COMMISSION APPROVES FUNDING FOR NEW AGRICULTURE COST SHARE PROGRAM AND CONTINUES SUPPORT OF WORKFORCE EDUCATION ACROSS THE REGION
Emporia, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its third scheduled meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 30th at Golden Leaf Commons in Greensville County. Golden Leaf Commons is a 9,000 square foot multi-use assembly hall designed with a focus on workforce education and a mission closely aligned with that of the Commission. Between 2005 and 2010, the Tobacco Commission provided support to Greensville County for phases 1 and 2 of the project that developed the Southside Virginia Education Center and the Golden Leaf Commons. TRRC grants contributed to site acquisition and preparation and to the design, construction, and equipping of the buildings. For more information about Golden Leaf Commons, please click HERE.
The Commission authorized several grants through its Competitive Education program to support the region’s community colleges as they prepare students for in-demand jobs, while also supplying the region’s employers with top quality workers. These awards are the latest additions to the Commission’s decades-long support of workforce education across the footprint.
The Commission continued its focus on creating vibrant downtowns and main streets by approving a loan to support the redevelopment of the John Randolph Hotel in South Boston. This meeting also featured the launch of AgVision, a new agricultural cost-share program.
AgVision Pilot Program
The AgVision cost-share pilot program is designed to incentivize local producers to diversify and innovate their farming operations. Modeled after the successful AgOptions program in Western North Carolina, the program incentivizes farmers, through a $10,000 grant, to work with Virginia Cooperative Extension and other partners to plan and implement a new agricultural practice on their farm. Up to $300,000 in funding is available to support producers in the twelve counties participating in this first year of the program. If the pilot proves successful, the Commission intends to expand this cost-share model across the entire region in 2027. This program will be administered by the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia (FASS-VA), an independent 501(c)(3) foundation formed by the Commission to further its mission of building a robust economy across Southern and Southwest Virginia. For more about AgVision please take a look at the meeting packet. Additional information about FASS-VA can be found HERE, or by reaching out to the Commission using the contact info provided. The twelve counties participating in the pilot are: Southwest: Grayson, Lee, Russell, Washington, Wythe. Southern: Appomattox, Bedford, Brunswick, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Pittsylvania.
Pictured Above: The Golden Leaf Commons and Southside Virginia Education Center. Also pictured: Commission Chairman Will Morefield thanks departing Commissioners Wayne Carter (left) and Will Pace for their service to the Commission.
For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements, and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.
“Building a robust economy for Southern and Southwest Virginia requires long-term commitment and I am pleased that at our meetings here in Emporia the Commission has underscored its support for workforce education as well as helping our farmers and producers continue to grow and innovate,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “I want to extend my thanks to my fellow commissioners, as well as the staff, for their work on bringing these projects and initiatives to life. I know that the real work happens in our communities and so I look forward to seeing these investments create real opportunities for the people who call this region home.”
“The Commission is a valuable resource for the rural communities it serves, and I am honored to be part of its work,” said TRRC Executive Director David Manley. “It has been a pleasure getting to know our commissioners and staff over my first couple of months. I am excited to see the impact the grants approved at this meeting will have in the years to come and I look forward to working with our partners across Southern and Southwest Virginia to make sure the Commission continues to help meet the needs of our region.”
RICHMOND, VA — The Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia has selected Deb Gosney to serve as its first Executive Director.
“This foundation has an important role to play in the future of Southern and Southwest Virginia, and we knew that finding a well-qualified Executive Director to lead our work was critical to getting off to a good start,” said FASS-VA Chairman, Jeff Haley. “This foundation exists to support the great work already being done by the Tobacco Commission and their partners. Deb’s wealth of experience working with the same communities and organizations means she is ready to hit the ground running. I encourage anyone with an idea that could help build an even brighter future for our counties, cities, and towns to reach out to Deb to see how FASS-VA might be able to help.”
