FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Linzy Browne, Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism
Phone: 540-658-8681
STAFFORD, VA. August 7, 2026 – Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism has received two 2026 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), contributing to a record-breaking year in which Stafford County earned six national awards—the most the County has received in a single year.
The nationally recognized programs—the Stafford Legacy Business Recognition Program and the Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit—highlight the department’s commitment to supporting local businesses, strengthening the visitor economy, and advancing Stafford County’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Presented annually, the NACo Achievement Awards recognize innovative county government programs that improve services for residents and serve as models for counties across the nation.
“This recognition reflects our department’s commitment to creating programs that deliver meaningful value to Stafford County’s business community,” said Liz Barber, Director of Economic Development & Tourism. “Whether we’re celebrating the success of our local businesses or providing educational opportunities that help them grow, our focus is on building strong relationships, supporting long-term success, and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. We’re honored that these efforts have been recognized on a national stage.”
The Stafford Legacy Business Recognition Program, launched in March 2025, was created to celebrate the businesses that help define Stafford County’s economy while strengthening business retention and expansion efforts. The relationship-driven initiative recognizes businesses of all sizes and industries—including women-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, military spouse-owned, Proud Stafford businesses, and milestone anniversaries—through customized recognition, marketing promotion, and engagement opportunities with the County’s Business Development team.
More than a recognition program, the initiative serves as a proactive business outreach tool, connecting local companies with resources related to workforce development, expansion opportunities, and economic development services. In its first year, the program engaged 318 Stafford County businesses, resulting in increased business retention and expansion meetings, workforce connections, and participation in additional economic development initiatives.
The department also received national recognition for its 2026 Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit, an annual educational event designed to provide businesses and tourism partners with practical marketing strategies and resources to strengthen their organizations. Held on February 4, the summit welcomed 140 attendees for a full day of sessions covering social media, branding, creative content, artificial intelligence, data-driven marketing, and emerging industry trends. The event brought together local business owners, tourism partners, and marketing professionals to share ideas, develop new skills, and strengthen Stafford County’s business community.
“The success of both programs comes from listening to our businesses and responding with initiatives that address their needs,” said Liz Barber, Director of Economic Development & Tourism. “The Legacy Business Recognition Program has allowed us to build stronger relationships with local employers, while the Marketing Summit equips businesses with practical tools to grow and remain competitive. These awards recognize the value of collaboration and our commitment to helping Stafford businesses succeed.”
The two national honors underscore Stafford County’s strategic focus on business retention, workforce development, tourism promotion, and entrepreneurial growth. Together, the award-winning initiatives demonstrate how meaningful engagement and innovative programming can strengthen the local economy while creating lasting value for businesses and residents alike.
The Department of Economic Development & Tourism’s awards contributed to Stafford County earning six NACo Achievement Awards in 2026—the highest number of national recognitions the County has received in a single year.
Stafford County’s recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to delivering innovative programs and exceptional service to businesses and residents alike. For a complete listing of the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award recipients, visit https://www.naco.org/news/announcing-2026-naco-achievement-award-winners.
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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.