JIDA’s outdated website hindered engagement with investors and stakeholders. We redesigned the site with modern visuals, fast performance, and an intuitive CMS. Now, JIDA showcases Wythe County as a leading destination for economic growth with improved usability and stronger digital authority.
The Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County (JIDA) is a regional economic development agency strategically located along the I-81 corridor in Southwest Virginia. Tasked with driving industrial growth, attracting business investments, and supporting job creation in Wythe County, Wytheville, and Rural Retreat, JIDA plays a crucial role in fostering economic vitality for the area. The organization collaborates with state, federal, and private partners to strengthen the county’s position as a business-friendly region. However, despite its forward-thinking initiatives, JIDA struggled with an outdated website that did not reflect the region’s innovation or competitive advantages. As digital presence increasingly influences site selectors and investors, it became clear that an updated and accessible platform would be critical to advancing Wythe County’s visibility in today’s competitive business landscape. Redefine Web partnered with JIDA to redesign its website into a user-friendly, performance-driven platform positioned to attract businesses, support community visibility, and empower JIDA’s team to manage ongoing updates with ease.
Before partnering with Redefine Web, the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County struggled with major website issues. The outdated design and clunky functionality created a poor first impression for potential investors and site selectors.
Navigation was confusing, making it difficult to locate vital details on sites, incentives, or workforce resources. The site was not mobile-friendly, leaving smartphone and tablet users frustrated. Slow load times added to the problem, often driving visitors away and costing JIDA chances to promote the county’s strengths.
Managing content was also a challenge. An outdated CMS required technical expertise, which slowed updates and hindered communication with stakeholders. Overall, the website failed to reflect JIDA’s modern, proactive approach to economic development.
They needed more than a design refresh. Their goals included clear navigation, responsive design, easier content management, and stronger online visibility — a platform that truly represented their mission of growing Wythe County’s economic future.
Redefine Web redesigned JIDA’s website from the ground up to align with modern digital expectations. We built the new website on WordPress, offering an intuitive content management system that now allows the JIDA team to independently handle updates. Navigation was overhauled to simplify user flow, ensuring quick access to site data, incentives, and workforce resources. The design was refreshed with cohesive branding, custom icons, and high-quality imagery that reflect the vibrant opportunities within Wythe County. Performance improvements, including optimized coding and mobile responsiveness, enabled fast page loads and seamless usability across all devices. We also integrated SEO best practices to improve visibility in search results. Finally, we provided training and resource documentation, giving the JIDA staff everything they need to keep the website fresh and relevant without ongoing outside support.
Key steps included:
The redesigned JIDA website now reflects its role as a leading regional economic development authority. With improved site speed, modern design, intuitive navigation, and full mobile optimization, JIDA can effectively communicate its value to investors, stakeholders, and the local community. The new CMS allows staff to keep the site fresh and aligned with evolving county initiatives, ensuring ongoing relevance and engagement.
Kyle Vine
Brandon Smith
Benjamin Sänger
Myles Scolnick
Peter Dolenc
Francis Strutt
