Letter to the Editor
Now that this years’ election has concluded and budget season is here, it is time for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors to make good on their campaign promises.
At the December 1 Board meeting, Chairman Stewart took the first steps to follow through on his promises to improve the County’s business climate and expand the commercial tax base by announcing the introduction of an aggressive economic development agenda in the coming weeks. What exactly can we hope to expect from the Chairman’s economic development plan?
The Prince William Chamber of Commerce has a few recommendations: First, the county should continue to invest in local transportation infrastructure. Prince William County has invested $1.4 billion in local roads over the past seven years. This is the most significant local investment in the Commonwealth, and justifiably so considering Northern Virginia’s unfortunate reputation for having some of the worst traffic congestion in the United States.
To attract businesses that would normally locate inside the beltway, Prince William County needs to be able to ensure businesses that they will be able to move their goods, services, and workforce efficiently from local roadways to the larger highway system that connects our region to areas like Washington, D.C. and Dulles International Airport.
Secondly, the County must further incentivize small business and continue to reinvent itself as a center for innovation. Aside from traffic congestion, interjurisdictional competition is a tremendous challenge for the county.
Neighboring localities are all competing for the same pool of businesses and offering a variety of “carrots” to encourage entry into their market. Last year, the Board of County Supervisors put forth a plan to gradually increase the number of businesses exempted from paying the Business, Professional, and Occupational Licensing (BPOL) tax over the next five years. Once the plan is fully implemented, nearly 75% of all businesses in the county will be exempt from the tax levied on their gross receipts. That is an impressive statistic for any locality to champion but it should be noted that the types of businesses that are still not exempt from the tax number in the thousands.
By definition, the overwhelming majority of businesses still impacted by this tax are small businesses. The county has the opportunity to brand itself as the small business community as well as a hub for innovation by continuing down the path it started on last year and fully exempting all small businesses.
Finally, the County needs to continue to invest in its own economic development department; especially when it comes to advertising and supporting the type of analytical research necessary to identify new and innovative economic development opportunities. Our region is strategically located between I-66 and I-95 offering easy access to Washington, D.C. and two major airports. It is anchored by George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus and two Northern Virginia Community College campuses which are part of the largest community college system in the country. Our public school system is among the largest in the nation and one of the best in the state.
And finally, the County’s quality of life is outstanding when looking at the cost of living in Northern Virginia. As a community we have gone through something of an identity crisis the past few years as a formerly rural area that has experienced rapid growth. The Prince William region has its own winning brand and does not need to be Fairfax or Fauquier County to be successful.
The business community, represented by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, is looking forward to working alongside the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. Our community is poised for incredible economic growth over the next few years if we pursue these types of initiatives.
Brendon Shaw is the Director of Government Relations for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
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A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
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Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
