Visitors to Bedford County
In 2004, the Bedford Area Welcome Center opened its doors, marking the realization of a vision that began in 2001 alongside the opening of the National D-Day Memorial. At the time, Bedford County had no central location to guide visitors and showcase the area’s attractions. With the leadership of Bedford County’s first Tourism Director, Nanci Drake, the Welcome Center was established as a hub to welcome travelers and highlight the region’s rich history and scenic beauty. Now, 20 years later, the Welcome Center remains a cornerstone of local tourism, welcoming approximately 30,000 visitors annually. Since its opening, over 872,000 people have passed through its doors. The facility’s design, inspired by the Blue Ridge Parkway and local farmhouses, has remained a fitting representation of the area’s charm and heritage. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Welcome Center underwent several aesthetic updates, including new seasonal photo displays, a visitor courtesy desk, and a Blue Ridge Parkway-inspired sitting nook. New signage, the addition of the Pitch N’ Putt Disc Golf Course, and the rollout of Destination Bedford branding in recent years have further enhanced the center’s appeal.
Campbell County
Looking Ahead
Campbell County plans to launch a professional placemaking and branding exercise which will establish a cohesive visual identity and messaging that authentically reflects the unique qualities of Campbell County and creates a recognizable brand for use in marketing efforts to commercial and industrial investors as well as in tourism promotion.
In 2025, Economic Development will review existing incentive policies to ensure they continue to support strategic growth, effective at keeping Campbell County competitive in site selection, and appropriately reflect the expected tax revenues from business investments. They will research the feasibility of potential new incentives to address child care, housing development, and other priorities as described in the new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Campbell County will continue to develop Seneca Commerce Park. In addition to seeking tenants for the County’s 100,000 square foot industrial building and the Industrial Development Authority’s 45,000 square foot industrial building, the department will seek to extend water and sewer deeper into the park and are exploring a potential expansion of the industrial park that would triple the acreage of the park’s original footprint, resulting in enough acres to qualify for larger site development grant programs.
In conjunction with the site preparation for the County’s industrial building, the department will proceed with clearing and grading of a 3.5 acre parcel with the intention to have it then characterized as a Tier 5 pad-ready site, which is the highest tier in the Virginia Business-Ready Sites Program.
In collaboration with the City of Lynchburg’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism and the Lynchburg Regional Airport, Campbell County will also continue to pursue the potential for another business park with 82 developable acres on county and city-owned property bordering the airport.
2024 Successes
Consultant-Led CEDS Development Process
Campbell County Economic Development hired consulting firm Phoenix Advantage to lead the development of a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The year-long process included extensive stakeholder input through interviews, roundtable discussions, committee meetings, and a community survey. The final report includes a detailed SWOT analysis followed by a sweeping set of goals and objectives to guide economic development efforts for the remainder of the decade. The last consultant-led exercise was in 2007.
$45 Million in Business Investments Across the County
Campbell County Economic Development facilitated commercial and industrial incentives that represented nearly $45 Million in investments across the county including Graham Packaging and Moore’s Electrical and Mechanical in Altavista, J & T Welding and Machinery in Brookneal, Home2 Suites hotel in the Wards Road area, Shockley Holdings in the Timberlake area, and BWX Technologies along the Rt 460 corridor.
Small Business Support
Campbell County has developed a series of incentives focused on local small businesses. The $5000 Start Small Campbell Grants for startups and first Campbell County locations, CLIMB small business loans through the Industrial Development Authority for new or existing businesses and Restaurants that Rent which reimburses new restaurateurs for 12 months of rent in their first three years up to $15,000 total. Recognizing that agribusiness is a strong sector in the county, farm-based businesses are also eligible for the Start Small Campbell Grant and CLIMB loan programs.
In May, Campbell County Economic Development presented a poster on the Start Small Campbell Grant program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s fifth annual Investing in Rural America Conference. This opportunity helped spread the word about this locally funded entrepreneur program and helped to publicize the business-friendly environment in Campbell County to representatives from across the Federal Reserve’s Fifth District footprint.