Category: News

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

KYOCERA SGS TECH HUB, LLC BREAKS GROUND ON NEW FACILITY

Project Will Bring 35 New Jobs

Richmond, VA – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for Kyocera SGS Tech Hub LLC’s new 30,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in the Danville-Pittsylvania Cyber Park. The project includes $9.5 million in capital investment and will bring 35 new jobs at an average salary of $65,000. The facility will be used to develop and manufacture carbide rotary cutting tools.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded $350,000 from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund to bring the project to the region. The Danville-Pittsylvania Cyber Park in which the facility is located was created with the help of a 2002 Tobacco Commission Southside Economic Development Fund grant of $300,000. Kyocera SGS Tech Hub will also join the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing as an Organizing Member. The Tobacco Commission has contributed over $6 million for training and economic development at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing.

Tobacco Commission Vice-Chairman, Senator Frank Ruff Said, “It is always great when a company decides to grow in our region. It is even better when it is a company that is recognized as a leader in an industry such as Kyocera. We look forward to a long future with them in Danville”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall added, “As a member of the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) Committee of the Tobacco Commission, which awarded a $350,000 grant to KYOCERA SGS Precision Tool, it is exciting to be a part of this groundbreaking ceremony and see the progress toward 35 new manufacturing jobs and an investment of $9.5 million in our region. We appreciate Kyocera’s decision to select our area for their U.S. site and wish them the greatest success.”

This project is a good fit for the Southern Virginia region and Danville-Pittsylvania in particular. Long term investment from the Tobacco Commission and others has led to a workforce well trained in advanced manufacturing techniques. This ties in directly with the Commission’s goal of using long term strategic investment to create a diverse economy in both Southern and Southwest Virginia.

President of Kyocera SGS Tech Hub, Jason Wells said, “We are excited to write the next chapter of success stories with our new economic partner, Danville, Virginia. The support and investment elected officials have put into developing a skilled workforce and engineering technology hotspot truly differentiates Danville and makes it a great place to plant roots and drive innovation. Excellent high school education and trade programs, world class university engineering programs, and supporting industry research groups such as CCAM and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research combine into a tour de force that makes Virginia an integral part of our future.”

RIFA Chairman Sherman Saunders added, “We say ‘thank you’ to Kyocera SGS Precision Tools for investing in Danville-Pittsylvania County. It gives me great pleasure to know that a globally competitive brand like Kyocera has confidence in developing future products and growing its U.S. presence using home grown talent from right here in the Dan River Region.”

Danville Mayor John Gilstrap said, “The City of Danville takes pride in our ongoing partnership with Pittsylvania County as we participate in the groundbreaking for the new Kyocera SGS facility. We appreciate the company’s investment in the region and look forward to them becoming a vital and successful member of the business community.”

Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Bob Warren said, “I thank Kyocera SGS Precision Tools for deciding to invest in our community and for developing its Tech Hub in our regional Cyber Park. Kyocera is bringing not only good paying jobs to our region, but is also becoming part of a City and County that are reinventing themselves to meet the demands of 21st century business. I am confident that they will find the conditions necessary to succeed along with a community that truly appreciates them and their industry. Kyocera’s futuristic looking facility, with its prominent location overlooking one of our main highways, will be seen daily by commuting residents and visitors, and will symbolize our collective commitment to move the Dan River region forward.”

For more information about Kyocera SGS Tech Hub, LLC, please contact Jason Wells-Chief Technical Officer by email: wellsj@kyocera-sgstool.com or by phone: (434) 265-6582

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/1/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

30 JOBS COMING TO WASHINGTON COUNTY

Universal Companies Will Expand Distribution Operation

Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Universal Companies will expand its distribution operation in Washington County. The expansion of their Abingdon facility will create 30 new jobs along with $1.5 million in capital investment. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $210,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for this project and Governor McAuliffe approved a $90,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the County with the project.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “Universal Companies employs a variety of positions, bringing quality job diversity to Washington County and Southwest Virginia, and we congratulate the company on this great expansion. The Commonwealth’s distribution industry is booming, transporting goods and services to customers around the world and employing nearly 80,000 Virginians. Universal is a testament to the growth of this sector and we look forward to the company’s next chapter of success in the Commonwealth.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico added, “On behalf of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, I want to congratulate Universal Companies on their decision to expand operations in Washington County, VA bringing 30 new jobs to the area. It is certainly a cause for celebration.”

Founded in 1982, Universal Companies is committed to delivering innovative and complete spa solutions to maximize the success of over 30,000 global customers. Universal offers not only products and equipment, but also industry-leading advanced education to the spa and wellness industry.