“I am deeply honored and excited to begin this new chapter as Executive Director of FASS-VA. After 38 years of dedicated service as Executive Director of Southside PDC, I carry with me a profound appreciation for the power of collaboration, community partnerships, and mission-driven leadership,” said FASS-VA Executive Director Deb Gosney. “My career has been rooted in helping communities identify opportunities, strengthen local capacity, and improve the quality of life for the people we serve. I look forward to bringing that same commitment, experience, and passion to FASS-VA as we continue advancing its important work across the Tobacco Region footprint. I am grateful for the relationships built over nearly four decades at Southside PDC and look forward to building new partnerships that support FASS-VA’s mission and the communities it serves.”
“I’d like to congratulate FASS-VA on their selection of an excellent candidate to serve as their first Executive Director,” said TRRC Chairman, Del. Will Morefield. “Economic development, especially in the rural regions of the Commonwealth the Commission covers, requires a team effort, and Deb has a long track record of successful leadership and partnership in that area. I wish Deb and FASS-VA the best as they get to work assisting our localities and look forward to a long and successful partnership between FASS-VA and the Commission.”
“Deb is an excellent choice to lead FASS-VA, and I look forward to working with her as our two organizations move forward together to strengthen our Southern and Southwest Virginia communities,” said TRRC Executive Director David Manley. “While the Foundation is just getting started, I believe that in the years to come it will be a real asset to the region and serve as a catalyst for the great work already being done by our partners across the footprint.”
About Deb
Deborah Gosney brings nearly four decades of experience in regional community and economic development to her role as Executive Director of the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia. Before joining FASS‑VA, she served as Executive Director of the Southside Planning District Commission, where she led organizational operations, budgeting, and staff development while advancing strategic initiatives across Southern Virginia.
Throughout her career, Deborah has cultivated strong partnerships with local governments, Planning District Commissions, and state and federal agencies. Her expertise in grant strategy and project development has resulted in numerous successful awards supporting infrastructure, business growth, and community revitalization.
A native of Mecklenburg County, Deborah understands the challenges of rural communities and is deeply committed to strengthening the Tobacco region’s capacity to compete for external funding and to fostering collaboration that drives long‑term impact. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance from Elon College.
About the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia (FASS-VA)
The Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia (FASS-VA) is an independent nonprofit corporation established to complement the work of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC). The Foundation will accomplish this through project development support, funding strategy coordination, partnership development, and implementation assistance by working cooperatively with communities, Planning District Commissions, local governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other regional partners. Its work is intended to advance projects that strengthen regional economic vitality, improve quality of life, and support the long-term goals of the Tobacco Region.
FASS-VA Contact: Deborah Gosney Executive Director Foundation for the Advancement of Southern & Southwest Virginia, Inc. dgosney@fassva.org (434)-917-9009
About The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its mission is the promotion of economic growth and development in Southern and Southwest Virginia communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement. To date, the Commission has awarded more than 2,000 grants totaling more than $1.1 billion across its Southern and Southwest Virginia footprint and has provided $309 million in indemnification payments to tobacco growers and quota holders.
The Commission seeks to accelerate regional transformation, giving citizens expansive opportunities for education and employment, and providing communities the benefits of economic stability, economic diversification, and enhanced prosperity through a variety of targeted grant and loan programs.
For more about the Commission please visit our website: www.revitalizeva.org
Commission Contact: Jordan Butler PR Director Jbutler@revitalizeva.org (804) 894-9652
Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia
Governor Spanberger Appoints New Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Executive Director
TRRC Contact: Jordan Butler Telephone: 804-894-9652 Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org Website: www.revitalizeva.org
Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade Contact: Commerce.Trade@governor.virginia.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/27/26
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger has appointed David Manley to serve as Executive Director of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
“Virginians who live and work in Southern and Southwest Virginia face unique challenges and will be served well by an expert who knows the region, who is focused on delivering for these communities, and who is committed to executing a vision to deliver for economies across the region,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “David Manley understands what these communities need to build a stronger future. He has vast experience in guiding impactful projects, and I am certain that his expertise will be an immense asset as we work together to create good jobs and opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth.”
