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Good news x2 for PW economy
Prince William got a double helping of good news last week on the economic front.First, the county's economic development chief, Martin Briley, was tapped to become the new economic development chief for the entire state.
Several days later, the county was named one of the top 10 wealthiest in the country.
“We're doing a lot of things right and I think that's a lot of the reason so many of our people are getting tapped for jobs down in Richmond,” Board Chairman Corey Stewart (R) said Tuesday in reference to Briley's new job as the president and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
“Doing a lot of things right” has also helped the county hit number nine on the list of wealthiest counties in the nation.
The county's median household income of $92,655 is due in part to the prosperity of the region and in part to the amenities in the county, said Prince William spokesman Jason Grant.
“There are new jobs that are occurring in Prince William County but there are new jobs that are occurring in the region,” he said, explaining that the county's central location makes it a perfect residence for high-income workers all over the region.
Stewart agreed.
“We're clearly drawing the cream of the crop in Prince William,” he said.
Part of drawing the cream of the crop is drawing the best jobs and that has been Briley's job since 1997.
During his tenure in Prince William, announced investment rose from an annual average of $20 million to $250 million per year, and currently totals $3.46 billion. At-place employment has grown 50 percent, adding 36,000 jobs, according to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
That accounts for why Briley is the highest-paid county employee with an annual salary of $260,463.
“Obviously we're sad to see Martin go but the good news for the county is the county has a very good friend looking out for the state's economic development,” Stewart said.
Stewart and Grant said the county has already begun searching for Briley's replacement.
That process begins with a search for a headhunter, who will then look nationwide for a replacement.
Stewart said county officials specifically want someone from outside the region who can bring in new ideas and ways of thinking from other parts of the country.
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