OPINION

Center for 'All Things Retail' sees uptick in revenue as more travelers hit the road

By Logan Barry, Special to The Progress-Index

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — As with most localities across Virginia’s Gateway Region, the City of Colonial Heights has faced several challenges due to the pandemic, but that’s not to say that the center “For All Things Retail” isn’t making a recovery with its revenues.  

Colonial Heights Director of Economic Development Karen Epps says that roughly 65–70 percent of Colonial Heights’ assets are in retail, including restaurants, hotels and shopping.  

“Over 50 percent of the individuals employed in the city are in this sector,” Epps said, explaining that a large portion of revenue for the local government is from the city’s meals tax and hotel/lodging tax. So, the closure of the restaurants and hotels was a major reason for the loss of revenue. 

Karen Epps

However, as the state and region’s economy has begun to re-open, Epps says “we are seeing an uptick in revenues.” 

The municipality’s focus throughout these problematic times has been committed to supporting its small business community. “And this is why the City Council approved a large portion of the CARES Act funding to be used for the small business grant program,” she notes.   

Moreover, Colonial Heights City Council approved a second round of small business grant funds on Aug. 10, which will run until Oct. 1, with the possibility of a third round of grants.  

“City Council also approved an emergency ordinance allowing restaurants to increase outdoor seating in an effort to increase business.” 

Recovery for the city will improve with restaurants and retail re-opening 

Epps explained in a Aug. 26 interview with Virginia’s Gateway Region that people are beginning to travel more often, which will allow for hotel bookings, shopping and eating at the restaurants within the locality, conveniently located just off I-95.  

She said several other regional advantages Colonial Heights has is the benefit of its proximity to: Fort Lee in neighboring Prince George County near the City of Petersburg’s corporate limits, Virginia Motorsports in nearby Dinwiddie County, “and of course the Chili Peppers at Shepherd Stadium.” 

In an overview of the stadium’s history written on tricitiesbaseball2020.com, it states: “Shepherd Stadium had to be our home from the beginning. The history and love of baseball in the community is unmatched, and the City of Colonial Heights is professional and driven to see businesses succeed.” This is a favorite pastime for many in the Tri-Cities area, and the region’s youth were still able to come out and play ball during six weekend tournaments that were held over the summer.  

City’s economic development successes pre-coronavirus are promising for post-pandemic era 

Colonial Heights ended 2019 with exciting economic development progress being made, which included several retail highlights and the expansion of one of its major assets, Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum, “which is a hidden gem for Colonial Heights,” she points out.  

Keystone’s 35,000 square-foot expansion allowed for a 15,000 square-foot event space and the addition of more tractors, trucks and antiques to its unique display. All together, they are worth millions of dollars.  

Before the pandemic hit, the city was continuing to evolve into a key regional retail destination. Located only 25 minutes south of the state capital, the locality presents the only major retail center along I-95 between Richmond and the North Carolina border, and contains a retail trade area population of over 1.1 million consumers.  

The city promotes commercial development and in 2019 welcomed Conn’s HomePlus, H&M, Boot Barn, Mission BBQ (which has been delayed to 2021) and an Extended Stay America hotel. The city also participated in the “50 Years of Love” campaign for National Travel and Tourism Week in partnership with Petersburg Area Tourism and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.  

Several other projects and successes of which Epps emphasizes, are: Southside Regional Emergency Room Center, ALDI Grocery Stores, Burlington, Sedona Taphouse and James River Cardiology. 

From Hanover, to Orange, to Colonial Heights — Epps came with more than a common wealth of experience 

Epps was hired as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Colonial Heights in April 2014. Prior to joining the Colonial Heights team as the city’s director of economic development, she built an impressive curriculum vitae in two other localities in different parts of Virginia. Additionally, she is a Certified Master Consultant in business retention with a bachelor of arts in communication studies and marketing.  

She served as the business assistance coordinator running the “Business First Program” in Hanover County for 15 years.  

Hanover’s Board of Supervisors approved the business assistance coordinator position because they felt that the needs of the existing business community were not being adequately addressed.  Epps had an extensive knowledge of Hanover’s business community from serving on various boards in Hanover and the Richmond region.  

Economic development statistics have shown that 70–80 percent of new revenue and jobs is created by existing business. Therefore, there is a need for a position that focuses on the existing business community, she explained.  

She then served as the director of economic development for Orange County for four-and-a-half years, where she explains she had the privilege of working with a very strong and dedicated Economic Development Authority (EDA).  

“The EDA owned an industrial park and we were able to create the first pad site in the county, and issued several industrial revenue bonds (IRB’s), one for a major printing project which relocated to Orange County from New Jersey. This project also received former Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s first Commonwealth Opportunity Fund. Historic Montpelier was also a recipient of industrial revenue bonds during my time there.” 

Colonial Heights Economic Development Authority (EDA) has become a strong and active board since Epps began her role. In December 2017, the EDA issued its very first industrial revenue bond in the amount of $27 million. “I consider myself very fortunate to work with such a talented and committed group of individuals,” Epps stated.  

Colonial Heights Economic Development is in good hands, being led by a professional who knows how to attract, retain and expand business for the betterment of its citizens, workforce and quality of life.  

This article is the latest in an ongoing series spotlighting the area’s existing businesses, leaders and economic development efforts in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. It was contributed by staff of Virginia’s Gateway Region Economic Development Organization (VGR). To learn more about VGR, visit: www.gatewayregion.com.