Annual Report FY 2024: Faces of Loudoun : simplebooklet.com

2 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTIt is with great pride that we present the “Faces of Loudoun”edition of Loudoun Economic Development’s Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024. This year, we focus on some of the remarkable individuals whose dedication, innovation, and resilience have driven the success of our County. Loudoun’s economic vitality is not just reected in numbers but in the faces and stories of those who have contributed to building a diverse and dynamic economy. The stories to follow are a small representation of the amazing people who live, work, and play in Loudoun. You can nd more stories like these at www.LoudounPossible.com.FY24 has been a year of signicant wins for Loudoun County. We’ve secured investments that have bolstered our key industries—technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and more. These investments have not only created jobs but have also enhanced the quality of life for all residents. Our economic landscape continues to thrive, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our business leaders and the tireless efforts of our Economic Development team.Our successes are a testament to the collaborative spirit that denes Loudoun. The partnership between our Economic Development staff, County Administration, and the leadership of the Board of Supervisors has been instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the past year. Together, we’ve crafted strategic initiatives that attract new businesses, support local enterprises, and foster an environment where innovation ourishes.As we look ahead, we remain committed to empowering the people who drive our economy. We will continue to prioritize investments that promote a diverse and inclusive economy, ensuring that Loudoun remains a place where businesses and individuals can thrive.Thank you for being a part of Loudoun’s success story. We are excited to continue this journey with you, celebrating the faces behind our shared achievements.“Loudoun’s economic vitality is not just reflected in numbers but in the faces and stories of those who have contributed to building a diverse and dynamic economy.”Recognized Community LeaderWashingtonian Tech TitanVirginia Business Magazine Power 500Northern Virginia Magazine 50 Most Influential People

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4 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTConsulting Company Champions Community Relationships ARM Consulting, LLC is a nationally recognized healthcare, human resources and information technology consulting company in Leesburg. The company was founded in 2005 by Angela Mitchell, President and CEO. “I have a background in consulting work for pharmaceuticals and biotech companies,” said Mitchell. “After a few years working in the D.C area, it became apparent that the federal government was a large customer, so I pivoted in that direction.” Female Business Owner Gives Back to the Community After creating the award-winning organization, Mrs. Mitchell realized she needed more small business support. She found that support in Loudoun County. A close proximity to Washington D.C. maintains ARM Consulting’s access to high-prole government contracts. She recognized the support her business received from Loudoun County and began to intentionally give back. In addition to serving as Chair of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce board, she serves on the boards of the Loudoun Community Media/Loudoun Now, Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls and the Inova Foundation. Mrs. Mitchell is also the co-founder of Women and Girls Inspiring STEM Excellence (WISE), a Loudoun-based nonprot that supports girls of color in STEM-related elds through mentoring and tutoring opportunities. “These women and girls have support in the STEM eld until they get to college, then they’re placed into a male dominant arena, and the support is reduced,” she said. “WISE lls the gap. Being intentional about ensuring that young women succeed is critical.” For her work strengthening relationships with diverse businesses and organizations, Mrs. Mitchell was recognized as the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties’ “Changemaker of the Year” in 2023.“Many businesses do not have those relationships within their community or with an economic development department,” she said. “ARM Consulting is thriving because of these relationships.” Mrs. Mitchell has created a best-in-class organization that provides unrivaled customer service and the best business solutions.View the complete feature on Angela by clicking here.“WISE fills the gap. Being intentional about ensuring that young women succeed is critical.”

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FY 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 76 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTGlobal Energy Innovator Flourishes in Loudoun County Hanley Energy opened its U.S. headquarters in Loudoun County in 2015, growing from two to over 790 employees in under a decade. “Loudoun Economic Development offered valuable resources and helped us secure the legal and banking partners necessary to establish in the United States. The pro-business environment sold the deal,” said Clive Gilmore, CEO/Co-founder.A Location in Data Center Alley Location Supports GrowthHanley Energy, an Irish corporation, offers core capabilities that include the design, development, supply and installation of critical energy management solutions. “We are located in Data Center Alley where Virginia’s largest concentration of data centers are found. A vast percentage of the world’s data ows through Loudoun County,” said Gilmore. The company’s technology is used to manage energy transition and decarbonizing with the data centers.As the demand for data centers increases, so does the need to manage the energy sources powering them. Hanley Energy invests in renewable energy and participates in load shedding programs that enable data centers to switch to secondary generation on site. “That’s where our products sit. We enable the transition and management of energy within critical facilities so they can function more efciently,” said Gilmore.Hanley Energy’s growing customer base has resulted in their continued expansion in Loudoun County, including an $8 million investment in a new 40,000 sq. ft. facility. “When we came to the U.S., we started in a room smaller than my ofce now,” Gilmore said. “Our latest facility was necessary for our growth and enables us to expand our Loudoun County administrative team to support our work in Ohio and on the West Coast.”“We’ve been growing steadily every year, and are focused on growing sustainably,” Gilmore said. As they serve more customers from their Loudoun County headquarters, Hanley Energy’s software systems are effectively analyzing energy consumption, simplifying data points and enabling consumers to prioritize clean energy sources throughout the world.View the complete feature on Clive by clicking here.“When we came to the U.S., we started in a room smaller than my office now. Our latest facility was necessary for our growth and enables us to expand our Loudoun County administrative team to support our work in Ohio and on the West Coast.”