“The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has the responsibility and opportunity to grow and diversify the economy of 40 distinct localities of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “I am delighted to work alongside and fully support David Manley as he leads this organization to advance the next strategic chapter of Southern and Southwest Virginia’s story. As a native of and accomplished professional within the region, David brings his dedication to economic, community, and business development together in this role. Through strong collaborations, he will advance Governor Spanberger’s clear vision to grow an economy that delivers for every Virginian.”
“Virginia’s Tobacco Region is 400 miles across, and no single solution fits every corner of it,” said David Manley. “The strongest partnerships start by understanding community priorities and capacity. The Commission has been a valuable partner to this region for decades, and I’m committed to making sure it remains effective, community by community. It’s an honor to serve the Commonwealth and the people of Southern and Southwest Virginia.”
“As the Commission continues its third decade of working with our partners from across the footprint to bring jobs, investment, and resources to Southern and Southwest Virginia it is critical that we have excellent leadership on staff to guide our efforts,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “I am excited to work with David in the years ahead and extend my thanks to Governor Spanberger and her team for selecting an excellent leader and native of Southwest Virginia to serve as the Commission’s Executive Director.”
“Investing in our communities and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive is at the heart of the Commission’s mission. David Manley’s appointment by Governor Spanberger is proof of our commitment to continue advancing opportunities across Southern and Southwest Virginia,” said TRRC Vice-Chair Senator Lashrecse Aird. “David has a proven track record of delivering results and building strong partnerships that strengthen Virginia’s communities. I also want to thank Deputy Director Stephen Versen for his outstanding leadership over the past six months. With David’s leadership and the strong foundation Stephen has helped maintain, I am confident the Commission will continue delivering meaningful investments and lasting impact for the communities we serve across Southern and Southwest Virginia.”
About David
David Manley is an economic development practitioner with more than a decade of experience working with businesses large and small, local governments, the Commonwealth and its agencies, and public and private sector partners to grow economic opportunity in Southwest Virginia and beyond.
He most recently served as Executive Director of the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County, Wytheville, and Rural Retreat, where he led business attraction and retention efforts that brought more than $2 billion in investment to the community.
In 2022, he served as the 40th President of the Virginia Economic Developers Association, and he represents Virginia on the board of directors of the Southern Economic Development Council. David holds the Master Economic Development Practitioner designation and a B.A. in Government from the University of Virginia.
He has a long record of civic leadership in Southwest Virginia, including as founding chair of the nonprofit board that restored the historic Millwald Theatre in downtown Wytheville, co-founder and advisor of Wythe-Bland Young Professionals, and founder and co-chair of the Wytheville Wine Festival.
A native Wythe Countian, David established and operated West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery for over a dozen years before entering economic development, and he brings a practitioner’s perspective shaped by more than a decade leading economic development at the local level to his work at the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
About the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its mission is the promotion of economic growth and development in Southern and Southwest Virginia communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement. To date, the Commission has awarded more than 2,000 grants totaling more than $1.1 billion across its Southern and Southwest Virginia footprint and has provided $309 million in indemnification payments to tobacco growers and quota holders.
The Commission seeks to accelerate regional transformation, giving citizens expansive opportunities for education and employment, and providing communities the benefits of economic stability, economic diversification, and enhanced prosperity through a variety of targeted grant and loan programs.
For more about the Commission please visit our website: www.revitalizeva.org
Commission Contact: Jordan Butler PR Director Jbutler@revitalizeva.org (804) 894-9652
The Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia (FASS-VA) is a newly established nonprofit organization created to strengthen regional project development capacity and improve communities’ ability to compete for external funding across Southern and Southwest Virginia.
FASS-VA works in close coordination with the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC), which supports economic revitalization and community development initiatives across the region. While TRRC provides critical investment through its grant programs, many communities face challenges in developing projects and preparing competitive applications for federal and other complementary funding sources.
The Foundation is designed to help address this gap by working with local governments, Planning District Commissions, regional organizations, and other partners to identify promising projects, coordinate funding strategies, and support successful project implementation. The Executive Director will lead this effort and guide the Foundation’s early organizational development and regional engagement.
