Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a business environment, with the Manassas Business Council (NBC) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reflecting on the city's ongoing growth and vision for future projects. Both organizations presented their annual reports during the city council meeting on January 27, 2025, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and revitalization efforts.
Key Developments and Business Growth
The Manassas Business Council’s efforts to connect with local businesses have paid off with a year of meetings, presentations, and discussions. Key highlights from their year include monthly meetings with industry experts, discussions about economic development in the city, and presentations on projects such as the façade and landscape improvement grants. Notably, the city’s economic development initiatives were discussed, including the work to support small businesses and increase community engagement. Council members were also informed about the successes of local restaurants and the efforts to make Historic Downtown Manassas a business district.
This year’s spotlight was also on the EDA's contributions to Manassas’ economic landscape. The $16 million purchase of the Manassas Shopping Center is one of the most significant developments.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.
The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.
During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county's Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Small business owners and marketing professionals from across Virginia gathered in Stafford County on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, for the inaugural Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.
The one-day, free event focused on digital marketing, branding, and artificial intelligence, providing attendees with insights into how businesses can enhance their outreach and advertising strategies. The summit featured a keynote address by Greg Kihlström, a best-selling author and consultant specializing in marketing technology and digital transformation.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The property, once proposed as the location for a large indoor sports and recreation facility, is now part of a broader development plan. County officials aim to aggregate the land with four adjacent parcels, totaling nearly 50 acres of county- and state-owned land, including existing commuter parking lots. The mission is to transform the area into a community hub that harmonizes living, working, and leisure spaces while generating jobs and tax revenue.
Known colloquially as Prince William Landing, the area was previously considered as a potential site for a new Washington Commanders football stadium alongside another location near Potomac Mills mall. Both sites were discussed as part of efforts to keep the team in Northern Virginia after its lease on FedEx Field expires in 2027. However, those plans did not materialize.
This article requires a paid Locals Only Membership to read. Please Sign In or Upgrade to a paid membership. Thank you.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has committed up to $275 million to support Micron Technology’s expansion of its semiconductor facility in Manassas. The move aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and secure critical supply chains. The funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Incentives Program, which seeks to revitalize American leadership in chip production.
Micron’s plans call for a $2 billion investment over several years to enhance its production capabilities with 1-alpha technology, a sophisticated process for creating DRAM memory chips used in sectors like automotive and industrial manufacturing. At its peak, the project is expected to create over 400 direct jobs and as many as 2,700 related positions.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The survey, which sought to measure resident perceptions and identify growth opportunities, underscores the city’s dual identity: a historic landmark with a vibrant, modern beat. North Star conducted the online survey, which garnered responses from 1,520 residents, including 1,118 from Manassas. Nearly 20% of participants identified as Hispanic, Latin American, or Caribbean, reflecting the city’s diverse population. The survey had a margin of error of ±2.51%.
Participants were asked to evaluate the city across several dimensions, including quality of life, economic development, and cultural identity. Key findings included:
This article requires a paid Locals Only Membership to read. Please Sign In or Upgrade to a paid membership. Thank you.
The Fredericksburg Free Press reports a developer plans to demolish a portion of the Greenbrier Shopping Center and put in mixed-use buildings.
The shopping center was formerly home to Burlington Coat Factory, now in Central Park, and Big Lots, which closed and has not been replaced. Several small businesses, including Taj Indian and Two Times New, still reside there. In March, Taj owner Sandeep Singh said he was not aware of any plans to develop the center that would affect the long-standing restaurant, and as of November 13, he had not been notified of any plans.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Press release:
Dylan Smith and Ester Garrido, who share a passion for fitness, recently opened Training Ed, a private personal training studio in Manassas at 9824 Liberia Avenue. With 10–15 years of experience and multiple certifications, their trainers provide personalized, contract-free sessions in a supportive environment.
The facility is equipped with premium gear and offers both in-person and virtual coaching, focusing on education and tailored programs for lasting results.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The Pence Group is getting closer to breaking ground on its long-awaited 45-acre mixed-use development on Garrisonville Road in North Stafford.
The Reston-based developer is working with Stafford County to finalize the site plan for The Garrison at Stafford, said Pence Group President Geoff Pence. He is hoping that will be approved by the end of the year. The company will then start announcing firmer plans and timelines for the project.
The Pence Group had planned to build apartments by 2023.
Pence promised a mixed-use center with apartments, restaurants, and a 12-screen movie theater to replace the demolished movie house at Aquia Town Center.
