JCC Notebook: New Staff, EDA Appointments and Homebuyer Class

By Desiree Parker Saturday, August 13, 2011

News from the county this week includes the announcement of a new Assistant General Manager for the service authority, two new Economic Development Authority appointments and a new homebuyer class coming up at the end of the month.

Larry M. Foster, General Manager of the James City Service Authority (JCSA), announced that Stephanie Luton has been chosen to fill the position of Assistant General Manager for the JCSA effective September 1.

Luton, James City County Purchasing Director for eleven years, will assume the duties of Robert H. Smith who has served as the JCSA’s Assistant General Manager for over twenty three years.

The position’s primary duties include preparation and oversight of the JCSA annual budget, Capital Improvement Program and other finance related responsibilities.

New EDA Appointments

Tim Harris has been appointed to the James City County Economic Development Authority (EDA).

The appointment was made at the June 14 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Harris is Vice President of Tienda, Inc., which was founded in 1996 in James City County and has since continually grown and now offers more than 700 products from Spain. Harris brings a wealth of business and entrepreneurial knowledge to the EDA, according to the county.

Harris is involved with the Rural Economic Development Committee, a subcommittee of the EDA. He is also a part of the College of William and Mary’s Technology and Business Center’s CEO Forum, which is a forum for CEOs of local technology and knowledge-based companies. Harris’ company La Tienda won the 2010 Outstanding Workplace Education Partnership Award from the Virginia Association for Adult and Continuing Education.

Leanne DuBois has been reappointed for a second term on the EDA.

DuBois has been a vital force in rural economic development during her first term with the EDA, according to a county press release. She is a Marketing Manager for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and works with the Virginia Grown Program.

The James City County EDA is a seven-member volunteer board whose members are appointed by the County Board of Supervisors and serve staggered four-year terms. The Authority's mission is to assist the County and its Office of Economic Development in expanding James City County's business, tax and job bases.

New Homebuyer Class

The James City County Office of Housing and Community Development will hold a First Time Homebuyer class at the end of the month.

Anyone currently purchasing a home or considering a purchase in the future will benefit from this class, according to the county. Topics covered include personal finances, credit and credit scoring, qualifying and applying for a loan, choosing the right home and what happens at a loan closing.

For many applicants, the mortgage company requires prospective homeowners to take a home buyers class prior to loan approval. Those who attend both sessions will receive a certificate of completion.

The class will be held on Tuesday, August 23 and Thursday, August 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Administration Building, on 5300 Palmer Lane, Suite 1A.

Space is limited. Please call 259-5340 to register.