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the senior leader of the Foundation and is responsible for guiding its work to strengthen regional project development capacity and improve communities’ ability to compete for external funding.
Working in coordination with TRRC leadership and regional partners, the Executive Director will oversee the Foundation’s project development activities, cultivate strategic partnerships, and ensure alignment with broader regional economic development priorities.
The position is structured as a part-time leadership role, supported by Community Project Managers responsible for day-to-day project development and coordination with local partners. The position is remote and requires the Executive Director reside in the service areas supported by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
For more information on the Executive Director position, including a full job description and information on how to apply, please CLICK HERE.
COMMISSION ADOPTS NEW BUDGET WHILE APPROVING 38 FUNDING REQUESTS, INCLUDING FUNDING TO LAUNCH THE FOUNDATION FOR SOUTHERN AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA (FASS-VA)
Floyd, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its second scheduled meeting of the year on Wednesday, May 13th at Chateau Morrisette in Floyd County. As one of Virginia’s oldest and best know wineries, Chateau Morrisette is a major tourism driver for the region and an important buyer of Virginia-grown grapes.
The Commission awarded funds to support a variety of agriculture, tourism, and business development projects while also providing ongoing support for community colleges across Southern and Southwest Virginia through its Workforce Financial Aid program. In addition to these recipients, a new and notable Commission grant was the $400,000 awarded to the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia (FASS-VA) to cover 3 years of operating expenses.
The Commission has long sought to establish a non-profit, 501c3 foundation with which it could partner to further its goal of assisting Southern and Southwest Virginia communities. Since 2024, the Commission has worked to establish the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia, Inc., or FASS-VA, through a previous award and the assistance of Commission staff. The award approved at this meeting will provide $400,000 to FASS-VA to fund operations during its first three years and support the hiring of a part-time Executive Director.
FASS-VA will help the Commission in a number of important ways, including:
Securing additional resources for the footprint that the Commission cannot get on its own. Many important funding opportunities require or prefer a non-profit to be the applicant.
Serving as a resource that the Commission can direct applicants to for assistance in developing their projects when they are not yet ready for TRRC support.
Applying for grants from the Commission and other funders to take on critical projects identified by the Commission when no other partner is willing or suitable.
Taking on administrative duties that the Commission’s status as a political subdivision makes difficult or impossible.
For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements, and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.
“The projects supported by the Commission here in Floyd demonstrate the wide range of ways the Commission can help our communities grow and prosper,” said Commission Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “I am particularly excited to see the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia get started. We have heard from our communities that capacity is their biggest barrier to success, and that with additional resources they could develop more and better projects, pull down additional federal funds and more. The Foundation will provide that additional capacity and empower our local partners to dream big while serving as a key partner in the Commission’s mission to bring economic prosperity to every corner of its footprint.”
“I want to thank the Commission for the work they have done over the last 26 years and for their willingness to continue to adapt to meet the needs of our communities,” said FASS-VA Chairman Jeff Haley. “The goal of this Foundation is simple: We know that with additional resources and expertise our rural communities can thrive. The Foundation will partner with the Commission to deliver that assistance and work hand-in-hand with our communities to help them design, manage and fund high-impact projects. With this funding from the Commission I look forward to hiring an exceptionally qualified Executive Director as soon as possible and getting to work on behalf of the people of Southern and Southwest Virginia.”
PROJECT WILL TRANSFORM HISTORIC SCHOOL INTO 17 NEW APARTMENTS, WHILE PRESERVING HISTORIC FEATURES
Chase City – The Chase City community gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Chase City Lofts project. Chase City is partnering with historic property developer Edwin Gaskin of Echelon Resources and the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) to transform a vacant school into a 17-unit apartment complex. The nearly $4 million revitalization project will prevent the building from falling into further decay, help to continue the revitalization of Chase City’s downtown, and provide dedicated workforce housing for the community. The project is being made possible in large part through a low-interest loan from the TRRC in partnership with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA).
“Seeing this school, which means so much to so many in our community, brought back to life is certainly something to celebrate,” said Chase City Mayor Alden Fahringer. “These new apartments will provide much-needed housing options for our residents, create additional revenue for the Town, bring new customers for local businesses, and help us build on the momentum we have created over the last several years. Thank you to everyone involved in helping us make this project a reality.”
