Betsy Davis, who has served on Middleburg's Town Council for eight years and is the newly elected mayor of the village, has a very different definition of "development" than what so many citizens dread when she talks about what her hope is for the future of Middleburg. She means "economic development," the kind of development that creates a successful commercial sector, keeps taxes down, service to citizens up, and cul-de-sac subdivisions at bay. "Middleburg enjoys the benefits of a healthy and thriving business community," she explains. "Sometimes people think that all the beautiful blooming plants, special events and increasing services just "happen." And, they don't realize that we have the lowest tax rate in the county because our merchants are smart business people who combine their forces to create a commercial sector that is attractive to shoppers from around the world." Davis believes in what she calls "gentle growth." "I've lived here for 50 years, and I love the traditions and character of Middleburg. Good decisions by many past town leaders have allowed the village to grow gently without compromising the culture of the place. I believe in that."

Davis, along with her mother Nancy Allen and her sister Paige Allen, runs The Fun Shop, a wonderful store that positively seduces shoppers with charming and unusual pieces that are housed in room after room of seemingly endless surprises. She and her sister, Page took over from their mother who began the shop 50 years ago this year. "We're celebrating our anniversary all year," Davis says, underscoring her understanding of what it takes to build and maintain a successful business.

Critical Role of Active Citizens, Volunteers

Betsy also emphasizes the importance of a team of citizens and merchants who have been and remain dedicated to the economic viability of Middleburg and who work tirelessly to ensure that the town is exceptionally attractive to visitors and local citizens alike.

"Without the dedication of our volunteers who commit untold hours to the many activities we undertake and who never say "no" when unanticipated help is needed, we would pay much higher taxes and our town would not be the beautiful and vibrant village we all love. Our signage, our lighting, our new parking lot and, soon, our public rest rooms, all depend on the strength of our volunteers and our economic viability."

Coordination as Plan, not Afterthought

Davis quickly notes how terrific it is to have Claudia Dornin on board as Economic Development Coordinator. "We had to fight long and hard to establish this position. It wasn't easy to convince people that having a dedicated individual in place would add tremendous value to all of our initiatives. We finally made the point, and, with great good fortune, hired Claudia. She has excellent previous management experience, and is already doing an invaluable job of serving our citizens, our visitors and our merchants."

Dornin's responsibilities include the organization of historic downtown revitalization programs; building support for the Main Street Middleburg Committee; working closely with Main Street Loudoun, The Middleburg Business & Professional Association and the Loudoun County Economic Development staffs; seeking out private funding for many initiatives; staffing both the Economic Development Committee and the Main Street Middleburg Committee and building a vibrant network among merchants and citizens to create even greater synergy for the long-term success of the village.

"Claudia will also provide support to many on-going services and initiatives," Betsy said. "She'll help support the Pink Box and the monthly calendar; she'll assist the Bluemont Concert Series and she'll help with Middleburg's summer concert series."

One of Claudia's most important responsibilities is to represent Middleburg's economic interests by balancing business, resident and Town requirements to ensure that the commercial community continues to thrive so Middleburg continues to enjoy appreciating assets that will keep the tax burden on citizens low.

Telling the Middleburg Story

Davis also speaks forcefully about the value of effective communication of the Middleburg story, both a vital tool for managed growth, and an effective means of reinforcing regional, state, national and international support for protecting the special ambience and setting of the Village. She speaks highly of the "invaluable service" Vicky Bendure provides by promoting Middleburg.

"Vicky does an incredible and wonderful job of keeping Middleburg front and center in the public eye. We receive frequent and consistent comment as a charming and timeless place to visit and shop in publications and on broadcast outlets that reach all our target audiences. Those articles and mentions on popular television shows do a world of good to keep upper demographic visitors heading our way."

According to Davis, Bendure provides her services to the town for a remarkably reasonable fee. "We all know she is in great demand as a communications professional. But she loves this place as much as we all do and we pay her very little for her tremendously valuable services. Vicky's making a personal investment in Middleburg, just as we all are, we're just fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals involved in our future."

Bendure, who's been working to position Middleburg since 1999, says everyone who visits to cover the town loves what they find in the village.

"Christmas in Middleburg is always a wonderful story," Vicky says. "But the new summer event, Dog Days in August, has tremendous potential to really ignite the commercial sector at a time of year when shoppers want to stay home unless something really fun is happening."

In addition to consistent Washington Post coverage and excellent pick-up on Fox News, Vicky often brings the BBC to Middleburg. "Whether or not they understand the horse business, they all understand immediately upon arrival how special this place is, and how much their audiences will enjoy a visit."

Bendure, who grew up in Bethesda and went to college at Texas Christian University, came back to the area to work with Marvin Gerstin's advertising agency, the oldest agency in Washington, D.C. "My mother used to take me to Maryland to ride," Vicky remembers. "I loved my agency job in D.C., but the minute I discovered Middleburg, I knew this was where I wanted to be. It's a great personal pleasure to help the town thrive on its own terms."

It's easy to see why Betsy Davis applauds her "almost invisible" economic development support team. And, its easy to see why she hasn't any opposition in her run for mayor.

"My goal is the same as it has always been," Davis says. "I want Middleburg to be a wonderful place to live and to work. I want to be certain our citizens and our visitors have the very best services we can provide. And I want to help ensure that any growth here is gentle growth, not the kind that compromises the charm and tradition and character of the village we all love so much."