After Hagerstown-based IronGate updated Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County’s Home in Wayne website to recruit new or returning residents, EDC decided the main page needed to be refreshed and more user-friendly.
During the organization’s Aug. 3 board meeting, EDC president Valerie Shaffer called the site a “front door” for the county’s visibility.
After seeking proposals for designers with economic development experience, EDC’s marketing and communications committee helped select two finalists, Noblesville-based BlueSky Commerce and IronGate.
Following a review of budgets, timelines and skill diversity, the committee recommended the board hire BlueSky, which they felt could migrate and modernize the site at a lower cost of $17,500 plus $2,000 for graphics. BlueSky’s co-founder and CEO, Todd Irwin, is a Richmond native who still has family ties to Wayne County. The board selected BlueSky.
IronGate continues doing great work on newsletters, videos and other components for Home in Wayne, said Kayla Robinson, EDC’s marketing and communications manager.
Downtown revitalization
EDC received 35 applications from building owners for the first round of downtown revitalization funds. Their requests, which are being reviewed, totaled $15 million in projects and $5 million in grant requests. Two later funding rounds are planned.
In other business
As of the meeting, 17 people were enrolled in Wayne County’s second home ownership course starting Aug. 11. Shaffer said they want to create a buyer pipeline for new Vaile neighborhood homes under construction.
A version of this article appeared in the August 12 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