Universal Companies’ CEO, Brenda Elliott explains, “Universal is dedicated to investing in our local economy by bringing more career opportunities to our region. We have seen significant growth since our founding and see only more in our future. We employ the full spectrum of employee from entry-level to corporate executives. We are proud to partner with Washington County to advance our distribution operation.”

Chair of the Washington County Board of Supervisors, Randy Pennington added, “Washington County is pleased to share in today’s good news. Universal Companies is a valued member of our business community and we are excited they decided to grow and reinvest here at Oak Park: Center for Business and Industry.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to bringing jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia to develop a diverse economy in the region. Companies like Universal with a strong track record of success and demonstrated commitment to their community are a perfect example of the strategic investments the Tobacco Commission is making.

 
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/28/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

APPLIED FELTS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION IN HENRY COUNTY

Project Will Include $3 Million in Capital Investment and 15 New Jobs

Richmond, VA – Applied Felts announced today that they will significantly expand their production operation in Henry County. The $3 million expansion will include a 21,000 square foot addition to their facility at North Bowles Industrial Park as well as new equipment that will increase production capacity to meet increasing demand. 15 new manufacturing jobs will be created as a result of the expansion. Carl Fleming, Financial Controller at Applied Felts, estimates that construction on the building will be completed by late spring and one of the two new lines will be operational at that time with the other coming on line in the fall.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $35,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant for this project. This is the second time the Tobacco Commission has supported an expansion at Applied Felts, having approved $150,937 in 2011.

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall said, “It is great to watch a successful business expand and offer more jobs in our region. The Tobacco Commission is pleased to help support the growth of Applied Felts with a $35,000 grant. The company’s $3 million investment in building expansion and machinery, for increased production, is an important investment in our community because it provides more jobs. We appreciate Applied Felts choosing to expand its line locally and hope that they have great success with their new markets.”

Applied Felts is the leading manufacturer of pipe liners utilizing Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) technology, which it helped create. The CIPP process involves resin being injected into existing pipes which then cures in place. The process is used primarily to repair sewer lines without the need to remove and replace them, potentially offering substantial savings to localities with aging infrastructure. Applied Felts is a subsidiary of W.E. Rawson Group based in the United Kingdom and expanded to the United States in 1997 with the opening of its Henry County facility.

Jim Adams, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors said, “We congratulate Applied Felts on its expansion. The company is one of our most solid corporate citizens, and we look forward to its continued success. We are blessed to have the company in Henry County.”

Mark Heath, President/CEO of the Martinsville-Henry County EDC added, “As Applied Felts continues to grow and expand its Henry County operations it is a testament to the companies’ strong position in a unique global market. We look forward to their continued success”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Companies like Applied Felts that offer innovative products used worldwide show that our region has the facilities, workforce and infrastructure needed to compete in a global market for high quality jobs and investment.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/25/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

40 NEW JOBS COMING TO WISE COUNTY

DP Facilities Inc. Will Make $65 Million Capital Investment in Data Center

Richmond, VA – DP Facilities Inc. announced today that they will construct a Mission Critical Tier III Data Center in Wise County. The project will result in $65 million in capital investment and is expected to create 40 jobs over the next three years. The secure facility will be constructed on 22 acres at the Lonesome Pine Regional Business and Technology Park. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $350,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant for the project. Additionally, the Commission has approved $175,000 in grant funds for site development at Lonesome Pine since 2001.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “We are happy to assist Wise County and DP Facilities Inc. with Tobacco Commission funds to create these jobs in Wise County. Any day that you create jobs is a great day.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Ben Chafin added, “DP Facilities Inc. is an important addition to the Lonesome Pine Regional Business and Technology Park and I am proud of the work our local and state officials were able to accomplish to assist DP Facilities Inc. with this project. These new jobs for Wise County are a vital step to rebuilding our regional economy.”

The facility, known as Mineral Gap, is a Tier III Uptime Institute certified Data Center. The facility is recognized for the highest standards in design, construction and operational sustainability, and features multiple redundant systems. The site at Lonesome Pine was chosen, in part, for its security and stability which will allow the data center to remain operational under extreme conditions.

President of DP Facilities Inc., Mark Gerard said, “Mineral Gap will provide continuous operational continuity with experts available around the clock and cutting edge technologies.”

