Area business owners shared a number of challenges they face in the rural coastal business environment during a small business roundtable held on March 24 at Mathews Memorial Library in Mathews.

The roundtable was held as part of a daylong tour of the Middle Peninsula by Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s newly-appointed president and CEO Stephen Moret. Regional government, business and community leaders accompanied Moret on the tour, which also included stops at Tides Inn in Irvington, Merroir in Topping, and Fulcrum Industries in Mattaponi.

Moret came to Virginia in late November after having successfully led economic development efforts in various positions in Louisiana over a number of years. He spoke only briefly, saying he was there to listen and take notes. He said his goals were to increase employment growth in Virginia, ensure meaningful participation in the VEDP for all regions, and put Virginia and the VEDP at the top nationwide.

Business owners spoke of re...