FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STAFFORD, VA – The Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism has been recognized as one of 40 statewide winners in the 2026 Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) Achievement Awards Program for its innovative Stafford Legacy Business Recognition Program.
The annual Achievement Awards recognize excellence and innovation in local government programs across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This year, VACo received 103 submissions in the highly competitive statewide program.
The Stafford Legacy Business Recognition Program was created as a strategic, relationship-driven initiative designed to celebrate local businesses while strengthening long-term business retention and engagement efforts throughout Stafford County. The program recognizes businesses of all sizes and industries that contribute to Stafford’s economic vitality, including women-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, and military spouse-owned businesses, as well as milestone anniversaries and Proud Stafford businesses.
“This recognition is a testament to the relationships we continue to build with Stafford’s business community and the importance of creating meaningful engagement opportunities that support long-term success,” said Deuntay Diggs, Chairman of Stafford County Board of Supervisors. “The Legacy Business Recognition Program reflects our commitment to celebrating the businesses that invest in Stafford while ensuring they remain connected to the resources, partnerships, and support systems that help them grow.”
Launched in March 2025, the program combines business recognition with proactive outreach and support. Participating businesses receive a custom Legacy sticker and digital badge, promotion through Stafford County Economic Development marketing channels, and invitations to the annual Economic Development Authority Business Appreciation Reception. Businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries are also formally recognized by members of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors during the annual reception.
Beyond recognition, the program serves as a direct connection point between Stafford businesses and the County’s Economic Development team. Through one-on-one engagement opportunities, businesses can discuss growth goals, expansion opportunities, workforce needs, and available resources with Stafford County’s Business Development team.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this program has been seeing how recognition naturally opens the door to stronger conversations and long-term relationships with our local businesses,” said Liz Barber, Director of Stafford County Economic Development & Tourism. “By creating approachable ways for businesses to connect with our office, we’ve been able to increase engagement, better understand business needs, and connect companies with valuable resources and opportunities.”
In its first year, the program successfully engaged 318 businesses and helped generate increased Business Retention & Expansion meetings, workforce development connections, and participation in additional economic development initiatives and educational programming.
According to VACo, the 2026 Achievement Awards highlighted programs focused on innovation, community development, and solutions to challenges facing local governments across Virginia.
“Virginia’s counties continue to demonstrate that local government is where innovation meets action,” VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch said. “This year’s submissions reflect the creativity, leadership, and commitment county officials bring every day to solving real challenges and improving the quality of life for residents across the Commonwealth.”
This year’s VACo Achievement Award winners were selected by a panel of judges including Charles Hartgrove, ICMA-CM, Managing Director of the Virginia Institute of Government; Dr. Sheryl Bailey, Visiting Professor of Practice at Virginia Tech and former Chesterfield County Deputy County Administrator; and Penny Gross, former longtime Fairfax County Supervisor and current VACo Ambassador.
To learn more about the Stafford Legacy Business Recognition Program, visit:
https://www.gostaffordva.com/stafford-county-legacy-business-program/
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About Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism | Stafford EDA
The Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism is the sales and customer service arm for Stafford County, Virginia, committed to advancing expansion and investment for the community. As the official economic development organization of Stafford County, our mission is to promote, solicit and encourage business growth through marketing and media services that enhance economic activity and quality of life within the Stafford region. Stafford County is located halfway between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. In partnership with the Stafford Economic Development Authority (EDA), the Stafford County Department of Economic Development and the EDA has helped finance and support business growth in Stafford since the EDA’s inception in 1970. In addition to business loan programs, in recent years, the EDA has helped develop a number of vacant and underused properties in Stafford. For more information on Stafford’s Economic Development & Tourism and the Stafford EDA, visit www.GoStaffordVA.com and www.StaffordEDA.com, and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or get connected through the monthly business newsletter.