Friday, September 14, 2012

County 84: Randolph


It was a wow moment as Mayor Croyle and I took a walking tour of Winchester’s downtown square. I was recently in the city to receive a community and economic update on the progress being made. In 2011, the City of Winchester received a $500,000 community focus fund (CFF) grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, an agency which I oversee.

Lt. Governor Skillman tours downtown Winchester
after several building facades were updated
The project included facade reconstruction of nine downtown buildings, new sidewalks and streetscapes. These upgrades have caused an influx in the number of businesses in the downtown square. The Towne Square Deli is one of the new businesses to fill in a vacant storefront. This trendy little eatery was full of local residents enjoying lunch. The deli is even connected to a three screen movie theatre, which I’m told is packed on Friday and Saturday nights. We even stopped in on a local jewelry store, where the owners were remodeling their business. This growth in business has given a boost to the local economy. It has also restored a sense of pride among local officials and residents.

The initiative by local leaders to upgrade their downtown district is paying huge dividends for their rural community. It’s important to help small businesses start, maintain and grow. It’s also important for local residents to support these family owned businesses. I applaud Mayor Croyle and local leaders for making the case for these CFF grant dollars. I look forward to seeing more business development in Winchester.  

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