Our organization addresses the economic development of Martinsville-Henry County.  We do so through a holistic approach adopted to be more creative in expanding our job and tax base.  The holistic approach means that while we pursue traditional economic development by bringing in new industry, we also work to expand our job and tax base through more creative means such as, having staff dedicated to expanding our tourism and film market, a staff devoted to assisting our entrepreneurial small and minority businesses and staff that helps maintain and grow current industry.

Who We Are:
 
The mission of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area. The organization strives to support and further develop local industry, as well as market Martinsville-Henry County globally as an exceptional place to live, work and play.

The EDC is a public-private partnership between the City of Martinsville, Henry County, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber’s Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) and The Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont.  Our staff includes Mark Heath, President and CEO, Leigh Cockram, Director of Marketing and Recruiting, Spencer Johnson, Director of Research, Lisa Fultz, Director of Small and Minority Business, David Rotenizer, Director of Tourism, Nancy Preston, Executive Assistant/Office Manager, Felicia Rupert, Administrative Assistant/Film Associate, Valerie Spencer, Administrative Assistant and Pat McCain, Visitor Center Associate.

What We Do:

We work to expand our employment opportunities and tax base through a variety of ways.  Our Office of Small and Minority Business Development is open to assist anyone interested in starting a business and hosts a variety of forums throughout the year to help those in need.  Our Tourism Office has worked to put our community on the map in the state of Virginia and has successfully opened the Visitor Center in UpTown Martinsville.  Our traditional economic development team continues to build and maintain strong relationships with the state’s economic development team, as well as, independent consultants.  All of these efforts combined, are what have made (since the EDC’s inception in July 2004, there has been announcements totaling in 1,864 new jobs and a total investment of $182.79 million) and will continue to make our area grow. 

Our Hopes for the Future:

The goal of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area.  In short, the EDC is committed to making our community a stronger more prosperous region.