Category: News

126 NEW JOBS COMING TO HENRY COUNTY

Crown Holdings to Locate in Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre

Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Crown Holdings, Inc. will build a new aluminum beverage can manufacturing operation in Henry County’s Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre. The projects is expected to create 126 new jobs and includes $145 million in capital investment.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission played a key role in attracting Crown Holdings to Henry County with investments totaling more than $16 million in Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre over the years.

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman said, “The entire region will benefit tremendously from the location of this major facility by Crown Holdings. We are gratified to see the Commission’s significant investments in the Commonwealth Crossing site have paid off so handsomely for Henry County and for the many Virginians who will be employed at this facility.”

Founded in 1892 and headquartered in Yardley, Pennsylvania, Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment, and services to a broad range of end markets. Ranked 272 on the Forbes Fortune 500, Crown Holdings has operations in 47 countries employing over 33,000 people. Operating in Virginia for more than 60 years, the company has facilities in Frederick County and the City of Suffolk as well as subsidiary operations in Henry County and Pittsylvania County, employing more than 200 total employees.

Jim Adams, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors said, “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I assure you that we are beyond excited to welcome Crown Holdings to our community. This is further evidence that the past nearly two decades of planning, preparation and construction of Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre is paying off. Crown is an industry leader with a reputation of community involvement, treating its employees well, and being great stewards of the environment. It is precisely the kind of company we want, and we are humbled that the company chose us.”

Attracting companies like Crown Holdings to the regions it serves was exactly what the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission had in mind as it made strategic investments over the years in building out sites like Commonwealth Crossing. Attracting businesses, and the jobs they bring, requires knowing what businesses are looking for in their next location and meeting those demands. The Tobacco Commission’s forward looking investments in site development have allowed Southern and Southwest Virginia to be competitive in recruiting top employers and will allow them to remain competitive over the coming decades. Sites created with the help of the Tobacco Commission continue to attract a great deal of interest to the region, interest that would not exist if those larger tracts of “business-ready sites” with necessary utilities and infrastructure were not available. This is one of many ways in which the Tobacco Commission has taken a long-term view towards meeting the goal of developing a diverse economy in the regions it serves.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/28/2021

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION HOLDS JANUARY MEETING

Commission Elects New Leadership and Approves 19 Funding Requests

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met electronically on Friday, January 8th and selected Mayor of the Town of South Boston, Edward Owens, as the next Chairman of the Commission and Delegate Lashrecse Aird as Vice-Chair. The Commission also acted on 19 funding requests including projects that will expand broadband access, support Virginia’s livestock industry and ensure that the workforces of Southern and Southwest Virginia are prepared to fill job openings as they become available through workforce financial aid grants in partnership with our community colleges.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Edward Owens said, “It is an honor to be selected for the role of Chairman by the members of the Commission. I would like to thank our outgoing Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore, for his leadership and I look forward to continuing to serve with him on the Commission. I would also like to congratulate Delegate Lashrecse Aird on being named Vice-Chair and look forward to working with her as we continue to find new and innovative ways to ensure that the Commission has a positive impact on the communities it serves. Working together, I am certain that the members of the Commission, Commission staff and the localities we serve will continue to bring jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia for years to come.”

Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Delegate Lashrecse Aird added, “I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as Vice-Chair and I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues on the commission as we continue to develop durable and innovative economic opportunities. Now more than ever, it is critical that we uplift and empower all communities especially the vibrant regions in the South and Southwest who have been left behind for far too long. As leaders, it is incumbent upon all of us to do the important work of ensuring everyone in the Commonwealth has the tools they need to thrive.”

