REC’s Economic Development Team Strives to Improve Our Communities
World Class Distribution’s new complex in Caroline County will create 745 new jobs.
When it opens in 2026, the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, a waterpark and hotel in Spotsylvania County, will attract tourists from across the country.
Once fully built out, CloudHQ’s data center campus could fill more than 2 million square feet on a sprawling site in Culpeper County.
In Frederick County, Kinspan Insulation is upgrading its successful manufacturing operation.
And in Louisa County, Amazon Web Services plans to build two cutting-edge, large-scale data center campuses, representing $11 billion in anticipated capital investment. While diverse in nature and geography, each project has a few critical features in common.
- They provide family-sustaining jobs for local residents — or will in the near future.
- They contribute stable tax revenue for their counties, helping to keep rates low for all residents.
- They make it easier for counties to build and maintain roads, parks and schools.
- And, they are all powered by REC.
“Economic Development at REC is about creating opportunity, prosperity and equity for everyone,” explained Felicia Ainsa, Director of Economic Development.
REC’s mission in economic development is simple — to align with the local community’s vision for their future. While some counties want to grow and others focus on local business expansion and retention, REC fulfills its obligation to serve while providing outstanding service and support.
A Good Fit For Business Partnerships
Interstates, railroads, ports, airports and powerful fiber networks crisscross REC’s service territory. These amenities make it a prime location for new and growing businesses of all sizes. The Cooperative also continues to work with unserved and underserved communities to support broadband. Increased access to high-speed internet will make it easier for businesses to provide jobs where REC members live.
“REC’s role for local businesses is crucial,” explained Kayla Coleman, Economic Development Specialist. “The core of it all is access to reliable electricity.”
Once a local business is established and stable, REC nurtures the partnerships to help them flourish.
So whether it’s a data center with global reach, a family farm or a mom-and-pop country store, REC is proud to support the businesses that power our communities.
“In the end, we all want the same thing: an improved quality of life for all REC members,” Coleman said. “We are proud to do our part.”