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Henrico NOW
Celebrating the Volunteers Who Put Business First
2024-04-26
The Henrico Economic Development Authority (EDA) knows existing businesses are the anchors of our local economy. We rely on their goods and services. They consistently employ our residents, providing job security that can mean a path to stability and prosperity. Further, they foster the entrepreneurial spirit, nurturing a business ecosystem that is 25,000 companies strong.
To continue to maintain solid relationships with those businesses who have contributed so much to our community, we designed the Business First program in the mid-1980s. Through it, a dedicated team of volunteers meets with companies on the Henrico EDA’s behalf to conduct face-to-face or virtual visits. There, leaders at the company – from business owners to managers to directors – are encouraged to discuss their place of work, their views on our locality’s services, and even possible pain points.
Today, the program is award winning. It is managed by Linda McArdle, Henrico EDA Existing Business Assistant, with oversight from Ebonie Atkins, Henrico EDA Managing Director for Existing Business. It is also driven by a dedicated group of 10 who are committed to solving local business challenges, wherever and however they can.
It Takes One To Know One
As a former owner of a retail store in her native Ireland, McArdle knows how difficult it is to set aside time to figure out what tools, programs, and incentives are available to help - especially when your focus is on the day-to-day operations that keep your business afloat. It’s why leading Business First brings McArdle such profound joy and why she is the first to laud the efforts of every volunteer involved.
A Spectacular Force
“It’s an amazing group – several of them have been on the committee for more than five years,” said McArdle. “They’re professionals themselves in a wide range of industries – from real estate agents, to marketers, to bankers – and they selflessly take time out of their busy days to send letters, make phone calls, and build connections with four to five Henrico businesses per month.
“As a part of the process, they schedule 20-minute chats with businesses so that we can gain insight on immediate and future needs. We’ve often found during these discussions that once people start talking, they are so impressed with the program and how we can help, they want to talk for an hour more. And our volunteers are eager to listen.”
Knowledge Is Key
To ensure that Business First volunteers are prepared for their one-on-one visits, participants attend meetings themselves. They convene every fourth Wednesday from September through May to receive their list of companies to contact, get introductory letters to send, and pick up “leave packs” to give to businesses. These packets are chock full of information about workforce development, career and technical education (CTE) at Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS), and assistance available through the Henrico Investment Program and within Enterprise Zones.
In addition, during these meetings volunteers stay up to date with the finer details of locality services and programs thanks to a steady stream of informative guest speakers. Recent conversations have been led by Annette Ross, Henrico Senior Management Specialist and Supplier Relations Manager; Mac Beaton, Director of Department of Workforce & Career Development at Henrico County Public Schools; and David Sacks, Henrico Community Development Manager.
Making a Difference
McArdle estimates that Business First volunteers connect with 150-200 companies per program cycle. If businesses voice any needs that require further assistance, follow-up meetings are scheduled with Atkins. This year alone, the Henrico EDA has helped businesses with everything from a relocation, a new facility, and parking issues to property maintenance – the upkeep of a grass verge for increased safety and beautification.
When asked what she wants people to know about the Business First program, McArdle is quick to provide two answers:
“First, our door is always open. It is both the Henrico EDA’s duty and pleasure to go the extra mile to help our existing businesses through this program. Second, we’re always looking for new volunteers who are reflective of the dynamic and diverse community that we serve. From the East End to the West End, our work is to create a foundation where every single resident feels empowered so that we can help grow a vibrant economy for all.”
Interested in becoming a Business First volunteer, or are you a business leader who would like to request a visit? Reach out to Linda McArdle via email (linda@henrico.com) or phone (804-501-7526).
To continue to maintain solid relationships with those businesses who have contributed so much to our community, we designed the Business First program in the mid-1980s. Through it, a dedicated team of volunteers meets with companies on the Henrico EDA’s behalf to conduct face-to-face or virtual visits. There, leaders at the company – from business owners to managers to directors – are encouraged to discuss their place of work, their views on our locality’s services, and even possible pain points.
Today, the program is award winning. It is managed by Linda McArdle, Henrico EDA Existing Business Assistant, with oversight from Ebonie Atkins, Henrico EDA Managing Director for Existing Business. It is also driven by a dedicated group of 10 who are committed to solving local business challenges, wherever and however they can.
It Takes One To Know One
As a former owner of a retail store in her native Ireland, McArdle knows how difficult it is to set aside time to figure out what tools, programs, and incentives are available to help - especially when your focus is on the day-to-day operations that keep your business afloat. It’s why leading Business First brings McArdle such profound joy and why she is the first to laud the efforts of every volunteer involved.
A Spectacular Force
“It’s an amazing group – several of them have been on the committee for more than five years,” said McArdle. “They’re professionals themselves in a wide range of industries – from real estate agents, to marketers, to bankers – and they selflessly take time out of their busy days to send letters, make phone calls, and build connections with four to five Henrico businesses per month.
“As a part of the process, they schedule 20-minute chats with businesses so that we can gain insight on immediate and future needs. We’ve often found during these discussions that once people start talking, they are so impressed with the program and how we can help, they want to talk for an hour more. And our volunteers are eager to listen.”
Knowledge Is Key
To ensure that Business First volunteers are prepared for their one-on-one visits, participants attend meetings themselves. They convene every fourth Wednesday from September through May to receive their list of companies to contact, get introductory letters to send, and pick up “leave packs” to give to businesses. These packets are chock full of information about workforce development, career and technical education (CTE) at Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS), and assistance available through the Henrico Investment Program and within Enterprise Zones.
In addition, during these meetings volunteers stay up to date with the finer details of locality services and programs thanks to a steady stream of informative guest speakers. Recent conversations have been led by Annette Ross, Henrico Senior Management Specialist and Supplier Relations Manager; Mac Beaton, Director of Department of Workforce & Career Development at Henrico County Public Schools; and David Sacks, Henrico Community Development Manager.
Making a Difference
McArdle estimates that Business First volunteers connect with 150-200 companies per program cycle. If businesses voice any needs that require further assistance, follow-up meetings are scheduled with Atkins. This year alone, the Henrico EDA has helped businesses with everything from a relocation, a new facility, and parking issues to property maintenance – the upkeep of a grass verge for increased safety and beautification.
When asked what she wants people to know about the Business First program, McArdle is quick to provide two answers:
“First, our door is always open. It is both the Henrico EDA’s duty and pleasure to go the extra mile to help our existing businesses through this program. Second, we’re always looking for new volunteers who are reflective of the dynamic and diverse community that we serve. From the East End to the West End, our work is to create a foundation where every single resident feels empowered so that we can help grow a vibrant economy for all.”
Interested in becoming a Business First volunteer, or are you a business leader who would like to request a visit? Reach out to Linda McArdle via email (linda@henrico.com) or phone (804-501-7526).
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