The Commission also welcomed three new members:

Ms. Coley Jones Drinkwater of Dinwiddie
Mr. Richard T. Hite, Jr. of Kenbridge
The Honorable Thomas Jordan Miles, III of Buckingham

Additionally the Commission gave final approval for 19 funding requests totaling $8,158,290. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $1,309,290 for Southwest Virginia projects, $3,009,000 for Workforce Financial Aid projects and $3,840,000 for a Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund project. The individual approved requests ranged in size from $18,000 to $3,840,000.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the regions we serve. The projects approved at this meeting will continue to build on that effort and will help Southern and Southwest Virginia grow and prosper for decades to come.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/12/2021

160 New Jobs Coming To Scott County

eHealth Technologies to Create New Customer Support Center

Governor Ralph Northam announced today that eHealth Technologies, Inc. will establish a new customer support center in Scott County. The project is expected to create 160 new jobs and includes $375,000 in capital investment. The Tobacco Commission is supporting this project with a $94,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant.

Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “eHealth Technologies’ decision to expand its operation to Southwest Virginia underscores the region’s strategic advantages and the strength of our workforce. We are proud to have worked along with InvestSWVA and Mountain Empire Community College to guide eHealth Technologies’ leadership over the last year to ensure they selected Scott County for this key expansion. This project demonstrates that Southwest Virginia is a location of choice companies looking to diversify their operations.”

eHealth Technologies is the leading provider of clinical information services for recently diagnosed, chronically ill patients needing to be admitted for hospital care on an expedited basis in the United States. Headquartered in Rochester, NY, with employees worldwide, eHealth Technologies serves well over half of the nation’s top 100 hospitals, including 17 of the top 20 U.S. News & World Report 2020-2021 Honor Roll Hospitals. eHealth Technologies’ solution enables these institutions to reduce their time from referral to first appointment by as much as 80%. The company’s eHealth Connect® platform offers the easiest and fastest way to get a patient’s external records, images, and pathology slides in the hands of the clinical team. By opening a site in Virginia, eHealth Technologies will further diversify its operations and create system redundancies to benefit its customers. In 2019, Aldrich Capital Partners became the parent company of eHealth Technologies, providing support for business expansion and development.

CEO of eHealth Technologies, Jeff Markin said, “This expansion in Southwest Virginia is the right next step in our strategic growth plan. We appreciate the support received from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission-backed InvestSWVA team, and we are excited to grow our partnerships around the Commonwealth of Virginia. This Scott County expansion will enable eHealth Technologies to strengthen our focus on helping the clinicians we serve get seamless access to the healthcare information they need—when they need it—for the benefit of patients receiving critical care.”

Chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors, Danny Mann added, “Scott County is ready to play a key role in eHealth Technologies’ strategic growth plan. We appreciate being part of a team effort over the last year to attract eHealth Technologies to Southwest Virginia as it expands its operation and continues to deliver top-notch service to hospital systems across the country.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Attracting innovative industry leaders, like eHealth Technologies, to our region is an important part of that mission and demonstrates that rural Virginia can compete when it comes to attracting top employers.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/10/2020

54 New Jobs Coming to Louisa County and Wythe County

Klöckner Pentaplast to Expand Current Facilities

Governor Northam announced today that Klöckner Pentaplast Group will expand its operations in Louisa County and Wythe County. The two projects will create 54 new jobs and include $68 million in capital investment. 28 jobs will be created at the Louisa County facility with 26 added in Wythe County. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is supporting this project with a $125,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund Grant.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “Klöckner Pentaplast has been a part of our Virginia business community for decades and it is great to see them expand their operation in the Commonwealth. The jobs created by this expansion will be a big help to our rural communities as we recover from this pandemic and I am proud that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this expansion.”

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball added, “We are proud Klöckner Pentaplast will expand operations in Louisa County and Wythe County, growing its corporate footprint in the Commonwealth and creating more than 50 high-quality jobs.This company is at the forefront of the packaging industry, and a manufacturer of kp’s caliber will continue to bolster this thriving sector in Virginia.”