“It’s a great day to be in Chase City! This project will bring new life and purpose to a town landmark,” said Chase City Town Manager Dusty Forbes.
Delegate Tommy Wright stated, “This is a great moment for Chase City and for all of Mecklenburg County. Taking a building that holds so much history and turning it into something that serves today’s needs is exactly how our communities move forward. Projects like this don’t just preserve the past but they create real opportunity, support working families, and bring new energy into our downtowns. I’m encouraged by the partnership behind this effort and optimistic about what it means for the future of Chase City and the surrounding region.”
“I am thrilled that the Tobacco Commission continues to find innovative ways to help our communities,” said Tobacco Commission Member Wayne Carter. “This is a perfect example of the positive outcomes we can create when the public sector and private sector work together on a project that will provide lasting benefits for our region. I’d like to thank our leaders here in Chase City and our partners at the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority for their commitment to doing the hard work behind the scenes to get us to today, and the developer, Edwin Gaskin, for his willingness to take on a unique project. This model, which we hope to expand to other communities, will help bring new life to our downtowns and main streets, address our workforce housing shortage, and allow the Commission to continue being a key partner for growth for many years to come.”
“Converting historic buildings like this one into residences, while carefully preserving the aspects that make them unique, allows the community to continue to enjoy them for generations to come,” said Owner of Echelon Resources Edwin Gaskin. “I am proud to have successfully developed several similar projects, and I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Chase City, the Tobacco Commission, VSBFA, and our other partners on this one. As a developer, I understand the positive impact introducing quality new housing options can have on a community and a downtown. I am looking forward to getting started and I am honored to play small part in the success of Chase City moving forward.”
The Commission has long focused on downtown revitalization as a catalyst for community growth. This project represents an evolution of that focus and presents a new model for success that can be replicated across the Commission’s Southern and Southwest Virginia footprint.
By offering loans at below-market interest rates, the Commission can preserve its capital and the ability to continue funding projects for years to come, while still offering strong incentives to move projects forward. The Chase City Lofts project likely would not have proceeded without this unique loan from the Commission, in combination with a forward-looking community and a developer with the experience and capacity to deliver a project while utilizing unique financing arrangements. TRRC intends to replicate this model in other communities.
Project Benefits
This project aligns with Commission goals in multiple areas:
Downtown revitalization – An area of focus for the Commission, this project will add 17 units to Chase City’s downtown area. In addition to additional tax revenue for the locality, local businesses will also benefit from increased traffic.
Addressing the workforce housing shortage – The Commission knows that a lack of workforce housing is a critical issue for many of our communities. In addition to adding 17 new units, 25% of the apartments will be reserved for households earning between 80% and 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Historic preservation – While this is not an explicit area of focus, the Commission understands well that preserving the unique history and character of our communities is critical to their success. This project will stabilize and preserve a school that has a deep connection to the community and its past.
Fiscal benefit – This project transforms a vacant building, the ongoing maintenance and depreciation costs of which were a drag to the community, into a vibrant and attractive new development that will grow the town’s population, as well as its tax base.
Record set as part of VA250 Celebrations: America. Made In Virginia.
Martinsville, VA – Celebrations are underway as the “Martinsville Missile”, a NASCAR-spec stock car designed and built by Franklin County’s own Joey Arrington, set a new stock car speed record of 253 mph. With Ridgeway drag racer Tommy Hurley at the wheel the Martinsville Missile roared down the runway at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Brevard County, Florida. The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) partnered on the project and was on hand to capture video of the record attempt.
More information about the car and the team that built it can be found at va250carproject.com.
The Commission was represented at the record attempt by Commissioner Will Pace.
“It has been an honor to see this car come to life over the last few months and a thrill to be here as it set the record,” said Pace. “This project honors our past and makes a bold statement about our future in Southern Virginia. We have a deep racing heritage going back to the early 20th century and continue to welcome tourists to top-tier racing destinations like Martinsville Speedway, an original NASCAR track, and Virginia International Raceway. This car also demonstrates that Southern Virginia’s manufacturing and STEM excellence are driving the next generation of innovation, proving that our local workforce possesses the cutting-edge skills needed to build the technologies of tomorrow.”
