Despite continued talks within Loudoun County government to do away with the Economic Development Commission (EDC), the county remains in search of members for the pro-business, public-private group.

For terms beginning in January 2013, the EDC seeks local business leaders who can “contribute their time, energy and ideas to promote business growth, strengthen the local economy and preserve Loudoun’s high quality of life,” according to the county’s public information office.

Whether those terms will have a full life-span remains to be seen, however.

The county’s Board of Supervisors expressed interest last month in continuing to research the possibility of implementing an economic development authority. June’s discussion was prompted by a recommendation from the board-appointed Government Reform Commission, although talks to moving to an authority similar to what’s in place in Fairfax County have been in place for several years.

“The opportunity to have a greater return on investment is there,” Commission Chairman Tom Julia told the board. “The way to do it is to create a long-term, sustainable, cultural commitment to commercial development and jobs creation that transcends any one single board [of supervisors].”

While an economic development authority would still likely receive the bulk of its funding from the county, it would be less prone to the political shifts of the board of supervisors, Julia contended.

An EDA could potentially displace or collaborate with the county’s current economic development commission, a public-private partnership responsible for promoting economic development, as well as the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development.

Supervisor Matt Letourneau (R-Dulles) said it’s unlikely the EDC would remain in place, should the board decide to move in the direction of an EDA.

The EDC is comprised of up to 35 members from the aerospace, agribusiness, finance, higher education, professional services, federal contracting, information and communications technology and real estate industries, according to the county. Additional commissioners include ex-officio members representing key community and economic development organizations. The Commission also has several classes of non-voting members including standing advisory members and specially appointed advisory members.

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Citizen candidates for the EDC may send letters of interest and resumes to the Department of Economic Development office. The deadline is August 10 at 5 p.m. Electronic submissions are preferred. Interviews will take place in September. Inquiries can be sent to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).