Klöckner Pentaplast Group is a global leader in rigid and flexible packaging and specialty film solutions, serving the pharmaceutical, medical device, food, beverage, and card markets, among others. With a broad portfolio of packaging and product films and services, Klöckner Pentaplast plays an integral role in the customer value chain by safeguarding product integrity, assuring safety and consumer health, improving sustainability, and protecting brand reputation. Founded in 1965 in Montabaur, Germany, Klöckner Pentaplast has operations in 18 countries and employs over 5,900 people committed to serving customers worldwide in over 60 locations, including 32 production sites. The company established its first North American production facility in 1979 in Gordonsville, Virginia.

President of the Klöckner Pentaplast Group Pharma, Health and Specialties Division, Tracey Peacock said, “For kp, the investment strengthens our local footprint in Virginia, which has served as the company’s proud home and a mainstay in the community for several decades. Virginia is the ideal location to expand our facilities due to its proximity to customers, allowing us to conveniently serve them and to position the Gordonsville and Rural Retreat sites as Centers of Excellence for the company. This expansion will provide new capacity for both heat shrink sleeve films and our post-consumer recycled PET line, which we previously announced to serve our sustainable consumer and food packaging customer base. The new PET heat shrink sleeve film production line is expected to be fully operational in the third quarter of 2022.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the regions we serve. Supporting successful local businesses, like Klöckner Pentaplast, as they seek to expanding is a vital part of that effort especially in the uncertainty of the current business climate.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/17/2020

113 New Jobs Coming To Washington County

SPIG Industry, LLC To Expand Guardrail Manufacturing Operation

Governor Ralph Northam announced today that SPIG Industry, LLC, will expand its operation in Washington County. This expansion will create 113 new jobs and includes $7.9 million in capital investment. The expansion will occur at SPIG’s current location in the Bristol-Washington Industrial park and includes three production plants, a welding shop and a new rail spur. The Tobacco Commission is supporting this project with a $99,500 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “SPIG Industry’s expansion demonstrates that Southwest Virginia is a prime location for advanced manufacturing growth opportunities, a key priority for the Tobacco Commission. We are proud to have worked along with InvestSWVA to guide SPIG’s leadership from the beginning to ensure they selected Southwest Virginia as their permanent home. This project demonstrates that developing industrial parks, something the Commission has supported over the years, can pay dividends in the long run for our rural communities.”

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball added, “SPIG Industry has grown into an impressive operation. Manufacturing is critical to economic vitality in all regions of the Commonwealth, and the company’s expansion reinforces that Washington County and Southwest Virginia offer the infrastructure and workforce to attract and retain high-caliber manufacturers like SPIG.”

SPIG Industry was formed by two brothers, Joshua and Chris Harman, in 2007 as a manufacturer and innovator of highway guardrail safety products. Since 2011, the company has operated as a development company for the SGET end terminal, a safety device that absorbs and dissipates the massive amount of energy created during a head-on automobile or truck crash. The product provides uniform shaping and hole patterns, making SPIG guardrails faster and easier to install, while also enabling the product to match seamlessly with rail from other manufacturers.

Managing Member of SPIG, Joshua Harman said, “This is an exciting day as we expand our global highway guardrail and end terminal operation right here in Southwest Virginia. Together with our skilled and dedicated team, we’re using innovative technology to help save people’s lives.”

Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors, Dwayne Ball added, “We are pleased with SPIG’s decision to continue to invest in Washington County and create job opportunities for our people. We wish the company much success as they enter into a new phase of growth.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Assisting successful and innovative local businesses, like SPIG, when they are ready to expand is an important part of this work.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/12/2020

NEARLY 200 NEW JOBS COMING TO PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Ison Furniture to Establish New Manufacturing Operation

Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Ison Furniture Manufacturing Inc., will establish a new manufacturing operation in Pittsylvania County. The project will create 150 new jobs and result in $3.5 million in capital investment. Ison will take up residence in the former A.C. Furniture Company facility in Pittsylvania. Additionally, Dogwood Global, LLC, a supplier for Ison, will create an additional 45 jobs and invest $500,000 to locate in a 30,000 square foot building onsite.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is supporting this project with an $86,500 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said, “Ison Furniture’s decision to establish its newest furniture production operation in Pittsylvania County is great news for Southern Virginia, and it demonstrates the infrastructure and workforce advantages that continue to attract high-quality manufacturers. We thank Ison and supplier Dogwood Global for creating valuable job opportunities, and we are confident the region will deliver a sustainable talent pipeline to facilitate the growth of both companies.”

