Category: News

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

BASSETT FURNITURE ANNOUNCES 22 NEW JOBS

Will Expand Henry County Operation

Richmond, VA – Bassett Furniture announced today that due to increasing demand it will expand its Henry County operation with 22 new jobs and a $1.5 million investment in new equipment. Bassett currently operates 91 stores across the country with plans to have 95 stores open by the end of the year.
The 22 new positions will be located at the company’s corporate offices in Bassett, at the Bench*Made production line, also in Bassett, or at their Martinsville table plant known as Plant 11. The capital investment will include the purchase of a new finishing system for the Martinsville location, expansion of the Bench*Made operation, which produces custom made solid red leaf maple furniture, and upgrades to the company’s corporate offices.

The Tobacco Commission awarded a $95,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with the expansion in addition to $53,502 in Enterprise Zone grants from Henry County.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “Bassett Furniture has always been a firm cornerstone of Southside Virginia in every way, for so many years. Since the day it was founded, Bassett Furniture has never wavered in its commitment to the people in our region, and remains to this day as the premiere name in furniture manufacturing. The Tobacco Commission is proud to support this great company as it expands its operations in Henry County.”

Mark Heath, President and CEO of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. added, “With today’s announcement, Bassett Furniture continues its remarkable turnaround in a globally competitive market. For more than 100 years, Bassett has been a market leader, and we are thankful for its continued investment and growth in Martinsville-Henry County.”

Jim Adams, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors said, “Bassett Furniture is one of the leading corporate citizens in Henry County and we are excited about this expansion. Today’s announcement reinforces the idea that advanced manufacturing can flourish here, and we look forward to Bassett’s continued success.”

Bassett Furniture has a long history in the Henry County area and the Tobacco Commission is proud to support a company that has continued to invest in Southern Virginia. As the Commission strives to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia it is vitally important that we continue to support those companies that have invested in the region and shown long term commitment to its growth and prosperity.

Jeb Bassett, Senior Vice President of Bassett’s Wood Division said, “I have been impressed with the local Economic Development Corp. and thank them and the Board of Supervisors in Henry County and the Tobacco Commission for recognizing and supporting long-time local industries in addition to the work they do in supporting and attracting new industries.”

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
3/22/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Hotel Weyanoke to Bring Jobs and Investment to Farmville

Project Expected to Create 76 Jobs and More Than $7 Million in Economic Impact

Richmond, VA– Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that the Hotel Weyanoke, slated to open in spring 2018, will create 76 new jobs and help bring more than $7 million annually in travel spending to the Farmville area. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded a $145,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant for the project. Total investment for the project will be more than $12.2 million.

Tobacco Commission Member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “The Hotel Weyanoke project will provide travelers with a fantastic new lodging option in historic downtown Farmville. At the local level, visitors to the Farmville area spent more than $20 million in 2015 and the addition of Hotel Weyanoke will boost spending as well as provide valuable jobs and increased tax revenue. We welcome the Hotel Weyanoke to Farmville and look forward to it contributing to the region’s economy.”

Ross Fickenscher, co-owner of the Hotel Weyanoke added, “The Hotel Weyanoke will fill a much needed void of lodging, dining, entertainment and meeting space, and is itself, a historic attraction. Located in downtown Farmville, the Weyanoke will host guests who can easily walk to nearby Main Street shops, Green Front Furniture, the Moton Museum, Longwood University, the Sarah Terry Trail, High Bridge Trail State Park, The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, and more. This will be a new, exciting experience for visitors to stay longer, eat, shop and experience Farmville in a new way.”

The hotel will be located at 202 High Street and will include 27,000 square feet of space in a renovated building as well as a 30,000 square foot addition. Guests staying in the hotel’s 70 rooms will be able to choose from four new dining and refreshment options located on site.

David E. Whitus, Mayor of Farmville said, “It is exciting to see a historic establishment like the Hotel Weyanoke being revived to new life in our town. Along with creating jobs, it will be an establishment that will attract visitors and residents alike, spurring economic growth. It will be added to the list of all the characteristics that make Farmville a great place to live, work and play.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has invested substantially over the years in projects designed to support and grow the tourism industry in Southern and Southwest Virginia as part of our strategy to develop a diverse economy in those areas. The Hotel Weyanoke will serve as a focal point for travelers as they enjoy the greater Farmville area and all that it has to offer.