Chairperson of the Wise County Board of Supervisors, Dana Kilgore said, “This project offers tremendous opportunities for additional development and we hope other high-technology companies will recognize, as DP Facilities Inc. did, that Wise County is committed to transforming the region into a secure technology corridor. Abundant broadband fiber, redundant electrical power, and collaboration with the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and Mountain Empire Community College make Wise County an ideal location for any number of strategic partnerships in technology.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia by attracting jobs and investment to the region. High quality tech jobs, like those at Mineral Gap, are integral to the revitalization of the region and will continue to position Southern and Southwest Virginia as top choices for technology companies looking to relocate or expand.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/19/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

BOONES MILL CUTS RIBBON ON NEW FACILITY

Renovated Factory Site Becomes Village Park at Boones Mill

Richmond, VA – The Town of Boones Mill held a ribbon cutting today to mark the completion of renovations on a 50,000 square foot industrial building, located at the 73 acre Village Park at Boones Mill site, to create a modern business facility. Formerly the location of a manufacturing plant, the site sat unused for a number of years before the town purchased the property. Two tenants, Titan Trains and Liquid Performance, are set to occupy the facility. Titan Trains makes 1/8 scale locomotives and cars with accurate historical and contemporary details, selling them to collectors and parks around the world. Liquid Performance makes vehicle cleaners and engine additives on its own brand and private labels. Each firm employs about 10 people. The site is also home to the town office, the historic train depot, hiking trails, and nine small businesses, including the Foothills Produce Auction. Additional space is available for lease in the industrial building.

The Tobacco Commission announced a $10,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to support the Liquid Performance upfit which will bring 2 new jobs and $475,000 in capital investment. Since 2012 the Commission has also awarded $638,280 in Economic Development funds to assist with the building renovation as well as $20,000 in AgriBusiness funds to renovate the year round farmers market located on the 73 acre site.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “Congratulations to Boones Mill on the opening of this new facility. Improving an existing asset to attract new businesses and jobs to an area is the kind of project the Commission is happy to support and the investment made in this facility will pay dividends for years to come.”

Attracting businesses to the region is one of the primary goals of the Tobacco Commission as we strive to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Projects like this one that turn existing facilities into marketable assets that localities can use to attract new businesses are a perfect example of strategic investments that will pay dividends for years to come.

Boones Mill Mayor, Ben Flora said, “The Tobacco Commission’s assistance continues to be essential, not only for our own specific projects, but for the “ripple effects” occurring locally as well. This partnered investment envisions a more vibrant and viable economic consistency for our town, changing this community for the better.”

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/18/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

TOBACCO REGION FORGIVABLE STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Total Commission Support of Post-Secondary Tuition Costs Will Exceed $100 Million Mark

Richmond, VA – Applications are now being accepted for the Tobacco Region Forgivable Student Loan Program. Students who live within the Tobacco Commission footprint in Southern and Southwest Virginia are invited to apply. The application window opened on April 10th and will remain open through May 12th. For more information regarding eligibility and terms please visit www.ticscholarshiploan.org.

The 2017-18 loan cycle will see total Tobacco Commission support of post-secondary tuition costs exceed $100 million since inception.

Tobacco Commission Vice-Chairman, Senator Frank Ruff said, “The Tobacco Commission has been committed to the young people of our region for almost twenty years. We want our citizens to do well. The Commission understands today’s world requires education and training to meet twenty-first century needs, from hands on workforce skills training to four year degrees.”

The purpose of the Forgivable Student Loan Program is to promote economic growth and development in Virginia’s Southside and Southwest regions by attracting and retaining modern businesses, through methods designed to increase the skill levels of the regions’ labor pools. Educational grant projects are intended to prepare citizens for new-economy employment through GED and workforce development, higher education scholarship programs for the two regions and competitive grants to community colleges and other educational entities.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/11/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

VIRGINIA EARLY CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION EXPANDS ACCESS TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Smart Beginnings Program Seeing Success and Expansion

Richmond, VA – Early childhood education plays a vital role in ensuring that children have the best chance to reach their academic potential and contributes to the overall well-being of families and communities. The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) knows this and is working to expand access to early childhood education across Virginia through their Smart Beginnings initiative. Smart Beginnings is designed to support local communities in pulling together the systems to support young children and ensure that they receive a high quality education right from the start. Results have been positive and many of these local initiatives have continued to operate past their initial grant period and to attract additional funds to the region for school readiness purposes.

Since 2009 the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has awarded more than $1.8 million in grant funds to the VECF to develop the six Smart Beginnings initiatives currently at work in twenty- six counties in Southern and Southwest Virginia. In addition to fostering Smart Beginnings, VECF is working to increase the number of early childhood education programs participating in Virginia’s Quality Rating and Improvement System. Known as Virginia Quality, this program aims to assess and systematically improve the quality of child care and early learning programs by providing helpful tools and resources. Since 2015, with a 3-year award of $130,000 from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, VECF has leveraged the outreach and coordination provided by Smart Beginnings initiatives in the rural communities of Southern Virginia to engage 45 new programs in Virginia Quality with the ultimate goal of 60 new programs engaged in quality improvement by the end of April 2018. TIC grant funding is also supporting efforts to upskill the early education workforce through scholarships to support certification or enrollment in degree coursework for early educators in Southern Virginia. At the mid-point of this three-year grant, VECF’s efforts have reached programs and teachers impacting approximately 2000 children in the region.

