Winter 2026 Newsletter
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
Winter White Space and Clarity
As we're still in the Great Ice Storm of 2026, my mind drifts back to a perfect weather day in late December when we surprised my dad with tickets to see ICE The Polar Express at the Gaylord in Maryland. It was definitely the "coolest" exhibit with the movie themed ice sculptures. We spent the rest of the day exploring DC, including Ford's Theatre and the National Portrait Gallery.
Above left: Jill, Dad (Tim), and Sister (Mandy) at National Harbor; Above right: Jill and Family in the Polar Express Train Made of Ice
The holidays brought celebrations galore! I celebrated another birthday, we hosted good friends and neighbors on New Year's Eve and we toasted my beautiful cousin at her wedding. What a way to close out 2025 and step into the new year.
Looking back on 2025, I'm struck by how much growth came from intentional additions and subtractions.
We welcomed Maggie Gowen, as our Senior Vice President of Client Services. I trimmed back on the constant stream of podcasts and webinars that felt more like noise than learning. I swapped a gym membership I rarely used for the Peloton app.
And for the first time, I closed the business for a complete holiday break. Those two weeks of true white space gave me a clarity that's already shaping how we're approaching 2026.
Above left: VACEOs’ quarterly luncheon; above right: Jill and Fellow Lead Virginia Class ‘18 members
Despite last week's icy conditions across Richmond, I was reminded of the power of community when people make the effort to show up. I was invited as a guest to the Virginia CEOs Quarterly Luncheon at the University of Richmond which brought incredible energy. Alex Goldfayn sparked thoughtful conversations and the members created the kind of connections that matter. I also had the chance to reconnect with my Lead Virginia Class of 2018 and introduce a talented applicant for the Class of 2026.
Pantone named Cloud Dancer its Color of the Year. Described as “a lofty white neutral” which has been Virginia’s color of 2026 so far.
In this issue, we're spotlighting the partners who make our JLV team shine and share our commitment to our Vision: We are driven by integrity to elevate clients, empower our team, and build strong, job-creating communities, fulfilling a purpose greater than ourselves.
JLV at Can Can Brasserie
Top: JLV Communications team 2nd Annual Can Can Christmas Party in Carytown to cap off 2025.
Left: Maggie and Jill
Above: Dawn Young
People of JLV
From the beginning, Dawn Young has stepped in to support JLV clients with her ability to truly listen to each business owner's story and translate their unique needs into practical, impactful solutions. Whether that's developing a marketing strategy, guiding digital transformation or simply identifying that a physical sign is what will make the difference for their success.
Now Trending: Our Clients
We were excited to welcome the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a new client, supporting their mission to protect Virginia's natural, cultural and recreational resources. Our team has been assisting DCR with strategic media relations to amplify their conservation efforts and community programs, while also developing a comprehensive style guide to ensure consistent, clear communication internally and externally.
This partnership reflects our commitment to working with organizations that make a lasting difference in the communities they serve.
We brought SkillsUSA Massachusetts' inspiring mission to life in their second annual report, themed "Ignite Your Potential," showcasing how the organization is nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals. The report highlighted their fiscal year successes, growth initiatives, financial stewardship and honor roll, with powerful storytelling and dynamic design.
We secured placement for an impactful op-ed by Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation Chair Ken McFadyen in Cardinal News, making the case that housing is the critical foundation for the Alleghany Highlands' economic future. The commentary sparked important conversations about regional development and community growth.
The end of the year means Annual Reports. We executed the design for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report, a visually compelling showcase of the Commonwealth's economic achievements and strategic vision for growth.
We came in during a busy season for the marketing staff and helped VEDP convey progress made in 2025 and strategically enter 2026.
We launched a fresh, user-friendly website for Staunton Economic Development with compelling content and collaborative development by Whittington Consulting. The new site now conveys the city as a vibrant business location and connects local companies with resources and opportunities.
What We’re Watching
5 Marketing Fundamentals That Still Work in 2026 (Content Marketing Institute)
Become an Octopus Organization (Harvard Business Review)
16 Content Writing Tips From Experts To Survive 2026 (Search Engine Journal)
Edelman Trust Barometer: Economic Anxiety, AI Fears, Distrust Making People Insular (PRSay)
Need marketing or PR support? Contact us today.
JLV Communications: We bridge the gap between manufacturers, economic developers and a skilled workforce to help American companies thrive in today's economy.
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