Tobacco Commission member, Dr. Alexis Ehrhardt added, “The fact that our region successfully competed for this project demonstrates that the investments we have made to ensure that Southern Virginia is a great place to do business are paying off. We have a skilled workforce ready to start on day one, and I look forward to seeing Ison Furniture begin the hiring process.”

Ison Furniture Manufacturing, Inc. produces contemporary furniture for consumer and hospitality markets. The company has two facilities in North Carolina, and the new operation represents its first in Virginia. The former A.C. Furniture Company in Pittsylvania County operated from 1977 to March 2020 and developed a strong textiles and furniture workforce in the region. As part of the project, Ison will also utilize excess upholstery and sewing capacity at the facility to manufacture personal protective equipment products to support the local COVID-19 response.

President of Ison Furntiure Manufacturing, Akira Ison said, “Ison Furniture Manufacturing, Inc. is excited to become part of the historic Virginia furniture industry. Southern Virginia is known for having some of the finest furniture craftsmen in the country, and Virginia has led the way in providing a foundation for businesses and employees to grow and prosper together. Local and state government that embraced our concept of designing a COVID-conscious facility, and our family-owned business looks forward to helping over 150 employees prosper and take care of their families.”

Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Bob Warren added, “This announcement is yet another demonstration of the excellence of Pittsylvania County’s workforce and the effectiveness of our efforts to bring high-quality manufacturing jobs to our locality and region. We are thankful that Ison Furniture, as well as Dogwood Global, LLC, have decided to expand into Pittsylvania County, and we are excited to see the positive and long-term impacts for our citizens that come from this project.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the regions we serve. Southern Virginia has long been known as a center for manufacturing and furniture manufacturing in particular. The Tobacco Commission is pleased to be able to support this project that will create jobs and help keep this important industry alive in Southern Virginia.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/26/2020

 

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION HOLDS FALL MEETING

Commission Approves 13 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met electronically on Monday, September 28th and acted on 13 funding requests. Among others, the Commission funded projects through its Southern Virginia Program that include a new entrance road to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest as well as various site improvement projects to assist in the attraction of new businesses to the region. In addition, the Education Committee budgeted new funding for the Virginia Department of Health’s Student Loan Repayment Program for healthcare occupations and the Commission’s own Talent Attract Program. Other business included the approval of two funding requests for upcoming projects under the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund program.

These projects and the additional projects approved at this meeting will create opportunities for thousands of individuals across Southern and Southwest Virginia in the years to come and illustrate the key role the Tobacco Commission plays in the long term advancement of our rural economies.

Additionally, the Commission is pleased to welcome three new members:

Senator John S. Edwards
Senator L. Louise Lucas
Senator Joseph D. Morrissey

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “While meeting electronically is not ideal, I applaud the Commission for the work it did over the course of the day. The Commission supported good projects from across the region we serve that will create jobs and opportunity for years to come. From tourism to education and more, the Commission will continue working to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia during these unique times”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “I’d like to thank the members of the Commission as well as our staff for making these meetings a success under challenging circumstances. While much has been put on hold, the work of building a vibrant and successful economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia must continue.”

