Creating Thriving Communities onAnCoCk E stablished in 1680, onancock offered a sheltered harbor and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay. While other ports grew to accommodate increased commercial activity, the town catered to smaller craft. The ambiance of rural, seaside living is beloved by residents. Visitors are likewise learning what makes this place so special, and tourism is playing an important role in economic development strategies. VCC’s Advisory Services has helped town leadership embrace this niche approach and cultivate a thoughtful and sustainable plan for community development. VCC began working with onancock as part of its Pathfinders’ program, a multi-year effort focused on a key issue: What are the unmet needs in rural Virginia? onancock’s natural assets and community leadership positioned the locality for great things and became a Pathfinder community. The VCC assistance advanced quickly from convening and planning to actual development opportunities, demonstrating the many ways our services accelerate vision to reality. Finding funds for a residential and commercial market study was a key step in the initial stages. In addition, a long-term plan emerged for a large community facility project that focused on the repurpose of the 1920’s era onancock School. Four downtown property owners now have development plans. A mixed-used project with affordable housing on Main Street will proceed this year with potential lending by VCC. In early 2013, a new regional hospital will break ground, bringing jobs and tax revenues. PnC bank has partnered with VCC by bringing deposits, loan support, and grant funding to assist in the town’s economic revitalization. The Town of onancock and nearby Chincoteague have made impact deposits with VCC’s Community Capital Bank because they embrace the value of local investments in the region. VCC Advisory Services • Advisory Services is dedicated to helping communities plan for sustainable economic development, develop affordable housing projects, provide access to critical services such as health care, and support economic revitalization. our work in onancock illustrates the broad impact our community planning and finance specialists can offer. • VCC offers training on the value of historic tax credits for downtown revitalization. This helps current and potential business owners consider how to apply these tools as well as advice on new Markets Tax Credits for community facilities. • Business planning assistance for the town identifies potential around tourism and local foods. onancock is already a haven for kayakers and foodies, and focused recruitment of these business types will increase revenue for existing and new enterprises. h 5