WHEREAS, Sandra Jane Ratliff, an esteemed advocate for economic and business development in Southwest Virginia and a beloved member of the Abingdon community, died on June 17, 2024; and

WHEREAS, since 1989, Sandra "Sandy" Ratliff played a vital role in promoting business and economic development in Southwest Virginia through a variety of projects and initiatives; and

WHEREAS, after 15 years as director of marketing for the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, Sandy Ratliff worked as business services manager for the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity and most recently as vice president of Locus, formerly known as Virginia Community Capital; and

WHEREAS, Sandy Ratliff helped spearhead the Noon Knowledge Series, presented by the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Community Capital, and the Town of Abingdon, helping an untold number of local entrepreneurs and professionals develop valuable business skills; and

WHEREAS, Sandy Ratliff co-developed the Washington County Business Challenge, which for the past decade has inspired new entrepreneurs to develop strong business plans and achieve success; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her experience and expertise, Sandy Ratliff received gubernatorial appointments to the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and the board of trustees of both the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center; and

WHEREAS, Sandy Ratliff supported her community in recent years through her involvement with the Ballad Health Strong Accountable Care Community leadership council, ‘Round the Mountain, the board of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Opportunity Southwest Virginia, and the Clinch River Valley Initiative; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to her impact, Sandy Ratliff was honored with various awards over the years, including the 2011 YWCA Tribute to Women award and the 2016 High Tech in Government award from the Southwest Virginia Technology Council; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her faith, Sandy Ratliff enjoyed worship and fellowship with her community at First Christian Church of Abingdon, for which she established an online ministry that reached many followers worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Ratliff will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her mother Nell; her siblings, Connie, Patty, Tom, and John, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Sandra Jane Ratliff, a treasured member of the Abingdon community whose legacy of service was an inspiration to all who knew her; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Sandra Jane Ratliff as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.