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8 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTLocal Vineyard Grows With the Loudoun County Wine IndustryWilliams Gap Vineyard is a scenic family-owned vineyard located in Loudoun County. Dr. Jack Sexton, Founder of Williams Gap Vineyard, has been a practicing veterinarian for over 45 years. What started as a grape-growing hobby, has turned into a successful business venture that draws customers from the D.C. metropolitan and as far as the West Coast. The Journey from a Hobby to a Thriving Agricultural BusinessDr. Sexton became interested in the wine industry and enrolled in grape growing courses offered by Virginia Cooperative Extension. In 2006, he planted 2,000 grapevines and began selling grapes in 2008. “We’ve done so well that we’ve now planted 40 acres of grapevines,” he said.The growth of Williams Gap Vineyard has coincided with the region establishing itself as a premiere destination for wine lovers. There are now 50 wineries in Loudoun County alone. “The people visiting our winery have good taste and an appreciation for ne wine,” said Dr. Sexton. “Because of that, there has been an increased demand for vineyards that produce high-quality grapes - something we do well.” Dr. Sexton decided to ferment his own wine in 2019. “The wine was a success, so we decided to open a tasting room in 2021. Last year, we completed our production facility and are now making wine on-site,” he said. Dr. Sexton’s hobby turned business venture has progressed remarkably well with the addition of a tasting room and wine production facility. Mechanizing some processes has supported this growth. “Farming has become so much more sophisticated. I think the reason farmers in America have been so successful in terms of productivity is because of technology and innovation,” said Dr. Sexton. Loudoun Economic Development has supported this transition through an equipment and facility improvements grant. “Williams Gap Vineyard is the continuation of Loudoun County’s strong agricultural heritage,” said Buddy Rizer, Executive Director. “We’re pleased to have contributed to its ongoing success.”View the complete feature on Jack by clicking here.“Williams Gap Vineyard has developed a reputation for producing high-quality grapes that make fantastic wine. It requires a lot of time and effort to do that kind of craftsmanship,WILLIAM GAP VINEYARDROUND HILL, VA

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FY 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 1110 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTFinding Development Success in Loudoun CountyRaheja Construction brings FLEX space and Historically Underused Business Zone (HUBZone) properties to life in Loudoun County. Sunny Raheja leads the construction rm, offering a full-service approach to project planning, design and implementation. The family-owned company has grown from humble beginnings to a successful and esteemed construction business. “Raheja Construction started organically. Around 2014, our family bought our rst commercial real estate property and ofcially started the company in 2019,” said Raheja. At the same time, Raheja began working with Loudoun County Building and Development and Loudoun Economic Development teams. “When we bought our rst property, a two-unit ex condo, the Loudoun County Building and Development director explained the process and guided permitting. Three months later, we were fully built out,” Raheja said. Certications Promote Small-Business GrowthFrom providing accessible leasing opportunities, to winning high-prole contracts, Raheja Construction continues to thrive. Today, it is a certied 8(a) and HUBZone rm, minority-owned business and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by the Commonwealth of Virginia. “We won a few nice contracts that got us started,” said Raheja. “I don’t think we would have been as successful without the support from Loudoun Economic Development and Loudoun County Building and Development.”Raheja Construction manages two Loudoun County FLEX spaces: TKR Industrial Park, a 24,800 sq. ft. space with seven small business tenants and TSR Industrial Park, a 37,500 sq. ft. space with 13 small business tenants. “We are also working on a unique third project to build a HUBZone ofce space, which we expect will attract companies looking to do business with the federal government,” said Raheja. “As an immigrant, I know that everyone comes to the U.S. with a dream. Loudoun County made ours come true and has also allowed us to make other people’s dreams come true as well.”View the complete feature on Sunny by clicking here.“That $1 “For Lease” sign was the best investment we ever made. Demand indicated that there was a lucrative business opportunity in Loudoun County,” said Raheja.

