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2023 SESSION
WHEREAS, after three decades of service to the residents of York County, Jim Noel retired as the county director of economic and tourism development in June 2022; and
WHEREAS, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jim Noel graduated from Shippensburg University and began his career in local government with the City of Lancaster; he relocated to Virginia Beach and earned a master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion University while working for the City of Portsmouth; and
WHEREAS, after working for several city departments in Portsmouth, Jim Noel developed a passion for the complex and varied challenges of economic development and joined York County government as director of economic development in 1993; and
WHEREAS, Jim Noel built strong relationships with county officials, residents, local business leaders, corporations, and representatives from surrounding localities to drive the recruitment, retention and expansion of businesses in York County; and
WHEREAS, Jim Noel established York County’s first formal business retention and expansion program and developed a strong working knowledge of myriad concepts, including commercial real estate, finance, marketing, and public relations to fulfill his mission to create jobs and enhance the quality of life in the community; and
WHEREAS, Jim Noel helped attract major retailers like Walmart and Lowes and helped small, local businesses succeed and thrive; he played a significant role in the opening of Great Wolf Lodge on Rochambeau Drive, which has become a major tourism attraction for the entire Historic Triangle region; and
WHEREAS, during Jim Noel’s leadership, York County developed Riverwalk Landing, the Lightfoot Commercial Corridor, York River Commerce Park, and The Edge District, and initiated a revitalization project on Route 17; and
WHEREAS, Jim Noel has been an active member of the Virginia Economic Developers Association, serving as president of the organization in 2020 and receiving its prestigious Cardinal Award in 2021; and
WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement, Jim Noel plans to spend more time with his beloved family and seek new opportunities to serve communities in the region by establishing his own economic development consulting firm; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Jim Noel on the occasion of his retirement as director of economic and tourism development for York County; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jim Noel as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his achievements in service to the residents of York County.