Category: News

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

SIGNALTAPE MEETS ODOT SPECIFICATION
Damage Prevention Solutions Signaltape XT Meets New ODOT Marking Tape Specifications

COLUMBUS, OH – In a vigilant effort to reduce the adverse effects associated with the damage of buried utilities, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently updated the 2019 Construction and Materials Specification Manual, which includes specific changes related to underground warning/marking tape.

A significant change to take note of is the requirement to “Furnish tape with a break strength of at least 3000 lb (1361 kg) when tested to ASTM D6775.”

There are two new specifications related to underground warning/marking tape; the full specifications are outlined below and reflect the exact language from page 524 and page 790 of the ODOT Construction and Materials Specification Manual.

625.20 Underground Warning / Marking Tape. Install tape approximately 6 to 10 inches (150 to 250 mm) below the final finished grade. Place with the printed side up and parallel with the finished surface. Ensure that the tape is not pulled, distorted or otherwise misplaced in completing the trench backfill. Provide approximately 10 ft (3 m) of tape inside each adjacent pull box connecting the underground utility run. Bond the tracer wire to a good earth ground in each pull box.

725.22 Underground Warning / Marking Tape. Furnish tape that is an inert material, approximately 6 inch (150 mm) wide composed of polyethylene plastic, highly resistant to alkalis, acids, or other chemical components likely to be encountered in soils. Furnish tape in accordance with the ORC 3781.29 color code and with black identifying lettering in accordance with Table 725.22-1 printed on one side only.

TABLE 725.22-1 UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITY COLOR CODES

Furnish tape in continuous rolls with the identifying lettering repeated continuously the full length of the tape. Furnish tape with a break strength of at least 3000 lb (1361 kg) when tested to ASTM D6775. Furnish tape with a minimum diameter #12 AWG HDPE insulated copper clad steel tracer wire. Provide certified data verifying compliance with these requirements.
Signaltape XT, manufactured by Damage Prevention Solutions, LLC, meets the new ODOT specifications. For more information related to Signaltape, visit www.damageprevention.com.

Other changes to the ODOT Construction and Materials Specification Manuel are highlighted in the online version of the 2019 Manual.

150 NEW JOBS COMING TO WASHINGTON COUNTY
1901 Group to Establish Third Virginia Operation in Washington County

Governor Ralph Northam announced today that 1901 Group will establish its third Virginia operation in Washington County. In addition to the 150 jobs this project will create the project will also generate $1.15 million in capital investment. 1901 Group is a leading provider of innovative IT services and solutions in the public and private sector market. The Tobacco Commission is assisting this project with a $140,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “This expansion is great news for Washington County and all of Southwest Virginia. 1901 Group is a leader in IT services and is based right here in Virginia. I’m excited about the opportunity for the Commission, and our InvestSWVA team, to support 1901 Group’s efforts to develop a sustainable IT workforce in Southwest Virginia. This is exactly the kind of innovative business we are trying to attract to the Tobacco Region and I know that here in Southwest Virginia they will find a more than capable workforce and inviting community that will make their latest expansion a success.”

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball added “1901 Group’s decision to expand its corporate footprint to a third region of the Commonwealth is a strong testament to our competitive business climate, infrastructure, and workforce. Virginia provides 1901 Group with one of the nation’s largest tech talent pools to support the company’s rapid growth. We thank 1901 Group for bringing 150 high-tech jobs to rural Virginia.”

1901 Group delivers cloud, cyber security, and enterprise-scale managed services to transition customers from traditional on-premise IT infrastructure and support models to hybrid cloud solutions that improve performance and reduce costs. Founded in 2009, 1901 Group supports customers that span federal, state, and local governments, including law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, and commercial markets.

Headquartered in Reston, VA, 1901 Group currently has two offices in Virginia (Reston and Blacksburg), plus personnel in more than 20 locations across the United States. The 1901 Group family includes over 350 experts serving customers worldwide. They support a highly skilled workforce with a ratio of 2/1 technology certifications to engineers and have been recognized as one of Virginia’s Fantastic 50 fastest growing businesses.

“1901 Group is committed to investing in growing talent to address the deficit of cloud engineering and cyber talent in the public sector,” said CEO of 1901 Group Sonu Singh. “Our business model is based on engaging rural communities to create the next wave of IT talent focused on automation, streamlining, and continual improvement in large scale IT environments. Abingdon fits that profile with its access to embedded talent at nearby universities and community colleges.”