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FY 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 1312 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTYoung Talent Contributes to the Cybersecurity Industry Vertex11 specializes in world-class cybersecurity solutions for international organizations. Founder and President, Ray Vazquez, believes that youth interns are essential to meet the demands of a fast-paced cybersecurity industry. “Companies with extraordinary potential have people with extraordinary potential,” said Vazquez. “Internships contribute to getting young people interested in (and excited by) the cybersecurity eld.”Vertex11 implements cybersecurity solutions that anticipate potential issues. The company has received an Inc. 5,000 designation as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing U.S. private companies. Vazquez attributes this success to putting out the best possible product that customers want to buy.Facilitating Change in the Cybersecurity IndustryPrevious consulting experience allows Vazquez to identify ways to improve the industry. “I started Vertex11 to make consulting better. Many issues plaguing companies in 1994 are still relevant today,” he said. “I wanted to improve the customer experience and leave their systems better than we found them.”Vazquez chose Loudoun County over other national tech hubs because of its wealth of knowledge, expertise and capabilities. “It’s a unique part of the country,” said Vazquez. “There is a reason so many data centers are in Loudoun County.”Virginia CyberSlam, a conference connecting students with cybersecurity companies, gave Vazquez the idea to start a high school internship program. “We interviewed over 30 high school students and wanted to hire all of them. Their insight into the technical world just completely blew me away” he said.Loudoun County Public School students test higher than the national average, and 97.5% of graduates attend college. Vazquez recognizes that these talented high school students can contribute to Vertex11’s vital projects. “Interns have provided a successful trajectory, contributing to early ideas for articial intelligence risk management, white papers and more,” he said. Vertex11 is a competitive business that has seen immense success over the years. An ideal location in Loudoun County and a community focused on upward mobility adds to this success.View the complete feature on Ray by clicking here.“Strategic leadership and talented people who brought about technical innovation, like the Internet, are within a few miles of our location.”

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FY 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 1514 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTNew Business Provides Accessible CPR/AED/First Aid TrainingCPR Lifeline Academy provides critical CPR, AED and rst aid training in Loudoun County. The academy plays a crucial role in enhancing life-saving skills across the community with on-site training. “We recently obtained our SAM certication authorizing us to certify employees within all departments of the U.S. government. Our class certications are OSHA compliant and often meet other workplace and regulatory requirements as well,” said co-owner, Dr. Ioanna Gisone.Providing Critical Training for Residents, Schools, and Business LeadersThe company opened in 2024, after owners, Ioanna Gisone, Ph.D. and Anastasia Vlassopoulos discovered a mutual desire to ll the need for accessible CPR, rst aid and AED training in the community. Loudoun County provided the business with support through a bootcamp offered by the Small Business Development Center. From there, they discovered Launch Loudoun, a Loudoun Economic Development program that provides resources, services and events for entrepreneurs. Dr. Gisone and Ms. Vlassopoulos are grateful to Loudoun Economic Development for connecting them with their rst client at a Launch Loudoun event. “Alberto Fernandez, Business Development Manager for Minority Owned Businesses at the DED, connected us with valuable training, and encouraged us to go to 1 Million Cups. There we met the owners of HOTWORX, Helena and Lance Welch,” said Ms. Vlassopoulos. “They’re another new business to the area, and we immediately connected with them.” CPR Lifeline Academy provides training to Loudoun County residents and people traveling from neighboring states from a location at AWL Creative, a women-centered small business incubator in Leesburg. “We value and appreciate AWL Creative’s ongoing support and collaboration, including their efforts to promote our classes through their professional network,” said Ms. Vlassopoulos.From idea to execution, Loudoun County’s business network has encouraged the vision for CPR Lifeline Academy. As proud business owners in Loudoun County, Dr. Gisone and Ms. Vlassopoulos appreciate how growth is #LoudounPossible within this supportive community.View the complete feature on Ioanna and Anastasia by clicking here.“Our class certifications are OSHA compliant and often meet other workplace and regulatory requirements as well.”