The requests approved at this meeting, including both grants and loans, total more than $9,320,178 and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds awarded break down as follows: $7,352,178 for projects in Southern Virginia and $1,968,000 for two Incentives and Loan Program projects. The Commission also approved funding levels of $1,500,000 for the VDH Student Loan Repayment Program and $1,500,000 for the Commission’s TAP Program

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. The funding requests approved at the meeting will continue to move the region toward that goal.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/29/2020

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

60 NEW JOBS COMING TO GRAYSON COUNTY
Metalworx to Relocate to Grayson County

Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Metalworx, Inc., will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operation to Grayson County. The project is expected to create 60 new jobs and includes $4.77 million in capital investment. The Tobacco Commission is assisting this project with a $265,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant and a $265,000 Opportunity Fund loan.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Brian Ball said, “This is an important time to gain new corporate partners, and we thank Metalworx for its investment and the creation of well-paid jobs in Grayson County and Southwest Virginia. This project is evidence of the region’s ability to attract businesses, with its talent, infrastructure, and amenities. We look forward to seeing Metalworx ramp up production in Virginia.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “It’s great to see that Metalworx has chosen Grayson County for their expansion. Advanced and precision manufacturing have been a major focus for the Tobacco Commission’s workforce development programs, and I have no doubt that Metalworx will find that the highly capable workforce in Grayson ensures that their expansion is a success.”

Metalworx, a world class manufacturer of low to high volume, highly engineered and precision manufactured components, assemblies and products, will establish their new operation in Grayson County in the former Core Fitness Complex. Metalworx primarily serves as an engineering design and contract manufacturer to the medical, aerospace, defense and other technology based industries.

Grayson County Chief Administrative Officer, Bill Shepley said, “We are thrilled that Metalworx has chosen to move to Grayson County in order to grow and expand its business. Our partnership between Metalworx, Grayson County, the Town of Independence, and the Commonwealth of Virginia will be extremely important for the people of our region. We appreciate the spirit of cooperation that has occurred with Michael Sawer on behalf of Metalworx and welcome our new friends and partners to our community.”

President and CEO of Metalworx, Michael Sawer added, “We are pleased to move forward with our expansion into Grayson County and we anticipate this will help us continue to meet our growing customer demand. This expansion is consistent with our vision to grow a sustainable and successful company through development of employees that share our passion for manufacturing and provide meaningful value for our customers. We chose Grayson County based on the strong work ethic and positive attitudes of the people who live and work here, and the small-town atmosphere. We hope to provide Grayson County and the surrounding area with skilled manufacturing employment opportunities, competitive wages and benefits, and expand our existing apprenticeship program. We appreciate all of the support we have received from state and local officials and look forward to our future in Grayson County.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Attracting advanced manufacturing operations, like Metalworx, to our region is an important part of that work and builds on on years of investment in advanced manufacturing education and certification programs.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/24/2020

41 NEW JOBS COMING TO TOWN OF SOUTH BOSTON
Blue Ribbon Extraction to Establish Hemp Processing and CBD Oil Extraction Facility

Governor Northam announced today that BRD Extraction, LLC, doing business as Blue Ribbon Extraction, will establish a hemp processing and CBD oil extraction operation in the Town of South Boston. The project is expected to create 41 new jobs and includes $3.26 million in capital investment. The Tobacco Commission is supporting this project with a $250,000 Agribusiness grant.

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Bettina Ring said, “There has been tremendous growth in Virginia’s industrial hemp industry, creating new opportunities for rural communities to thrive. By locating this large processing facility in an emerging geographic center of industrial hemp production, Blue Ribbon Extraction will create a local market for the crop, addressing one of the biggest challenges currently facing the industrial hemp industry in Virginia.”

Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Brian Ball added, “We are proud to welcome Blue Ribbon Extraction to Halifax County and the Commonwealth. The hemp industry represents exciting opportunities for Virginia farmers, and I am confident Southern Virginia will provide a topnotch workforce for the hemp industry to grow and succeed.”

Tobacco Commission member, Ed Owens said, “I’m very pleased to see this project get underway so that Southern Virginia is prepared to take advantage of all the opportunities this emerging industry will create. The industrial hemp industry has the potential to create many jobs and increased income for our farmers in the coming years and I look forward to seeing this facility up and running.”

