Rockingham County, Virginia • Economic Development

Business Climate

Rockingham County and Harrisonburg are in the enviable position of being admired and respected throughout the country as great places to do business. With low taxes, speedy approval processes, well established infrastructure, strong work ethic, stable and diverse economy, and a spirit of collaboration and cooperation, the Harrisonburg Metro Area offers an excellent location where businesses can thrive.

The list of companies that have established operations in the area are testament to its business-friendly environment.  They include MillerCoors, Merck, SRI International, RR Donnelly & Sons, Dynamic Aviation, several food processing firms, and SERCO.

Startups and well established firms alike also have benefitted by partnering with tech-savvy professors and students at colleges and universities, such as James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, Bridgewater College and Blue Ridge Community College. Many of these educational institutions have developed customized workforce training programs for individual companies.

The Metro Area has received recognition for the attributes that have made us so attractive to large and small companies, entrepreneurs, and high-tech and biotech firms:

  • #2 Small Metro in High-Tech Job Growth
  • Top 10 Safest Metros
  • #9 Among Metropolitan Areas for Quality Public Schools
  • #15 Best City in the Country to Raise an Outdoor Kid
  • Recognized as Mountain Biking Mecca by International Mountain Bike Association
  • Served by 8 Nationally Recognized State Universities and Private Colleges
  • Retail Taxable Sales for 2008–2011: Average Annual Sales $1.5 Billion
  • Massanutten Four-Season Resort: One Million Overnight Stays
  • Shenandoah National Park: 1.2 Million Visitors

The Metro Area also has received recognition for its abundant natural resources, including its water supplies, its superb quality of life, and recreational opportunities. Two of the most recent accolades and achievements include:

  • The National Rural Water Association lauded the water from Rockingham County’s Three Springs Water Treatment Plant in February 2012, saying it was among the best tasting the nation. According to Community Development Director Billy Vaughn, “Our water is extraordinarily clean and clear, making Rockingham County the preferred location for food processing, pharmaceutical development, and brewing. “It’s one of the primary reasons that Coors—now MillerCoors—established East Coast operations here 25 years ago.”
  • Harrisonburg received a bronze award in 2011 by the League of American Bicyclists for being a Bicycle Friendly Community. Public Works Planner Thanh Dang said the award “speaks to the commitment not only of the city, but of many members of our community who are part of making Harrisonburg a truly bicycle friendly place to live.”

To experience the area for yourself, contact Rockingham County’s Economic Development team. We're happy to gather additional information and resources for you, or schedule a tour!