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16 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTPediatric Healthcare Invests in the Community as a Whole Loudoun County is served by a multitude of high-quality medical divisions, including Pediatric Healthcare, a pod of the Loudoun Medical Group (LMG). C. Damon Moore, M.D., the Managing Partner of Pediatric Healthcare, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this summer, is one of the many top-tier medical providers in the county. Investing in the Future of Loudoun CountyDr. Moore has been practicing medicine for around 30 years, 27 of which he has been with Pediatric Healthcare. He has become not only a sought-after physician, but also a pillar of the Loudoun community.Dr. Moore is the Chair of the LMG Charitable Foundation, a tenor and Development Chair for the Master Singers of Virginia, a member of the UVA Club of Washington, DC Executive Board, the announcer and anthem singer for the Loudoun Valley High School volleyball team and the anthem singer for its baseball team. Dr. Moore is particularly interested in supporting any cause that benets the youth of Loudoun County.“That translates in a practical measure to me singing the national anthem,” said Dr. Moore. “As a pediatrician, I try to support the whole child. I try to be a part of the community that they’re a part of.”Dr. Moore’s volunteer work is a reection of his appreciation of Loudoun County. He says the county has a unique community-centered mindset. “Loudoun County is big, but it’s still small enough that you know everyone. It keeps you accountable,” he said. Pediatric Healthcare serves counties in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland from two ofces, one in Sterling and one in Leesburg. Dr. Moore’s investment is in the child and the community as a whole. “This is personal for me. I’m making an investment in you, and I expect a return on my investment. Not for me, but for you to pay it forward,” Dr. Moore concluded.View the complete feature on Damon by clicking here.“As a pediatrician, I try to support the whole child. I try to be a part of the community that they’re a part of.”

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FY 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 19Bringing Authentic Flavor to Loudoun CountyCasa De Avila Tacos has grown from a home-based business to a regional success. Owners Stephanie and Abraham Avila found a welcoming home in Loudoun County’s international food scene. “We started preparing food in our house using Abraham’s family recipes,” said Stephanie. Couple Launches a Restaurant During the COVID-19 PandemicThe couple ofcially launched Casa De Avila Tacos during the COVID-19 pandemic with the Loudoun Health Department helping the restaurant move out of the house and into a commercial kitchen. “The community rallied together to support local mom-and-pop shops, and it ended up being the perfect time for a business like this to take off,” said Abraham. “No-contact food options were growing in popularity and specialty tacos were taking over the United States. We wanted to be part of that.”Around the same time, a client told them about the Flavors of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia competition, being held by the Washington Commanders. Winners would become an ofcial game day food vendor. “They screened over 1,000 applicants and we were one of 20 that got selected,” said Abraham. This led the couple to secure a space at ChefScape, a food and beverage business incubator, to support their expansion. Casa De Avila Tacos worked with the Commanders’ Stadium for three years and during this time, their popularity grew exponentially. Seeking additional avenues to connect with the public, Casa De Avila Tacos partnered with Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery in Loudoun County. “Everyone loves the combination of beer and tacos, so it was a no-brainer for us,” said Abraham. Casa De Avila’s next step is to establish a brick-and-mortar location. “Loudoun Economic Development is providing us with location data and helping us nd the right place,” said Abraham. The team has also taken several classes offered by the department. “Loudoun Economic Development is one of our biggest cheerleaders,” said Stephanie. “You feel supported in Loudoun County.”View the complete feature on Stephanie and Abraham by clicking here.“Any sort of challenge or issue that you might encounter during business, the economic development team has a resource for it.”

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20 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTChemical Production with Modular Bioreactor TechnologyAndrew Magyar, Ph.D. and Liz Onderko, Ph.D. launched Capra Biosciences after developing patented modular bioreactor technology that produces bio-based chemicals. “I was using synthetic biology at the Naval Research Lab while Andrew was focused on the instrumentation that allowed biology to accomplish amazing things in his position at Draper. Our roles combined resulted in the idea to create the rst bio-based chemicals that transform byproducts and waste into valuable materials,” said Dr. Onderko.Using Food and Agricultural Waste to Produce ChemicalsCapra Biosciences aims to use food waste and agricultural byproducts to make chemicals. A location in Loudoun County provides the company with a strong agricultural base, access to the tech sector and proximity to Dulles International Airport — important for international investors. “Loudoun County is a growing location with new development and solid public transportation. It’s also convenient for people in the government; we recently hosted the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response,” said Dr. Magyar. Capra Biosciences was awarded a $7.5 million, two-year project agreement through the BioMaP-Consortium, and plans to use the investment to address pharmaceutical ingredient shortages in the United States. “Many active pharmaceutical ingredients are made overseas, which poses supply chain and security challenges. Our technology supports on-shore active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing,” said Dr. Magyar. The team believes young talent supports ongoing innovation and growth. Capra Biosciences sources team members from surrounding universities and the STEM2VA internship program. “The program allowed us to nd people interested in what we were doing who also had related background experience,” said Dr. Magyar. “Our team of energetic and diverse professionals has been a catalyst to our success.”Dr. Magyar and Dr. Onderko credit Loudoun Economic Development for helping the company grow from an incubator to its own facility. The team hopes their unique technology will be a catalyst for revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry by delivering affordable and sustainable chemicals, in record time and scale. View the complete feature on Andrew and Liz by clicking here.“Loudoun County is a growing location with new development and solid public transportation. It’s also convenient for people in the government.”

