RICHLANDS CREAMERY, LLC IN DINWIDDIE COUNTY
Project to Include $1.7 Million Investment and 17 New Jobs
Dinwiddie County, VA – Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Richlands Creamery, LLC will create 17 new jobs and invest $1,700,000 in Dinwiddie County to create a new commercial creamery. As part of this project, Richlands Creamery, LLC commits to purchasing over $959,071, 100% of its agricultural inputs from Virginia farmers. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $40,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with this project.
Speaking about the investment, Governor Northam stated, “I am pleased to announce that Richlands Creamery will soon begin operations in Dinwiddie County, demonstrating the hard work and innovation of Virginia’s farmers and further strengthening our rural economy. Supporting entrepreneurs with unique business models is another way for Virginia to grow and diversify our economy. My administration will continue to work to create new opportunities for families in every corner of Virginia.”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Dinwiddie County to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which Dinwiddie County will match with local funds.
“This investment by Richlands Creamery is great news for Dinwiddie County and the Commonwealth as it creates a new market for local milk and an important new agritourism destination that will draw visitors to region,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “I am thrilled to partner with Dinwiddie County and the Virginia Tobacco Commission to help make this project a reality. This shows how working together, we can strengthen our economy to attract new jobs and investment to Virginia.”
“Richlands has worked hard to become a quality destination over the last several years. They have developed into an integral part of Dinwiddie’s tourism,” said Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair Senator Frank Ruff. “It is with pleasure that the Tobacco Commission is able to help them grow and continue their role as an attraction. It is great to see a family operation grow and prosper.”
“We are so grateful to receive an AFID grant for Richlands Creamery. This grant will allow us to build a milk processing facility with a retail store front to bottle and direct market milk and the best tasting ice cream in Virginia,” said Coley Jones Drinkwater, President of Richlands Creamery. “This in turn, will keep us from joining the mass exodus of dairy farms across the United States and preserve rural Virginia for all Commonwealth residents and visitors to enjoy during our various agritourism events throughout the year.”
“Richlands Dairy embodies the heart and soul of Dinwiddie County,” said Dr. Mark E. Moore, Chairman of the Dinwiddie Board of Supervisors. “It’s agricultural foundation and family-oriented operation enriches the lives of Dinwiddie citizens and those in Nottoway County as well. We are excited about their expansion and look forward to being home to Richlands Creamery.”
“The citizens of central Virginia are extremely fortunate to have Richlands Dairy in the 63rd District. Now with the Dairy’s expansion to include Richlands Creamery, LLC, other young farmers and entrepreneurs can build on the promise of innovation that will grow rural industry in the 21st century,” added Delegate Aird. “In addition, Coley Jones Drinkwater should be commended as a woman for having the vision and drive to take a five-generation family agri-business to the next level.”
Supporting businesses when they wish to invest in the tobacco region is an important part of the Tobacco Commission’s mission to develop a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Attracting new businesses and retaining valuable corporate partners are equally important to Southern and Southwest Virginia as work continues to revitalize the economies of those regions.
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03/19/18