MESSAGE FROM Interim Director Of Economic Development, Yuri Adams

As I look back on 2021, I feel honored to have been part of the City of Williamsburg’s team as we focused on embracing change, growing partnerships, and driving business. Internally, we transitioned to a new staff structure mid-year as our longtime Director of Economic Development Michele DeWitt became the assistant city manager. We are grateful for her dedication to building this department, developing our team, and assisting countless businesses. Her passion for Williamsburg and her economic development expertise continues to benefit the community in her new role.

We also found ourselves growing or building critical partnerships. As businesses were reeling from the effects of COVID-19 in one way or another, we found opportunities to partner with our neighboring localities to administer grant relief; to forge new collaborations with groups like the NAACP; and to realize new City investments from entrepreneurial efforts like Start Peninsula and LaunchPad.

All the while, we maintained our focus on driving business. With the support of appointed and elected City leaders, our team has been guiding, connecting, leading, and assisting new and existing businesses throughout the City. We serve our role as the community’s one-stop business concierge with pride, and we appreciate the opportunity to share this snapshot of collaborative results with you.

Yuri Adams INTERIM DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT yadams@williamsburgva.gov

Joanna Skrabala TOURISM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST jskrabala@williamsburgva.gov

“By celebrating minority business owners, we are also exposing leadership from across the region to the diversity of our business communities.”