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
3/9/2017

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

CANCER RESEARCH & RESOURCE CENTERS OF SOUTHERN VIRGINIA PROVIDE VITAL ACCESS TO TREATMENT AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Centers Recently Received a $458,532 Grant From the Tobacco Commission

Richmond, VA – Cancer Research & Resource Centers of Southern Virginia are outreach arms of VCU Massey Cancer Center. They work hard to improve the health of those living in Southern Virginia through innovative programs and access to top quality care. The centers, located along the Highway 58 corridor, in Lawrenceville and Danville, have received over $2.2 million in Tobacco Commission grant funds since 2008. So far, they have assisted over 1200 cancer patients and held over 800 educational programs and conferences with more than 31,000 participants. The centers operate somewhat differently with Lawrenceville concentrating on working directly with the community and those seeking information and guidance. The Danville office, on the other hand, concentrates its efforts on medical providers by offering professional education and training to ensure the best outcomes for patients. In fact, over 1,200 healthcare professionals have participated in Research & Resource Center events. Residents are encouraged to drop by either center for more information on cancer risk reduction or a particular diagnosis.

Charlotte Litzenberg, Cancer Research & Resource Center of Southern Virginia Coordinator said, “Whether individually or as a group, at one of our offices or in the community, we help people access the information and other resources they need. When faced with what can be an overwhelming diagnosis, identifying trusted and reliable support is not always as easy a task as it should be.”

Delegate Danny Marshall, Tobacco Commission member added, “The Tobacco Commission’s main mission is to help our citizens secure jobs. It takes a healthy workforce to be a successful workforce, which can be counted on by employers. We are pleased to partner with the Massey Cancer Center to assist in providing funding for education and screenings, in order to help workers stay healthy and keep their jobs.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Through its multiple programs including seminars and workshops for the community as well as information and continuing education programs for health care providers, the Cancer Research & Resource Centers are a crucial partner in making Southern Virginia not only a healthier place to live but a desirable location for companies to locate and bring jobs to the 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
3/6/17

SteelFab To add 18 Jobs In Emporia

Expansion of Manufacturing Facility Includes $2.14 Million in Investment

Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that SteelFab is expanding its manufacturing operation in Emporia with the construction of a new building and purchase of additional equipment. The expansion includes $2.14 million in additional investment and is expected to create 18 new jobs. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded a $60,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant and Governor McAuliffe approved a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist with the project.

SteelFab President, Rob Burlington said, “SteelFab is excited to be expanding our current Emporia facility. The help from the Tobacco Commission and Virginia Economic Development Partnership aided us in growing our business within a state with access to many large east coast markets. We plan to expand our employment offerings that have included training, 401k match, bonuses and excellent opportunities to the people in and around Emporia and Greensville county”

SteelFab is a leading AISC certified fabricator of structural steel in the United States. With over 900 employees in 12 locations across the Southeast and Texas, SteelFab undertakes both small and large projects throughout the US. SteelFab prides itself on outstanding customer service and on-time, on-budget delivery of a superior product.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “The expansion of SteelFab is great news and I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission played a role in making this project happen. Our primary goal is job creation so when a successful company like SteelFab shows their commitment to the region it is important that we support their efforts.”

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore added, “Thriving companies like SteelFab have helped make fabricated metal product manufacturing one of the largest sectors in Virginia’s manufacturing industry. SteelFab has more than a dozen locations in the U.S., and we are proud that the company has chosen Emporia as the site of its next expansion. We are confident SteelFab will continue to prosper in the Commonwealth, and look forward to its continued success.”

Emporia Mayor, Mary Person said, “The City of Emporia sincerely appreciates SteelFab’s continued presence and growth in our community.”

The Tobacco Commission is proud to support the expansion of successful businesses, like SteelFab, in our region. These high quality jobs will help us continue our mission of developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia.

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
3/2/17

Signaltape® Nears Commercialization

Excavation Alert Systems, LLC Hopes to Bring Product to Market in April

Richmond, VA – Excavation Alert Systems, LLC is hoping to bring their innovative buried utility protection system product, Signaltape, to market as early as April of this year. Signaltape is a buried utility protection system designed to alert equipment operators and construction site workers to the presence of buried utilities such as natural gas lines or fiber. Signaltape is designed to pull to the surface to alert equipment operators that utility lines are below. A second version of the product, aptly called SmoketapeTM, emits APWA color coded smoke to ensure that operators can quickly react before striking vital infrastructure. Smoketape is expected to be commercially available by the fourth quarter this year.