“Attraction and growth of technology-driven businesses is critical to our continued efforts to promote economic diversification and long-term community prosperity,” said Dwayne Ball, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors. “I am pleased that our County and the Washington County Industrial Development Authority were able to work together to help this project come to fruition. We are very excited, and we warmly welcome 1901 Group to our community.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the regions we serve. Supporting the expansion of existing Virginia businesses into the tobacco region, like 1901 Group, is a great way to meet this goal especially when those businesses are in rapidly growing fields like IT.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/9/2020

NEW PERFORMING ARTS VENUE TO OPEN IN TAZEWELL COUNTY

Venue Will Be Constructed In Newly Renovated Theater Building

A new entertainment venue is coming to Tazewell County. Cultural Arts of Southwest Virginia will add approximately 1700 square ft. to the old theater building in North Tazewell to create a Performing Arts venue. The additional square footage will consist of a stage, greenroom, 2 dressing rooms including showers and restrooms, kitchenette, backstage prop area, and a loading dock. The addition will include a mezzanine in order to increase seating capacity. The Tobacco Commission is supporting this project with a $225,000 Southwest Economic Development Program grant.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Ben Chafin said, “This project will add so much to the community here in Tazewell and our region as a whole. Supporting the arts is a good thing to do in and of itself but when you can also support a project like this that will increase tourism revenue thats a big win. I’m pleased to see this project get off the ground and I look forward to enjoying a production myself once it’s completed.”

Tobacco Commission Member, Delegate Will Morefield added, “The Tobacco Commission has a long history of supporting successful tourism projects that bring visitors from near and far to Southwest Virginia. Tourism is an important part of our economy here so anything we can do to encourage people to visit and extend their stay will benefit the region for years to come. This project will do just that so I am proud that the Commission supported it and wish Tazewell and Cultural Arts of Southwest Virginia the best as they get renovations underway.”

The Town of Tazewell has never had a venue for staged performing arts productions. A partnership with the Barter Theater has already been established to bring live action stage shows to the venue and Barter Theater’s commitment will be a valuable contribution to the entertainment that can be provided at the facility. The Cultural Arts of Southwest Virginia Facility will enrich the quality of life of citizens in the region and add much needed indoor activities for citizens and visitors alike. With the growth in regional and county tourism, largely stemming from investments in outdoor recreation activities such as ATV, motorcycle, hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for camping and water activities, there is a need for a diverse portfolio of activities to both draw tourists to the region and increase the length of their stays.

Cultural Arts of Southwest Virginia owner, Sharon Thomas said, “Cultural Arts of Southwest Virginia deeply appreciates the support of the Tobacco Commission in awarding this grant. The grant funds will provide the foundation for a performing arts venue for the community that will enhance the lives of both residents and tourist.”

Tazewell County Administrator, Eric Young added, “I am excited to see this theatre moving forward. As a young man I spent many a Tuesday, Dollar Night watching Rocky, Star Wars, and ET here. Not only is this theater a sentimental part of our past, it is a significant piece of our future. As tourism grows in our county we must provide tourists reasons to extend their stay. This theatre will provide entertainment options to get folks to stay the night, have dinner here, and shop. It is a critical part of our efforts to use the back of the dragon to build our economy. Of course, it is great for us because we also get to enjoy the amenities tourism supports. We would like to thank Delegate Will Morefield and Senator Ben Chafin for their help on this project.”

Tourism is an important part of the economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Through our Southwest and Southside Economic Development and Special Projects programs the Commission has invested in enhancements to regional tourism infrastructure that demonstrate ability to attract visitors, and the revenue they bring, from outside the Tobacco Region. The Commission has funded more than 25 projects that have expanded the ability of the regions we serve to attract tourists. Commission funded projects have successfully drawn large numbers of tourists to the Tobacco Region and will continue to do so for many years to come.

“Tazewell is again recognized due to the ambition and hard work of Sharon Thomas who is a visionary and local entrepreneur who we are fortunate to call Tazewell as her home.” Said Tazewell Town Manager, Todd Day. “The Town of Tazewell’s people are resilient and full of grit to prove that our desire for existence and self-sustainability is very much still alive. We all look forward to what the future holds thanks to the Tobacco Commission and their continued support.”