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AWARDSAWARDSFY23 Annual ReportFY23 Annual Report American Inhouse Design Award - Graphic Design USABlack History Month Social CampaignBlack History Month Social Campaign American Inhouse Design Award - Graphic Design USAFY23 Annual ReportFY23 Annual Report Bronze Winner from International Economic Development CouncilHop On, Hop Off Bus TourHop On, Hop Off Bus Tour Bronze from International Economic Development CouncilFarm Tour MapFarm Tour Map Silver Winner from International Economic Development CouncilBlack History Month Social CampaignBlack History Month Social Campaign Gold Winner from International Economic Development CouncilBlack History Month Social CampaignBlack History Month Social Campaign Honorable Mention Award from Hermes Creative AwardsHoliday Card CampaignHoliday Card Campaign Gold Award from Hermes Creative AwardsFY23 Annual ReportFY23 Annual Report Platinum Award from Hermes Creative AwardsLaunch Loudoun Signature ProgramLaunch Loudoun Signature Program Achievement Award from National Association of Counties (NACo)Launch Loudoun Signature ProgramLaunch Loudoun Signature Program Achievement Award from Virginia Association of Counties (VACo)22 LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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Loudoun Economic Development Recognized for Innovative ProgramsLoudoun Economic Development’s prosperous Fiscal Year 2024 is reected in recently earned prestigious awards. The department received recognition for its innovative programs that support businesses at all stages of growth. Notably, the Launch Loudoun program was recognized by both the National Association of Counties and Virginia Association of Counties for its comprehensive support to small businesses in the county. The Launch Loudoun program offers networking opportunities, expert-led events and personalized guidance. This initiative ensures that entrepreneurs, whether they are just starting out or ready to expand, have the resources and support they need to succeed. The program’s success in fostering a vibrant business ecosystem was a key factor in Loudoun’s accolades.The Loudoun Economic Development team’s proactive approach in tailoring its programs to meet the needs of local businesses has set a new standard for economic development. The county’s ability to adapt and introduce new services demonstrates its commitment to accessibility and personalized support. These efforts have not only helped businesses thrive but have also positioned Loudoun as a leader in economic development, earning the county national recognition and solidifying its reputation as a business-friendly environmentAnnual Numbers$7,830,000,000 Investment by Wins 164 Business Wins5,108 Jobs Created/Retained1,275 Businesses RetainedFY 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 23Diversity of WinsDiversity of Wins20 Health11 Information and Communications Technology 6 Logistics36 Retail11 Highly Specialized Manufacturing20 Data Center33Rural31 Other

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Buddy RizerColleen KardaszDave DiazMark ArmentroutChris BlosserNancy EvankoMollie EversburgAlberto FernandezBrandon FerrisKatie FlegerAlex GonskiDanelle HayerOmar HernandezChris HunterKaty LowitzJohn MagistroBob McCollarLisa MolthenRick MorrisAmy MugfordPaul NewmanJessica ParkVanessa SimonRamona ThompsonK.C. TregoningShannon WilsonPhyllis Randall, Chair At-LargeJuli Briskman, Vice Chair, Algonkian DistrictMichael Turner, Ashburn DistrictSylvia Glass, Broad Run DistrictCaleb Kershner, Catoctin DistrictMatthew Letourneau, Dulles DistrictKristen Umstattd, Leesburg DistrictLaura TeKrony, Little River DistrictKoran Saines, Sterling DistrictTim Hemstreet, County AdministratorErin McLellan, Senior Deputy CountyAdministrator43777 Central Station DriveSuite 300Ashburn, VA 20147PhonePhone(703) 777-0426Toll-FreeToll-Free (800) LOUDOUNFaxFax(703) 771-5363LoudounPossible.comLoudounPossible.comEconomic Economic DevelopmentDevelopmentBoard of Board of SupervisorsSupervisorsCounty County AdministratorsAdministrators
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