Alan Hawthorne, PhD
Executive Director
Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County

Having come to economic development from a science and engineering background, I found my VEDA membership crucial to my introduction to the statewide community of economic development professionals and to the provision of both formal and informal educational opportunities. In fact, a VEDA scholarship to EDI was instrumental in getting my ED career off to a good start (and undoubtedly contributed to my being awarded IEDC's Outstanding New Developer of the Year award in 2004). In its growing role as the leading public voice for economic development in the Commonwealth, VEDA continues to offer outstanding value and values to both new and veteran economic development professionals.