Mike Parilac, Owner of Planet Underground said, “Signaltape breathes new life into a standard industry product while tremendously enhancing excavator safety.”

Excavation Alert Systems, LLC currently employs three workers at their facility in Arvonia, VA and that number is expected to expand to five workers in the near future as production ramps up. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with a $1,500,000 Research and Development grant in 2013 and recently approved the purchase of a high-volume lamination system that will allow production to take place in Buckingham County at the Arvonia location. The Tobacco Commission worked with the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center on this project.

David Matlock, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center added, “We are always excited to work on projects that will bring jobs and investment to our region and we look forward to working with the Tobacco Commission as we seek to attract new companies to Southern and Southwest Virginia.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to bringing jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia. Projects like Signaltape and Smoketape that offer a compelling product designed and manufactured in our region are a perfect example of our commitment to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve.

Chairman of the Tobacco Commission’s Southside Economic Development Committee, Delegate Thomas C. Wright added, “EAS and Signaltape show that new and innovative products can be developed successfully and manufactured right here in our region. I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission supported this project and look forward to their continued success.”

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
2/9/17

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

Commission Approves Liberty University Purchase of The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research in Bedford

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met to discuss a proposal from Liberty University and The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) in Bedford County for Liberty to purchase the building for $4.3 million. Liberty plans to locate its school of Engineering and Computational Sciences adjacent to CAER. Construction will begin as soon as possible to expand the site to meet the needs of the school.

The agreement will not see Liberty take over the entire facility but the university will take over the contract for the facility and become an anchor tenant. The Tobacco Commission will remain owners of some grant related property within the facility while Liberty will own the building itself. It is expected that this arrangement will attract new business to the New London Business and Technology Center within which CAER is located.

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Kathy Byron said, “Liberty University and the CAER have been among the Tobacco Commission’s most reliable partners. The joining of these two forces, focused on advanced engineering and emerging technologies, will promote the vision of the Commission to establish a research industry environment that has tremendous potential to attract new businesses and investment to our area.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission funded much of the initial construction of the CAER and has continued to support it over the years with funds for updated equipment and new capabilities. The Commission views the purchase of the facility by Liberty University as an opportunity to further the goal of creating a research university environment that will attract businesses and bring jobs to the region as we strive to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia.

Liberty University Vice President of Special Projects, Jonathan Whitt said, “Liberty University is excited to build upon the initial investment in the CAER by the Tobacco Commission and others to develop a campus focused on advanced energy research. As home to our school of Engineering and Computational Sciences, we will have the opportunity to build much needed bridges between academia and the private sector. We view the energy sector as the new “enernet”, a fast growing sector that promises exciting economic development and job creation.”

Bob Bailey, Executive Director of the CAER added, “The CAER’s vision has always been the development and growth of a strong research university environment in the region. This exciting new collaborative project with Liberty University’s School of Engineering and Bedford County is a significant milestone in achieving this vision”

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
2/1/17

SoVA Vineyard Development and Expansion Project Will Support Virginia’s Wine Industry

Applications Currently Being Accepted

Richmond, VA – Virginia’s wine industry is booming, but rapid growth has brought on its share of problems. The number of wineries in Virginia has increased dramatically over the past decade yet vineyard expansion has not kept up with the pace. This has left winemakers without enough Virginia grown grapes to ensure that all wineries can meet the 75% requirement to have their wines labeled as Virginia grown.

Seeing the opportunity to support a vibrant and growing industry, the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded an $811,526 AgriBusiness grant to Pittsylvania County which will work in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Vineyards Association to address the issue. This will be achieved primarily by entering into cost-sharing agreements with those interested in developing a vineyard to offset capital costs associated with the planting of new vineyard acreage. The program will reimburse applicants for up to 33% of qualifying expenditures. Applications for new vineyard development are being accepted through February 15th, 2017 and landowners willing to develop new acres of vineyard are encouraged to apply.

Ashley Nauta, District Extension Agent and Vineyards Project Coordinator for Virginia Cooperative Extension said, “This program offers an exciting opportunity for landowners in the Southside Region of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and these cost share funds are vitally important as our producers consider the capital investments associated with vineyard establishment. Virginia Cooperative Extension is fortunate to play a role in implementation of this program, in partnership with Pittsylvania County, Virginia Vineyards Association, Virginia Tech and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, and we look forward to the positive impacts it will have on Virginia’s Wine Industry.”

