Ninth District Development Financing, Inc.
Financing for tourism-related business ventures
in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District
Program Administered by People Incorporated of Virginia
History of the Fund
In 1995, U.S. Congressman Frederick C. (Rick) Boucher served as the catalyst among residents of the Ninth U.S. Congressional District of Virginia to create Ninth District Development Financing, Inc. Rick’s passion for the Ninth District and his keen appreciation of the cultural assets and natural beauty of Southwest Virginia and the creativity of its citizens coalesced in the development of this tourism loan fund, providing economic development opportunities for tourism-related businesses in the Ninth District.
In the years since its inception, Ninth District Development Financing, Inc., has remained true to its goal to enhance the development of travel destinations that are authentic and that add variety to tourist experiences in the Ninth Congressional District of Southwest Virginia. By providing working capital and fixed asset financing for projects that develop and enhance tourism, create jobs, and expand economic development, the fund successfully supports efforts to preserve and enhance the cultural, historical, and natural assets that local citizens enjoy and would like to promote for the enjoyment of visitors to the region.
Providing funding for a diverse set of thriving tourist-related businesses including arts, cultural, historical, outdoor adventure, and entertainment venues, Ninth District Development Financing, Inc., meets its objectives to create and retain jobs, promote the region’s historical significance and cultural preservation, and attract tourists while supporting and expanding the tourism economy of the Ninth District.
Ensuring the creation of new job opportunities in the Ninth Congressional District is the highest priority of the Ninth District Development Fund.
Fund Participants
NDDF was originally funded by two grants from the federal government: a $1 million HUD Community Block Grant through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and an additional $500,000 from USDA Rural Development.
SUCCESS STORIES
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Ninth District Development Financing, Inc.’s Board of Director’s purpose is to seek, receive, review, and approve or reject applications for low-interest loans for tourism-related projects in the Ninth Congressional District. When these loan funds are repaid, the funds are then reloaned.
The Board consists of 27 members who serve as volunteers, each appointed by the respective county Board of Supervisors or City Council. The Board hires an Executive Director by contract. People Incorporated President and CEO, Bryan Phipps, is acting as the Board’s Executive Director and Loan Administrator.
Board Members
- Allegheny County Jonathan A. Lanford | County Administrator, Allegheny County
- Bland County Eric R. Workman, Sr. – Vice Chair
- Buchanan County < Vacant >
- Carroll County Whitney Greiner
- Carroll County Rex Hill (Alternate)
- City of Bristol Taylor Griffin
- City of Covington Stephanie Clark
- Craig County Dan Collins
- Dickenson County Rita Surratt – Treasurer | Dickenson County Tourism Director & Chamber of Commerce
- Dickenson County Carl Mullins (Alternate)
- Floyd County Leon Moore – Chair
- City of Galax Keith Barker
- Giles County Cora Gnegy | Tourism Marketing Director
- Grayson County William Crawford
- Henry County Barry Jarrett
- Lee County < Vacant >
- Montgomery County < Vacant >
- City of Norton Carol Caruso
- Patrick County Sandra Belcher
- Pulaski County Peggy White
- City of Radford < Vacant >
- Roanoke County Wendi Schultz – Secretary | Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism
- Russell County < Vacant >
- Scott County Pam Cox | Tourism Director
- Smyth County Shawn Utt
- Tazewell County < Vacant >
- Washington County Whitney Czelusniack | Director of Economic Development
- Wise County Clarence S. “Rusty” Peters, Jr.
- Wythe County Jennifer Atwell | Chamber of Commerce
Meetings
Next Meeting: To Be Announced
For additional information, contact: People Incorporated, Community Economic Development (276) 619-2297 or email businessdev@peopleinc.net.
This service is offered through People Inc. in the following areas:
For more information, please fill out the form below or give us a call at 276-619-2297!
We’re committed to providing support and opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals and families throughout our service area – changing lives for the better and improving communities.