Tazewell County Board of Supervisors member, Mike Hymes said, “When our board commissioned the Cardinal study to determine issues we needed work on to improve our economic development opportunities one of the weaknesses we found was in amenities such as the services Ms. Thomas plans to provide with the renovation of the former theater. It is important that we support our resident’s efforts and I applaud the Tobacco Commission’s decision to support this effort.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Building a strong tourism economy by supporting worthwhile projects likes this one is an important part of accomplishing that goal and the Commission looks forward to continuing to support projects that will bring jobs and investment to the areas we serve.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/3/2020

Virginia State University Transfers Agricultural Equipment, Facilities to Southside Virginia Fruit and Vegetable Producers Association

With the handing over today of equipment and facilities worth more than a quarter million dollars to the Southside Virginia Fruit and Vegetable Producers Association (SVFVPA), one of the longest running projects supported by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) has come to a close. Between 2013 and 2020, Virginia State University (VSU) has worked with farmers in Southside Virginia to promote production, processing, and marketing of vegetable soybean, commonly known as edamame. The work, supported by three TRRC Agribusiness grants, involved more than 50 farmers from Sussex, Dinwiddie, Lunenburg, Prince Edward, Buckingham, Charlotte, Halifax, Pittsylvania and Franklin counties. The first grant was awarded to Dr. Mebrahtu, a soybean breeder at VSU who developed the three edamame varieties ‘Randolph’, ‘Asmara’ and ‘Owens’ introduced to Southside growers by the project. In a tribute to Dr. Mebrahtu who passed away in 2013, Dr. Rutto who led the project after him notes that the focus of the work has since expanded to include string beans, lima beans and southern field peas.

The resources transferred by VSU to the SVFVPA are two ASA-Lift GB1000 green bean harvesters, and an assortment of other equipment including a walk-behind edamame harvester, four stationery bean threshers, a produce sorting line, a produce washer, and a produce drier. Some of the equipment is housed at a produce processing facility in Farmville, Prince Edward County that is part of the transfer. It was the original intent of the project to establish or support a Farmers’ Association in Southern Virginia, and the transfer of equipment to the Southside Virginia Produce Growers Association fully meets this objective. The association was established to promote commercial fruit and vegetable production in Southern Virginia through pooling of resources and aggregation of produce to achieve economies of scale. Individuals are welcome to join the association either as active, commercial, or complimentary members. More information is available at the association website https://www.southsideproducers.com/.

Virginia State University notes with gratitude the steadfast support of the TRRC for the duration of the project. Special mention goes to Mr. Timothy S. Pfohl, TRRC grants director, and Ms. Sarah K. Capps, TRRC grants administrator for the Southern region who worked directly with VSU scientists to plan and implement project objectives. Through the project, a number of VSU research and outreach programs including plant breeding, food safety, food processing and engineering, small farm outreach, agricultural marketing, and specialty crops have enhanced their relationships with agencies and landowners in Southern Virginia. The project also collaborated with other state agencies including the Agribusiness Division of the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Farmville office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Virginia Food Works, a non-profit, Delight Soy, a food company based in North Carolina, and Epic Gardens of Bon Air, Virginia have also lent support to the project.

In transferring ownership of the equipment, VSU College of Agriculture is happy to acknowledge the enduring relationship between members of the farmers’ association and the college. An important observation made during project implementation is the logistical headache of getting fresh produce out of the field and into the retail value chain in a timely and efficient manner, and it is reassuring that the association has invested in cold storage and trucking capacity to meet this challenge. Through Small Farm Outreach and other programs, VSU will continue to provide technical support to the association.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/26/20220

TOBACCO COMMISSION LAUNCHES SECOND ROUND OF STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT TALENT ATTRACTION PROGRAM (TAP)

Application Deadline: March 15, 2020

The purpose of the Talent Attraction Program (TAP) is to encourage recent graduates to live in the tobacco region and work in targeted, hard-to-fill occupations in the Tobacco Region by providing up to $12,000 annually in student loan repayment with a two-year commitment. Loan repayment awards may be renewed for another two years if eligible with a maximum award of $48,000.

