Liz Barber

Background

About Liz Barber

I've always had an interest in careers where I can help people reach their full potential. That is always a common theme throughout my career. Service oriented and driven, I enjoy a challenge and reaching the goals that I set for myself personally and work-related ones set by my superiors. This is why my current position as at Stafford County, VA Department of Economic Development makes so much sense to me. Helping businesses connect with resources to allow them to reach their full potential is what drives me. Business retention and expansion (BRE) is my specialty, so think of me if you ever want to talk expansion of your existing business. At my previous position as Legislative Affairs & Grants Coordinator at Highlands County (FL) BOCC, I was able to help the citizens by lobbying on behalf of our rural county to ensure those of us in Central Florida get our fair share. During my first year in this position, I successfully wrote a state appropriation funding request for so a small community could receive a county fire/EMS station to make their citizens safer. In my previous position at the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, my mantra was that "my business is your business". This helped to keep my focused that everything that I do should be done to have a positive effect on the business community. Partnerships with the economic development commission, tourist development council, other chambers of commerce and the local municipal and county governments helped our organization to bring quality programming, education, workshops, events, festivals, and business building strategies to the local business community. In addition to my full-time career, my husband, Daniel, and I own two vintage style soda fountain and ice cream shop locations in central Florida. Due to the uniqueness of the business and our vast product offerings (over 200 flavors of craft, glass bottle soda from around the world), we have received international media coverage and a customer base that travels from ear and far. We're proud that our humble little store is a destination for our downtown shopping district. Personally, my husband, family, travel and my cockapoo, Buffy are very important to me. My husband and I travel and cruise as often as possible and love a quick cruise getaway.