Updated — One of the most familiar faces in the Stafford County business community is headed west.
Rick Cobert, an economic development manager who worked with prospective and existing businesses, will become the new chief economic development director in Winchester. He starts tomorrow.
Cobert said he enjoyed his time in Stafford County and worked on marketing its many symbols, including George Washington (the nation’s first president was born in Stafford) and the GEICO gecko (the insurance giant has a corporate HQ off Route 17). He also told Potomac Local News he was excited about the opportunity to learn more about the Winchester area and attract new businesses to the region.
‘These 10 years passed with Stafford clearly experiencing growth and opportunity in their target industries. Our ‘band’s” success includes new revenue streams, business attraction and diversity,” said Cobert, who is now turning his attention to his new job.
“Winchester offers excellent growth prospects, some similar to here. A new business action plan is in development to market the city based on their long-term success and reputation,” he adds.
Cobert’s co-workers at the Stafford County Department of Economic Development and Tourism wished him well. “It will be a loss, but we, of course, wish Rick the best on his new adventure,” said Stafford County Economic Development Director John Holden.
The department will replace Cobert, Holden adds.
Here’s a snippet from Cobert’s bio on the Stafford ED&T website:
As an entrepreneur-turned-business development ace, Rick is the man with the right plan. From attracting Fortune 500 companies to launching start-ups, Rick’s successes in Baltimore County Economic Development and Stafford County yield far-reaching results. Rick is a published industry author and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).