The Commission supported the project with a $50,000 grant as part of its commitment to bring jobs, investment, and tourism dollars to the communities it serves. If you, or someone you know, are interested in bringing a business to Southern or Southwest Virginia, please reach out to the Commission at the contact information above.
“The Virginia 250 Car, proudly built right here in our community, made history by breaking the land speed record today,” said Tobacco Commission member Danny Marshall. “This moment reflects the talent, craftsmanship, and innovation that define our community. From the first idea to the finished product, this project showcases what can be accomplished when local skill and pride come together. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this record breaking achievement to life and putting Martinsville-Henry County on the map in a big way.”
This round aims to build on the success of previous rounds of the program and continue to bring innovative energy projects, along with the jobs and investment that come with them, to Southern and Southwest Virginia.
More information about the program, and details on how to apply for the latest round, can also be found on our website, www.revitalizeva.org.
Energy Ingenuity Fund Program Outline
Funds are designated for energy-related projects in each of the Commission’s service regions, Southern and Southwest Virginia. A variety of energy project proposals will be accepted, with a focus on establishing a ‘best in class’ energy economy. Projects supported through this fund will capitalize on the region’s skilled workforce and promote an energy-focused economy for the Tobacco Region, recognizing that regions with a strong focus on energy can better attract economic activity to their communities. Potential project areas include, but are not limited to: energy manufacturing supply chain, energy production, grid resiliency, energy storage, microgrids, hydrogen generation, smart cities, wind, small scale modular reactors, conversion of coal mines, and more.
The Energy Ingenuity Fund will solicit applications through a competitive process to establish grant and loan agreements for high-impact economic development projects meeting the following objectives:
– Deployment of resources to amplify and accelerate investment in energy projects – Collaboration between key partners in energy and economic development – Enhancement and expansion of the region’s energy supply chain – Development of more energy resiliency in Southern and Southwest Virginia
Funding will be considered for projects within the Southern and Southwest Virginia areas of Virginia’s Tobacco Region. See the TRRC Coverage Area Map.
For more information on TRRC program objectives, review the TRRC Strategic Plan and the Logic Models for this Program in the Plan as well as the Commission’s Funding Policies.
Deadline to Submit an Energy Ingenuity Fund Pre-Application:
Applicants must be either a local governmental entity or a non-profit OR must be partnering with a local governmental entity or non-profit.
All requests for grant funds require at least dollar-for-dollar (1:1) matching funds, with no more than 25% of the match requirement from “in-kind” sources.
Program Contacts For media inquiries: Jordan Butler Public Relations Director & Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund Manager (804) 894-9652 JButler@revitalizeva.org
Questions from partners or potential applicants: Jerry Silva Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation (804) 325-4363 JSilva@revitalizeva.org
Richmond, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its first scheduled meeting of the year on Monday, January 12th in Richmond.
Among the funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southern and Southwest Virginia, the Commission supported the creation of two new strategic funding programs, a housing project that will add 115 workforce housing units in Lee County and multiple energy projects that will help diversify the economy of rural Virginia.
The Commission continues to seek innovative ways to create jobs and investment in the Commission footprint. As part of that effort, the Commission approved the creation of the Maritime Advancement & Supply Chain Transformation (MAST) Fund and the TRRC Drone Fund. The MAST Fund will support small and medium-sized enterprises in the maritime and shipbuilding supply chain, strengthening national security and the industrial base. The TRRC Drone Fund will close capital gaps for drone manufacturers, integrators, and suppliers in the Tobacco Region. Both programs will operate as expansions of the Commission’s successful partnership with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) and offer loans to attract businesses in those industries to the region. Grants may also be available on a limited case-by-case basis.
The Commission’s Economic Development Workforce Housing Incentive Pilot Program continues to receive strong interest. The latest project approved under this program will provide $800,000 to Lee County to support the Western Lee Housing Project at the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center. The project will create 115 new housing units in an area that multiple studies have identified as a target area for additional housing.