The TAP program requires that recipients have specific, desired credentials, contribute meaningfully to their communities through civic engagement, and work in occupations for which there is currently a workforce shortage. Moreover, by providing large individual awards, this program seeks to truly incentivize people to change their career plan and locate in the Tobacco Region.

To be eligible for the TAP program, recipients must:
Have graduated (or will graduate) between March 15, 2019, and December 31, 2020, with a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education, public or private, in-state or out-of-state
Be able to legally work in the U.S.
Reside within the Tobacco Region during the 24-month period of employment in which the award is made: Tobacco Region
Become significantly civically engaged in their community by volunteering with local non-profit or government activities, such as the United Way, Ruritan Club, Junior League, PTA, citizen committee for local government, local fire/EMS, food banks, youth sports coach, etc., with a total annual engagement of at least 50 hours of work.
Have qualifying educational loans
Begin full-time employment in the tobacco region within six months of the award letter or graduation, whichever is later, and work for 24 months in one of the following occupations in the tobacco region:
Public School Teacher in Science, Math, Technology/Computer Science, or Career and Technical Education (Grades 6-12)
Public School Special Education Teacher (K-12)
Speech Language Pathologist
Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Industrial or Electrical Engineer
Information Security, Network, or Computer Systems Analyst
For information on the loan repayment program for healthcare occupations (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dental professionals, mental health professionals, registered nurses, and pharmacists), please visit VDH VA-SLRP

The current round of the TAP program comes after a successful first round concluded last fall. 91 students in a variety of occupations accepted awards totaling over $1.6 million in loan repayments if all conditions are met. The overwhelming success of the first round of the TAP program resulted in the Commission allocating a further $1 million for the second round of the program.

The application deadline is March 15, 2020. Applicants will be notified of a decision via e-mail in early April of 2020.

The total number of awards will be based on available funding and loan balances of eligible applicants. Priority will be given to graduates who are from Tobacco Region localities – those whose permanent residence was in the Tobacco Region for at least 12 months prior to attending college.

Full details can be found on our website: www.revitalizeva.org

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/23/2020

56 NEW JOBS COMING TO FRANKLIN COUNTY

Traditional Medicinals to Open Manufacturing Facility

Richmond, VA – Governor Northam announced today that Traditional Medicinals will open a new manufacturing facility in Franklin County. The project is expected to create 56 new jobs and includes $29.7 million in capital investment. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is assisting this project with a $245,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant as well as a $245,000 TROF loan. Traditional Medicinals will build their new manufacturing facility in the Summit View Business Park which has received more than $1.3 million in Tobacco Commission grants.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “Traditional Medicinals is a welcome addition to our business community in Franklin County. Attracting an industry leading company like Traditional Medicinals shows that Franklin County, and all of Southside Virginia, can compete with anyone for high-quality jobs. I welcome Traditional Medicinals to our community and look forward to seeing construction get underway on their new facility.”

Traditional Medicinals, Inc., a Certified B Corporation, is a pioneer of the wellness tea category and the leading seller of organic and Fair Trade Certified™ herbal teas in the United States and Canada. The company’s more than 50 high-quality wellness teas are formulated by herbalists using pharmacopoeial grade herbs. Founded in Sebastopol, California in 1974, Traditional Medicinals is an independent company that embraces sustainability, ingredient purity, and social and environmental activism.

Blair Kellison, CEO of Traditional Medicinals said, “It was incredibly important that we found a location that embodied our company values. We’ve worked for decades to ensure that the work we do positively impacts both the environment and the people in the communities where we do business—both on a local level and in the 42 countries where we purchase herbs. We are proud to become a part of Franklin County and the greater Roanoke community and look forward to making a positive social business impact here.”

Franklin County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Leland Mitchell added, “Traditional Medicinals is a world-class company, and Franklin County is extremely excited for them to join our business community and the growing list of firms that call the Summit View Business Park home. Summit View was strategically developed to better attract companies that create high-paying jobs, invest capital in our economy, and become leaders in the community. Traditional Medicinals meets all of these requirements and more. It is gratifying to see the County’s vision coming to life and we thank Traditional Medicinals for their partnership and their trust in Franklin County.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Attracting industry leading businesses, like Traditional Medicinals, is an important part of accomplishing that goal and the Commission looks forward to continuing to support projects that will bring jobs and investment to the areas we serve.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/21/2020