Fairfax County is not just a hub for innovation; it’s a powerhouse supported by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). Chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and governed by a board of county business leaders, FCEDA is dedicated to transforming Fairfax County into one of the world’s premier business locations. Funded by the county government, the authority plays a pivotal role in supporting business growth and expanding the commercial tax base, which in turn funds high-quality public services for the county’s growing and diverse population of nearly 1.2 million.
Inventing the Workforce of the Future
Innovation isn’t just a buzzword for FCEDA; it’s a practical investment in the region’s future. Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of FCEDA, emphasizes the importance of building the talent pipeline to support innovation and business growth: “With the rapidly evolving technologies from AI to quantum computing, there will be ripple effects across industries and the jobs that we are preparing our workforce for today may look very different in the not-so-distant future.”
Victor stresses the critical role of integrating talent development with economic development. In his own words: “In Fairfax County, the school systems from K-12 to higher education institutions along with businesses and government agencies are coming together to respond to the talent needs of the future. Together, we have begun the work to invent the workforce of tomorrow.” This proactive approach to nurturing talent is evident in his strategic efforts to align educational opportunities such as internships directly with the job market’s demands, ensuring a seamless transition from education to employment.
With nearly 50,000 job openings in Fairfax County alone, FCEDA is bridging the gap between talent and industry through collaboration with the K-12 school system and more than 100 universities, of which 40 are HBCUs, and organizations supporting transitioning military, veterans, and military spouses. This strategy not only supports the workforce but also fosters a resilient economic ecosystem conducive to long-term growth. Through its talent programs and an online digital talent hub, FCEDA has supported the workforce needs of more than 17,000 businesses across the region, illustrating a steadfast commitment to building a sustainable talent pipeline.
Expanding Opportunities to Maximize Growth
FCEDA’s operational framework is designed to support businesses across various stages and sectors. With three dedicated business investment divisions – National, International, and Business Diversity and Entrepreneurship – FCEDA tailors its free and confidential services to meet diverse business needs, supporting companies from Fortune 500s to rising startups. FCEDA team members meet businesses where they are on their growth journey and offer site selection and facility services, provide valuable market and industry intelligence, support talent attraction efforts, and brainstorm top-tier media and public relations opportunities to enhance visibility and brand recognition. This comprehensive support framework ensures businesses have every competitive advantage when they land and grow in Fairfax County.
Building Momentum for a Purpose-Driven Future
Under Victor’s leadership, the formation of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance (NOVA EDA) marks a significant milestone. This alliance promotes collaboration across nine Northern Virginia jurisdictions, enhancing the growth of the regional economy with heightened competitiveness. If Northern Virginia were a country, its economy valued at more than $275 billion would be the 48th largest in the world. Victor notes, “We market together, share information, and attend industry conferences as a unified entity, ”which magnifies Northern Virginia’s appeal to innovative companies and skilled professionals.
Looking to the future, FCEDA remains committed to innovation in sectors like AI and aerospace technology. “We create an environment where the talent to support these transformative industries can grow, ”Hoskins explains. This vision is supported by the FCEDA’s multifaceted talent programming launched in 2020, aimed at attracting, retaining, retraining, and growing the workforce essential for business success in Fairfax County.
FCEDA is more than an economic development authority; it is a cornerstone of regional prosperity and innovation. By fostering a business environment that supports growth from multiple perspectives- through strategic business services, robust talent programming, and partnerships that bridge workforce and industry – FCEDA ensures that Fairfax County is not merely a place for business success but also a platform for global impact.
“We are in the business of making companies successful because when they succeed, the community thrives.”
Victor concludes, capturing the essence of FCEDA’s mission to enhance both the economy and the quality of life in Fairfax County. FCEDA is setting a benchmark for economic development worldwide through this purpose-driven approach.
