Jamie Gaucher, Business & economic development director, town of Middleburg

Story and photos by Kerry Phelps Dale

Opportunity everywhere. That’s what Jamie Gaucher (pronounced Go-shay) sees when he looks around Middleburg. As the newly appointed Business and Economic Development Director for the Town of Middleburg, Gaucher’s optimism is in concert with the town council’s objectives and vision. He insists economic growth will be measured and appropriate. “It has to be on the right scale and has to fit the community. No Starbucks. No Home Depot,” he assured.

“We all liked Jamie and felt it was a good mesh,” says 20-year veteran mayor Betsy Davis. “He already knew about Middleburg, and we felt like he would bring great new ideas and help us to attract businesses that the town wants and needs.”

Before coming to Middleburg, Gaucher was executive director of the Middlebury Business Development Fund in Middlebury, Vermont, a similar community in many ways: historical small town with rural surroundings. The unique characteristics that drew Gaucher to Loudoun County were the lauded school system and Middleburg’s proximity to the urban and cultural center that is Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Gaucher and his wife and 9-year-old daughter have settled in Hamilton, Virginia and he is grateful for the 20-minute drive through the county as his daily commute. “I look around and see horses and cows and the beautiful countryside.”

Part of Gaucher’s vision is born of his understanding that the greater community of The Plains, Upperville, and Marshall and everything in between are vital contributors to Middleburg’s character and ambiance. Creating more economic diversity while honoring the region’s historical significance and well-established reputation as a thriving horse community only serves to strengthen the appeal to businesses, visitors and residents for the entire area.

Gaucher will proceed proactively rather than just take what comes. Businesses that fit the town mission and the desires and needs of the community will be targeted. “Hopefully he will steer the ship finding the businesses that are a good fit,” says Davis.

Contemplating the economic and business opportunities incubating in Middleburg, Gaucher paints with a broad brush. Public art, live music, restaurants offering a night life, outdoor seating areas, more diversity in businesses, filling the empty storefronts, multi-use buildings and a parking garage are all possibilities, as well as a brew pub that is already in the works.

Some business developments were already well established or already in the works before Gaucher arrived. Take Salamander Resort & Spa, the 340- acre resort that was both hotly contested and much anticipated. Now, Salamander Resort represents the town’s single biggest client, as in taxpayer, and brings untold dollars to local businesses. The resort has rights to build 49 homes on the property, the building of which could represent the single biggest jump ever in the town’s census. “They are a very important member of our community,” says Gaucher.

Though Gaucher has many of his own ideas for economic growth in Middleburg, he’s talking to the community about their needs and desires before he picks any one path. His days are largely spent listening— to the elected officials, the business and professional associations, business owners, schools, churches, residents and visitors.

“Middleburg is a special and unique place, and we need to take into account historical perspective,” he says. “I’m employed by the town, but I listen to everybody connected to all facets of the community.” ML