In brief

Loudoun County embraces social networking sites

Following a path well trod by other municipal governments, Loudoun County's public information office announced last week that staff members have set up a Facebook page, a Twitter feed and a YouTube channel.

The goals are to improve communication with the public, including notifications during emergencies. Loudoun has already introduced e-mail alerts and aims for the new networking sites to provide additional platforms to reach residents.

Leesburg wins recognition for energy management

Leesburg received a Gold Level Green Government Certification from the Virginia Municipal League at a conference in Roanoke on Oct. 18, largely on the strength of its recently completed energy management plan.

The certification is part of what the town describes as a "friendly competition" to reduce carbon emissions. Leesburg received the most points among towns with a population between 15,001 and 90,000.

Loudoun won't be mailing its winter activity guide

To save money and paper, Loudoun County will not mail the winter edition of the seasonal Parks, Recreation and Community Services Activity Guide to residents this year.

Copies will instead go to parks, playgrounds and community centers.

Last week's announcement came about two months after the fall 2009 edition of the activity guide was shipped to residents and on the heels of a pessimistic budget forecast.

Development group cites Leesburg brochure

Leesburg won recognition from the International Economic Development Council at a conference in Reno last month for a marketing brochure designed to attract new businesses, town officials announced Thursday.

Each "Hometown for the 21st Century" packet is customized with information that might appeal to whichever business the town's economic development staff targets.

-- Compiled by James Hohmann