Bluefield's economic development authority director announces retirement
bluefield — After nearly a decade of helping the city of Bluefield grow, the Bluefield Economic Development Authority's director announced Tuesday that he will be retiring in April this year.
Jim Spencer, executive director of the Bluefield Economic Development Authority, was the Tazewell County Administrator before he became the city's new Community and Economic Development Director after the Bluefield Board of Directors voted unanimously to hire him on April 17, 2015.
Spencer oversaw more than $130 million in capital projects for Tazewell County and initiated several programs for area businesses. During his many years of service in Tazewell County, he was successful in securing multiple grant and loan funding awards for numerous infrastructure-improvement projects, and had a hand in dozens of economic development and tourism-related initiatives in Tazewell County, including the Spearhead Trail system for Southwest Virginia.
Spencer officially announced his plans Tuesday to retire during a meeting of the Bluefield Board of Directors.
'It was both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge for me,' Spencer said about joining the city back in 2015. 'I wanted to be part of something new, something that could bring positive change to this community. The timing was perfect, because we had a city board that was hungry for growth – a spirit that still thrives today with our current board of directors.'
Spencer said that he had a lot of support during his 10 years with Bluefield's municipal government.
'I've had the privilege of working alongside some great people,' he said. 'The city has been blessed with incredible board members and, of course, the formation of the Bluefield WV EDA in 2019 brought even more dedicated individuals into the fold.'
'Bluefield is not just a city to me – it's deeply personal,' Spencer said. 'My family has strong ties here, with many of my relatives who graduated from college having attended Bluefield State. The community always has a special place in our hearts.'
When what became the Bluefield Economic Development Authority was started, there was first a three-prong approach beginning with an inventory of assets, he said.
'Looking back, if anyone has suggested that we would create a mixed-use incubator like the Commercialization Station, focusing on manufacturing, or that we'd have award-winning entrepreneurial programs, a Food Truck Incubator, ongoing development at Exit 1, Intuit/Alorica in our downtown and a new planned development in the heart of the city, most would have thought it sounded crazy,' Spencer said. 'With hard work, dedication and faith, those dreams became reality.'
Spencer said his faith has been a guiding force.
'As a Christian, I prayed every day for God's guidance in the direction of the city and the region,' he said. 'I truly believe that you can see God's hand in the projects we've been able to complete, and I give credit where credit is due. His blessing has been evident every step of the way.'
'As the Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, 'To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under heaven.,'' Spencer said. 'And so, today, it is time for me to announce my retirement, effective April 23, 2025.'
Spencer thanked the city and its residents for their support.
'Words can never fully express the love and gratitude I have for this community,' he said. 'Bluefield has been such a blessing to me and my family. The Bluefield WV EDA is made up of a fantastic group of board members and staff, and I have no doubt that even greater things are ahead for the city. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for your support, your trust, and for allowing me to be part of this wonderful journey. So I'm submitting that officially today and the BEDA board is already aware of it.'
Mayor Ron Martin thanked Spencer for his time with the city.
'We appreciate the things that you've done,' Martin said. 'I asked you to put together a list of the things that have been done while you were here. The numbers are pretty impressive when you look at it.'
'Close to $20 million in grant funds and another $45 million in private investment from folks who have brought here, lured here, by some of the grant funds that were done, some of the individuals in the city who have worked with you,' Martin said. 'It's pretty impressive, what you've done for us, for the citizens of Bluefield. Now you have to help find someone to replace you. Now Jim's moving on to another position that has the ability not only to help the city of Bluefield but the entire region, so it's going to be awesome to work with you in the future. I look forward to seeing you a lot in the city as well.'
'That's hopefully going to be announced in the next few weeks,' Spencer said about a future position.
Contact Greg Jordan at
gjordan@bdtonline.com
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