Smyth County 
Economic Development

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) of Smyth County is the primary organization responsible for industrial development within Smyth County, including the development of publicly-owned industrial parks and financing assistance for the attraction of new or expansion of existing industry within the County. The EDA is composed of a seven member Board of Directors appointed by election district by the Smyth County Board of Supervisors for four year terms. The EDA is supported by the Smyth County Community and Economic Development Department.
Some of the past projects of the EDA have been:

·Development of the Mountain Empire Industrial Park in Atkins and the Deer Valley Industrial Park in Chilhowie

·Partnership with Washington County to form the Smyth-Washington Regional Industrial Facilities Authority and the Highlands Business Park, a joint venture of both counties. 

·Commonwealth Opportunity Fund (COF) awards, Tobacco Commission grant funding, industrial development bond financing, and local incentive funding for various new industry and industry expansion projects 

·Support for workforce training initiatives and existing industry appreciation events

·Strategic planning for economic development