Multiple energy projects also received Commission funding. The Commission recognizes that reliable, affordable energy is critical to the economic success of the region and that business attraction efforts are increasingly impacted by energy pricing and availability. The Commission also recognizes that the energy sector itself presents huge opportunities for job growth and investment across Southern and Southwest Virginia.
For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.
“The grants and programs approved at our meeting in Richmond are a perfect example of the Commission’s ability to be flexible, innovative and forward-thinking as we meet the needs of our Southern and Southwest Virginia communities,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “I’d like to thank our departing commissioners for their work as well as Executive Director James Campos for his contributions to the Commission over the last few years. We have completed a comprehensive strategic planning effort, created several new programs and launched the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia. All of these exceptional public servants played a key role in those efforts and they will have a positive impact on our communities for years to come. Looking forward, I am more excited about the Commission’s future, and our ability to bring jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia, than ever.”
“It has been an incredible honor to serve as Executive Director of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission,” said TRRC Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos. “I am grateful for the Commissioners, our dedicated staff, and the community leaders who are the heartbeat of this region. Our mission has always been about more than just grants; it’s about serving as a true partner in economic development to empower communities across Southern and Southwest Virginia to seize opportunities and build on their strengths. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, from launching the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia to the adoption of a historic strategic plan, the creation of our Energy Ingenuity program, and more. I am confident that the momentum we have built will allow the Commission to continue to drive prosperity across Southern and Southwest Virginia for another 25 years. I want to thank the Commission for their trust, the communities we serve for their partnership, and Governor Glenn Youngkin for giving me this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth. Keep the momentum going!”
Ribbon Cutting Marks Launch of Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure Funded by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
Multi-site Virginia initiative links energy innovation, unmanned systems, and workforce development
Richmond, Virginia – December 10, 2025.
The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS) announced today the establishment of an Energy-Centric Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center for Critical Infrastructure, made possible through a $490,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s (TRRC) Energy Ingenuity Fund.
The Center will serve as a national resource for the development, testing, and deployment of energy-resilient unmanned systems and dual-use technologies. With multi-site operations at Richard Bland College and three general aviation airports in Dinwiddie County, Danville, and Wise County (Lonesome Pine), the Center will establish a distributed innovation network that advances Virginia’s strategic aviation priorities including efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the energy, logistics, and aviation sectors.
“The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is proud to invest in initiatives that foster regional innovation while strengthening Virginia’s position as a national leader in energy and unmanned systems,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “The Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund was created to drive forward-looking projects like this that connect technology, workforce, and infrastructure development. The Commission has a history of being ahead of the curve and investing in projects that pay dividends for our Southern and Southwest Virginia communities down the road, like our early investment in business ready sites across the footprint and our commitment to workforce training programs. This investment is another example of our commitment to proactively building the economy of the future, ensuring our region thrives for generations to come.”
“As Vice Chair of the Tobacco Commission and as the State Senator representing this region, I am proud to see this investment from the Commission aimed to fuel game changing innovation and economic growth right here in Southside Virginia,” said Senator Lashrecse D. Aird. “This new Energy-Centric Unmanned Aircraft Center will strengthen our local workforce, attract new business opportunities, and further cement Virginia’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and aviation technology. This kind of project means more good jobs and new opportunities for families and businesses across our region today and for years to come — the exact priorities that are central to my work both on the Commission and as this region’s representative in the General Assembly.”
“The Energy-Centric UAS Center project demonstrates exactly the kind of cross-agency collaboration and bold thinking the Energy Ingenuity Fund was designed to catalyze,” said James Campos, Executive Director of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “By investing in forward-looking initiatives and partnering with organizations such as CCALS, we are accelerating energy-centric innovation while expanding economic and workforce opportunity throughout the Commission’s footprint.”
“The establishment of the Energy Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure not only presents an incredible opportunity for the Tobacco Commission Region to position itself as a leader in next-gen UAS testing and training, it also serves as a clear example of what can be accomplished by operationalizing the whole of government approach that has been a pillar of the Youngkin Administration,” said Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.
The Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure will accelerate technologies that improve operational efficiency, workforce safety, and energy reliability – particularly for those working in and supporting the energy industry. Planned capabilities include:
• Hydrogen-hybrid UAS flight testing and infrastructure deployment to advance high-endurance propulsion systems.
• Secure communications and RF/ISAC evaluation environments for spectrum awareness and cyber-physical protection.
• Hydrogen-Hydrogen Hybrid enabled, FAA-compliant Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) testing, training, and evaluation.
• Workforce training aligned with FAA, NIST, and emerging industry standards.
• Custom program and curriculum development.
• Technology demonstration projects and dual-use prototyping
• Advanced manufacturing and drone validation programs to strengthen domestic supply chains.
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) modeling, testing, deployment, and regulatory alignment to support future integration of sustainable air systems.
“This award reflects the growing leadership of CCALS at the convergence of energy, aviation, and logistics,” said Dr. Jeffrey Fox, CCALS Board Chairman. “By championing initiatives that advance Virginia priorities and serve both commercial and national interests, CCALS is building strategic resources that support the Commonwealth’s competitiveness and the nation’s energy resilience.”
“The Department of Aviation is proud to collaborate on this initiative, which showcases how innovative, sustainable aviation technologies can be tested and deployed across Virginia’s diverse airport network,” said Greg Campbell, Director.
“The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank is proud to support CCALS in launching the Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure. This forward-looking initiative is another example of our commitment to attracting innovative energy-related businesses to Virginia,” said Virginia Department of Energy Director Glenn Davis. “These efforts will enhance the efficiency and safety of our energy workforce and resources in the future.”
“We are proud to support the launch of this new Center in Virginia, which exemplifies the type of forward-leaning innovation our teams strive to champion every day. This partnership directly advances our core pillars of accelerating technology, building safer and more resilient communities, and developing the skilled workforce needed to sustain the unmanned systems industry for decades to come,” said Kimberly Benson, Administrator, UAS Center at SBD.
The Center is led by CCALS and supported by a multi-institutional team including the Virginia Department of Aviation, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Department of Energy, the UAS Center at SBD, George Mason University’s Rapid Prototyping Research Center, Richard Bland College, and general aviation airports in Wise County, Danville, and Dinwiddie County.
About the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS)
The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS) is a leading non-profit research and innovation center tackling the most pressing challenges in logistics, energy, critical infrastructure, and emerging dual-use technologies. Founded through a collaboration of five Virginia universities—University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Longwood University, and Old Dominion University—CCALS bridges academic insight with real-world impact. Learn more at www.ccals.com
About the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC)
The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the General Assembly to promote economic growth and development in formerly tobacco-dependent communities across South and Southwest Virginia. The Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund supports projects that accelerate energy innovation, workforce readiness, and industrial competitiveness. Learn more at www.revitalizeva.org
About the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV)
The Virginia Department of Aviation supports and develops the Commonwealth’s system of airports, aviation education, and unmanned systems integration to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable air transportation for Virginia’s citizens and businesses. Learn more at www.doav.virginia.gov
Virginia Energy is the state agency charged with advancing Virginia’s energy, mining, and mineral policies and initiatives. Our mission is to ensure the Commonwealth has a secure, abundant, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy future. The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB) is tasked with accelerating the deployment of clean power generation and energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth. VCEIB mobilizes public and private capital to address critical financing gaps in the clean power generation and infrastructure sectors, supporting the goals outlined in Virginia’s All-American, All-of-the-Above Energy Plan. www.energy.virginia.gov
About the UAS Center at SBD
The UAS Center at SBD, located at San Bernardino International Airport, supports advanced technology development, UAS flight testing, training, and evaluation across complex airport, urban, and wildland environments. Through its Norton Test Range (an FAA-designated UAS test range) and multi-agency partnerships, the Center accelerates innovation that strengthens workforce readiness, safety, and operational capability for public- and private-sector entities and operators nationwide. www.uascentersbd.com
