It's time once again for the annual Stafford County Business Appreciation Reception.
The event is organized by the county's economic development department, which we told you are under new management with the appointment of Liz Barber as the new department head.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Voodoo Brothers will replace the once-popular Okra’s Cajun Creole restaurant in Downtown Manassas.
The new owners, Luke Tamer and Antonio Escamilla plan to bring “Bourbon Street” to Center Street, adding crawfish boils and an outdoor bar, the told the city government, included the restaurant announcement in its newsletter.
Tamer and Escamilla initially worked together at the popular Okra’s, a nod to the “Voodoo Brothers” name. Okra’s closed in 2021 after 23 years in business.
Tamer told the city government that the restaurant aims to “bring back a taste of New Orleans, fond memories of Okra’s, and something that is also uniquely ours at the same time.” The duo hired a chef with roots in New Orleans and southern cuisine.
No word yet on when the new eatery will open.
The photo above is one of Okra’s from 2017. If you’re in the area, text us a photo of any work you see on the new restaurant to 571-989-1695, and we’ll be sure to share.
Stafford County has a new director of economic development. Liz Barber was named the ED for the county, the second in less than a year.
It’s a promotion for Barber, who was already serving as the interim director and had been working as a business manager before that since 2023.
Barber replaces Kyle Alwine, who served in the role last fall. John Holden led the department from 2018 until Spring 2023. Holden often expressed excitement about the potential for “downtown” Stafford, a mixed-use center envisioned on 23 acres of county-owned property next to the county government center.
With the growing Embrey Mill Towne Center nearby, it’s yet to be seen if “downtown” Stafford will ever materialize. However, the Board of Supervisors approved 5,440 apartment homes in five-story buildings in the area in 2021. County staff told supervisors that businesses would only build if nearby homes were within walking distance to support them.
Barber followed County Administrator Randal Vosburg to Stafford from Florida. Vosburg announced he would resign from his position in April 2024 after 20 months on the job.
Barber has work ahead of her. The county’s strategic economic plan has not been updated since 2015.
Here’s the press release announcing Barber’s appointment.
Stafford County Administrator Randal Vosburg announces the selection of Liz Barber as the County’s new Economic Development Director Interim Director and has previously been the Business Development Manager for Stafford’s Department of Economic Development since 2023. Barber came to Stafford from Sebring, Florida, where she worked as Legislative Affairs and Grants Coordinator for the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners. She also served as President and CEO of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce and led the area’s economic development and small business expansion efforts.
“Liz distinguished herself as Interim Economic Development Director and I am delighted she is stepping into the role permanently,” said County Administrator Randal Vosburg. “Not only does she have fresh perspectives and energy, she is also a small business owner and understands the challenges businesses face at every step.”
“Stafford County’s unique location, between DC and Richmond and on the edge of Marine Corps Base Quantico, gives it incredible potential” stated Barber. “My goal is to build off of the department’s momentum by cultivating relationships with business owners of all sizes, encouraging balanced partnerships with developers, and continuing to collaborate with regional, state, and federal associations and agencies that share common goals with our organization.”
Barber serves on the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board, which guides and oversees federally funded employment and training programs for economically disadvantaged individuals. She also serves on the Total Military Community Alliance (TMCA) Board, which works to improve employment avenues for transitioning service members, their spouses, and veterans.
She is a recent graduate of the Virginia Institute for Economic Development at Virginia Tech and holds a Master of Professional Studies degree with a focus on Executive Leadership from Hodges University. She lives in Stafford County with her husband, Daniel, and their rambunctious cockapoo, Buffy. She and Daniel also own a small business in Florida.
The Manassas government will expand the number of acres it owns by purchasing the Manassas Shopping Center.
The Economic Development Authority of the City of Manassas (EDA) will buy a shopping center, a mainstay at 9018 Mathis Avenue, to help spur the long-planned redevelopment and revitalization of the Mathis Avenue corridor.
The purchase comes after the city announced the purchase of the former 20-acre Marsteller Middle School property at 8730 Sudley Road for $10 million, with plans to transform it into the city’s 21st public park.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
City leaders and Van Metre Homes came together today, March 11, 2024, to celebrate the groundbreaking of Ashberry, a new residential community set to redefine the landscape of Manassas.
With 247 units planned for Historic Downtown Manassas, Ashberry will offer residents a unique opportunity to embrace a vibrant, transit-oriented lifestyle in the heart of the city. The homes will be built on top of more than 60 parcels that contain older, single-family homes that will be demolished as part of the project.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
A quintet of Manassas-based companies emerged triumphant at the prestigious Annual Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, held at the Foxchase Manor events center on February 23.
Against a backdrop of fierce competition from local enterprises, four standout champions were crowned in their respective categories. ARTfactory clinched the esteemed Agnes L. Colgan Award for Arts & Education, while ECU Communications LLC secured the title of Government Contracting Company of the Year. Manassas Ballet Theatre gracefully waltzed away with the Community Outreach Award (11+ employees), and MP Copiers, Inc. proudly claimed the Veteran-Owned Company of the Year honor.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Manassas is in talks to acquire the former 20-acre Marsteller Middle School property at 8730 Sudley Road, with plans to transform it into the city’s 21st public park.
The proposed purchase, estimated at $10 million from the Manassas Baptist Church, marks a significant step toward addressing the longstanding shortage of park and recreation facilities within the city, officials said.
The envisioned park will not only provide essential green space but also house a future community center, athletic fields, open land, and even a fire station, officials said. This multifaceted approach aims to meet various community needs, from leisure activities to emergency services, without the necessity of commercial real estate redevelopment. The sale excludes the Manassas Baptist Church’s main building and surrounding six acres.
The negotiations come amidst ongoing discussions between the City Council and the School Board regarding constructing a new Jennie Dean Elementary School. The potential location for this new school, within Jennie Dean Park, will be built on some of the city’s last remaining park space.
At the Marsteller site, immediate plans include utilizing the existing middle school facilities to a limited extent, pending further community input and a space needs analysis. Additionally, the addition of sports fields and recreational amenities will cater to the growing demand for youth sports and recreational activities.
The proposed park’s strategic location aligns with plans to replace Fire Station 1 downtown, enhancing emergency response capabilities and proximity to vital medical facilities like the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center.
While the acquisition is still pending finalization, the city’s approach to real estate management is evident. Over the past decade, the city has invested approximately $20 million in acquiring new properties, including landmarks like the Old Town Inn and the Manassas Shopping Plaza, home of the city’s new police station. These strategic investments have not only expanded public assets but also contributed to the revitalization of the community.
Simultaneously, the city has deliberately sold surplus properties, unlocking their potential for private development and bolstering tax revenue. Recent notable sales include parcels to Amazon Web Services (AWS) for a new data center at the city’s airport for $30 million and to Stanley Martin Homes for $12 million for residential development.
Patrick Small, Director of Economic Development, emphasized the city’s dynamic approach to real estate management, stating in an email, “The city is actively engaged in the acquisition, disposition, and (re)development of real estate for public purposes.” He highlighted the balance between acquiring properties for public use and leveraging redevelopment opportunities to enhance community character and generate revenue.
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the opening of nominations for the 2024 Annual Awards & Gala: A Night at the Monte Carlo, scheduled for April 12 at the Fredericksburg Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. The event aims to recognize local businesses for excellence in categories including Small Business and Large Business of the Year, as well as Entrepreneur of the Year.
“The Gala is a night of tremendous celebration for our area’s business community,” remarked Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Chamber. “As the engine that makes our region run, it is important to spotlight the businesses and community leaders and thank them for all they do.”