Kathy Glazer, President of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation said, “VECF is grateful for the Tobacco Commission’s long-standing partnership and recognition of early education as key to both workforce and economic development in the tobacco regions. The Commission’s leadership and commitment to school readiness has laid the groundwork for a strong future workforce in these communities.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission aims to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. In order to do so it is important that we support our local communities and help provide them with the tools they need to compete for jobs and investment. Education is critical in this mission and early childhood education provides a jumpstart for academic achievement that will prepare residents to take on high quality jobs as they become available. When companies are determining where to locate or expand they often look at the ability of a local workforce to meet their needs and, increasingly, consider quality of life for their employees in their decision making. Access to high quality early childhood education can play a role in making sure these jobs come to Southern and Southwest Virginia.

Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Senator Frank Ruff said, “The Tobacco Commission understands the need for our young ones to have a good start if they are to compete in today’s world. We have been pleased to partner with the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation to make their programs available in our region.”

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/29/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

MAJOR PROJECT BREAKS GROUND IN DINWIDDIE COUNTY

Will Bring 145 New Jobs

Richmond, VA – ALDI broke ground today on their new regional headquarters and distribution center in Dinwiddie County. The 500,000 square foot facility will result in 145 new jobs and capital investment of $57 million dollars.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded a $680,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant for the project. The project builds on the Tobacco Commission’s objective of developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia by attracting successful companies to the region, such as ALDI, and assisting others in expanding their current operations.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “This is an important project for Dinwiddie County and Southern Virginia as well as a great investment for the Tobacco Commission. Job creation is one of our primary goals and this project certainly delivers.”

Harrison Moody, Chairman of the Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors added, “This project has been a long time in the making and we are happy to be breaking ground. ALDI has a strong reputation for providing quality employment opportunities and we welcome them to our community.”

ALDI currently operates over 1,500 stores in the U.S. with plans to expand to nearly 2,000 stores and employs over 24,000 people while continuing to grow.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/24/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR BERRY HILL INDUSTRIAL PARK

Industrial Park is Largest in Virginia

Richmond, VA – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today in Danville, Virginia for the Berry Hill Industrial Park. The ceremony marks the official opening of the largest industrial park in Virginia at 3,700 acres. Berry Hill has seen major investment from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission dating back to 2008. In total, the Commission has awarded nearly $30 million in grants for site development and infrastructure at Berry Hill. The park is a joint project of Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony for Berry Hill Industrial Park is an important milestone for the future of Southern Virginia and a testament to what years of hard work and determination can provide. As the largest industrial park in the Commonwealth and the fifth largest on the East Coast, this site will be an incredible asset for the Danville-Pittsylvania County Region and the new Virginia economy as we market the region to companies looking to relocate or expand.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall added, “It is all about jobs. The vision and long-term planning for Berry Hill are coming together to create major moves in economic development for our region. I chair the Special Projects Committee of the Virginia Tobacco Commission that has helped to provide more than $29.8 million for the project. Among other positives, the major factor that sets Berry Hill apart from its competitors is the size. It is the largest contiguous industrial park in Virginia and the fifth largest on the East Coast. There is room for expansive operation, which means many jobs. This effort is totally focused on bringing good jobs to our area.”

The industrial park has already been successful in attracting business interest. Recently Southern Power entered into a purchase agreement for a 300 acre site within the park as part of their ongoing effort to secure generation sites for developing potential natural gas projects.

Investments in industrial parks like Berry Hill are part of the Tobacco Commission’s long term plan to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. The Berry Hill site presents an excellent opportunity to continue doing just that with plenty of space available for businesses interested in moving or expanding to the area.

Danville Mayor John Gilstrap said, “We believe a graded site will be a game-changer. When complete, we will be able to show industrial prospects a site that is construction ready. Danville and this region have seen significant change over the years. Textiles and tobacco no longer dominate the economy. However, we have endeavored to adapt – to reimagine success. We are making the transition to an economy with a diversified, forward-looking mix of businesses. Today’s groundbreaking is one more step in our efforts.”

Bob Warren, chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors added, “Pittsylvania County’s vision and goal for Berry Hill Industrial Park has always been to collaboratively work together with our neighbors to create an employment and investment center that greatly assists the region in providing revenues needed for resident services while also creating jobs for our current and future workforce. Pittsylvania County is both honored and humbled to have been entrusted by our regional and State partners to host the location of this site, and values its relationship with the many stakeholders and individuals that have been involved in getting us to this momentous occasion.”

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/23/17