Hemp is a crop with many uses including rope and textiles, insulation and building materials as well as food and medicinal products. In just the last few years the market for CBD oil, a hemp extract, has grown immensely and this facility will allow growers in Southern Virginia to take advantage of this lucrative and growing market. Blue Ribbon Extraction expects to be able to process 5,000 pounds of industrial hemp per day and has committed to buying 90 percent of their hemp from Virginia farmers resulting in an over $71 million dollar boost to Virginia’s agricultural economy.

Chairman of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors, Hubert Pannell said, “This is a great day for Halifax County, the growth of the hemp industry in our region is just beginning. The county’s early participation to help implement and sponsor the Industrial Hemp Summit has paid off with the location of Blue Ribbon Extraction in our wonderful county. We are very excited to welcome these community partners to Halifax and look forward to their many successes in the industry. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the IDA of Halifax County for their never ending efforts to secure this project.”

Blue Ribbon Extraction Co-Chief Executive Officers, Sterling Edmunds, Jr. and Rick Gregory added, “We look forward to partnering with farmers to establish a local market for a new agricultural crop right here at home in Halifax County. We currently have 1.2 million pounds of hemp under contract with farmers for the 2020 growing season. With the support of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator, the Halifax County IDA, and the South Boston IDA, Blue Ribbon is off to a great start. Approximately $10 million primarily raised from private sources will be invested in bringing this project to reality for southern Virginia.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the regions we serve. Supporting advancements in Virginia’s agricultural sector has long been a top priority for the Commission and this project continues that work work by allowing Virginia farmers to take advantage of a rapidly expanding new market.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/18/2020

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS ELECTRONICALLY

Commission Approves 29 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Monday, May 18th to give final approval for 29 funding requests. Approved Education and Workforce Development projects include a partnership between New College Institute in Martinsville and Amazon Web Services to train workers for cloud services positions, a new Mental Health Counseling Master’s program at Emory & Henry College, new machining and radiology equipment at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg and support for the expansion of power lineman, CDL and dental assistant programs at Mountain Empire Community College in the Town of Appalachia as well as millions in financial aid for Community College students. These projects and the additional projects approved at this meeting will create opportunities for thousands of individuals across Southern and Southwest Virginia in the years to come and illustrate the key role the Tobacco Commission plays in the long term advancement of our rural economies.

Agribusiness projects approved include hemp fiber processing projects in Danville and Russell County to ensure that Virginia is well positioned for the opportunities this emerging industry presents.

As well as the awards mentioned the Commission also adopted a new budget and agreed to hold a future meeting later this spring to consider an updated strategic plan.

Additionally, the Commission is pleased to welcome four new members:

Del. Lashrecse Aird
Del. Chris Hurst
Del. Sam Rasoul
Del. Roslyn Tyler

The Commission also announced the hiring of Mike Kaestner as the Commission’s new Grants Director and thanked retiring Grants Director Tim Pfohl for his service to the Commission and the Commonwealth.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “I’m pleased with the work the Commission was able to accomplish today under these unique circumstances. These will be trying times for rural Virginia but we must keep moving forward with the work of bringing jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia.The projects approved at this meeting will help us continue to do just that and I thank everyone for making these meetings a success.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “While the meetings themselves were unusual in that we couldn’t all be together to do the business of the Commission, I think the results align well with our goal of working to develop a diverse and vibrant economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. I’d like to thank the Commissioners and the staff for being flexible and making these meetings possible, and our new Commissioners for joining a meeting just a few days after being appointed.”

The requests approved at this meeting total more than $7,834,000 and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds awarded break down as follows: $2,469,571 for Competitive Education, $2,901,000 for Workforce Financial Aid, $1,900,000 for a Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund project loan and $564,017 for AgriBusiness industrial hemp processing projects. Additionally the Commission authorized various extensions for existing projects. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $12,500 to $1,900,000.

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. The funding requests approved at the meeting will continue to move the region toward that goal.

 

 

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/19/2020