The overall success and potential for continued growth of the Virginia wine industry present a unique opportunity for long term job growth and investment in Southern and Southwest Virginia. This aligns perfectly with the Tobacco Commission’s long term goal of developing a diverse economy in the regions it serves.

Tobacco Commission Agri-Business Committee Member, Delegate Thomas C. Wright, Jr. added, “I am very pleased that the AgriBusiness Committee awarded and the Tobacco Commission approved the $811,526.00 grant, that will assist our Virginia vineyards increase production of grapes for an already booming wine industry in Virginia.”

For more information about the cost-share program, including how to apply, please contact Ashley Nauta, Vineyards Project Coordinator at 434-432-7770 or by email at aswolfe@vt.edu.

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
1/20/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Agricultural Energy Efficiency Initiative Helps Family Farms Stay In Business

31 Farms Implement Cost Saving Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Richmond, VA – Family owned farms are always looking for ways to increase profitability and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is happy to help. In 2010 VCE launched a pilot known as the On-Farm Energy Efficiency Project, supported by a $146,751 AgriBusiness grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission, to evaluate the potential for cost savings related to energy use on Virginia farms. Energy costs for Virginia farms have consistently risen over the years and reducing those costs could significantly help farms remain profitable. When the pilot project concluded in 2012 the results were clear: Over $1 million in potential energy savings was identified at 58 farms should they complete an energy audit and install the recommended upgrades.

Following the successful pilot the Agricultural Energy Efficiency Initiative was launched in 2014 with the help of a $373,500 AgriBusiness grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission to make these savings a reality. The project pays for an energy audit of their facilities and equipment and then provides them with technology guidance, best practices and access to experts as well as funding opportunities to help them make the recommended upgrades.

Martha Walker, Virginia Cooperative Extension Community Viability Extension Specialist said, “Our Southside and Southwest Virginia Cooperative Extension team works directly with the farmers enrolled in this energy efficiency program to connect each farm to the right energy auditor, complete the audit process, and provide the cost share for energy retrofits. We know that when farms expend hard-earned dollars on inefficient equipment and processes, farm profitability is in jeopardy. To support this effort, Extension has built strong partnerships with all the state and federal agencies as well as Electric Cooperatives and funders that invested in farm energy.”

Over the course of the project 64 farms have completed an energy audit and 31 of those have gone on to implement recommended cost saving energy retrofits with the help of $214,000 in Tobacco Commission grant funds. This project aligns perfectly with the Tobacco Commission’s goal of developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia by supporting local agriculture and keeping jobs in the region.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore added, “This project is a good example of the positive impact the Tobacco Commission is having on our region. Helping farms remain profitable and keeping jobs in our area are important to the long term success of Southern and Southwest Virginia.”

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
1/12/2017

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

Commission Approves 27 Funding Requests for Projects in Southwest and Southside Virginia

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met over two days (January 9-10) to give final approval for 27 funding requests as well as a number of extensions for previously awarded projects. The 27 funding requests total more than $11.9 million dollars and will support projects in areas such as workforce training, agribusiness and general economic development. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $9.7 million for scholarships and workforce training, $705,537 for economic development as well as $1,505,963 for agribusiness related projects. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $8,300 to $500,000. In the coming weeks information highlighting specific projects will be made available.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Basil I. Gooden said, “The great work of the Commission is critical to building, expanding and diversifying the new Virginia economy. As a vocal advocate of agriculture’s role in Virginia’s economic development, I am especially pleased with the quality of projects funded through the Agribusiness Committee. They will have a real impact on the people and communities in rural Virginia.”

The Commission also made a slight change to the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) guidelines which will allow the Executive Director to approve funding requests, in consultation with the TROF Committee, for projects that will create a significant number of jobs but do not meet the minimum capital investment threshold. This will ensure that the Commission is able to support projects that bring jobs to Southern and Southwest Virginia but may not include a large amount of physical expansion.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore added, “I am pleased that the Commission chose to fund these worthwhile projects. These projects will help us continue toward our goal of developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia.”

The funding requests approved over the two day meeting will continue to fulfill the mission of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission to create jobs and opportunity in the former tobacco regions of Virginia.

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
1/10/17