Category: Press Releases

  • 6/15/17 SOVA Innovation Center For TV White Space Broadband Development Officially Launched In Bedford

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
    SOVA INNOVATION CENTER FOR TV WHITE SPACE BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN BEDFORD

    Center Follows Successful Launch of TV White Space Network in Charlotte and Halifax Counties

    Bedford, VA – Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp. and Adaptrum officially launched the SOVA Innovation Center for TV White Space Broadband Development today in Bedford County. The center will support research and development of TV White Space technology to provide affordable broadband service in Virginia and other unserved areas.

    The Innovation center will advance technology already in use in Charlotte and Halifax Counties. The project, known as the ‘Homework Network’ will allow thousands of students in Charlotte and Halifax to access high speed Wi-Fi at no cost. The network is being launched with the help of $500,000 in grant funds from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. By the end of 2017 3,000 students in 1,000 homes will have access to their schools’ online networks as a result of the project.

    Tobacco Commission Research & Development Committee Chair, Delegate Kathy Byron said, “Broadband access is crucial for students and is an important factor in attracting jobs and investment to rural areas. This center will help expand broadband access to those who need it and continue to develop this innovative White Space technology.”

    Adaptrum will utilize the facility as their East Coast Research and Development headquarters. They plan to partner with local universities, including Virginia Tech, to advance White Space technology as well as develop and test new products.

    Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “For far too long, rural Virginia’s children haven’t had the same access to the internet as their peers in the suburbs. This project is an important step toward correcting that inequity.”

     

    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
    6/15/17

  • 5/30/17 Eastman Chemical Company Expanding In Henry County

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY EXPANDING IN HENRY COUNTY

    Expansion Will Result in 15 New Jobs

    Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Eastman Chemical Company will expand its Henry County operation. The Company will make an $11.7 million dollar investment to add a new production line for its Performance Films business. This project will also lead to the creation of 15 new jobs.

    The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with an $110,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant. The Commission previously approved $230,000 in TROF funds for another expansion at Eastman Chemical.

    Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “It’s gratifying to watch the Commonwealth’s existing manufacturing base expand in Southern Virginia and around the Commonwealth. Virginia employs nearly 250,000 workers in the advanced manufacturing industry, which is steadily gaining momentum. Eastman is an important corporate partner to Martinsville-Henry County, and this great investment helps secure the company’s future longevity in the region and in the Commonwealth.”

    Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “Today’s announcement of Eastman’s expansion in Southside is great news for our region. Ever since Eastman Chemical Company established operations here in Virginia, it has been a treasured corporate partner with the Martinsville-Henry County community, and their continued commitment to our citizens is proof-positive that the foundation of the new economy in advanced manufacturing starts right here, right now. The Tobacco Commission is proud to partner with the Governor’s office and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to assist in making this expansion of Eastman’s business operations here in Virginia possible.”

    Eastman Chemical Company, founded in 1920, is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2016 revenues of approximately $9.0 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world.

    Vice President and General Manager of Eastman’s Performance Films business, Travis Smith said, “This expansion positions Eastman to meet the great growth in demand for window and paint protection films we’re seeing from our customers around the world. This investment further solidifies Eastman’s commitment to the window and paint protection films markets and to making our manufacturing site in Henry County a state-of-the-art facility that produces the world’s highest quality films products.”

    Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors, Jim Adams added, “Eastman is at the forefront as an employer of choice in Henry County and as a community leader. We are ecstatic about today’s announcement and Eastman’s future in our community.”

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

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    5/30/17

  • 5/23/17 The Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp. With Microsoft Set To Expand Internet Access To Thousands Of Students In Rural Virginia

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    THE MID-ATLANTIC BROADBAND COMMUNITIES CORP. WITH MICROSOFT SET TO EXPAND INTERNET ACCESS TO THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS IN RURAL VIRGINIA

    ‘Homework Network’ Will Bring Wi-Fi Access to Students in Charlotte and Halifax Counties

    Richmond, VA – The Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp. on Tuesday announced with Microsoft Corp. the largest ‘TV White Space’ project in North America. This ‘Homework Network’ will allow thousands of students in Charlotte and Halifax to access high speed Wi-Fi at no cost. Internet access is crucial to student development and this project aims to close the gap between students with high speed access and those in rural areas where access may not be available. With this technology, and the access it provides, students in rural Virginia will be prepared to enter an increasingly connected world.

    The network, which has already been successfully piloted in Charlotte and Halifax counties, is being launched with the help of $500,000 in grant funds from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. By the end of 2017 3,000 students in 1,000 homes will have access to their schools’ online networks as a result of the project.

    Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Senator Frank Ruff said, “Rural Southern Virginia is now home to a highly innovative solution to help young people succeed in school, which can serve as a model for other parts of the state, the U.S. and even around the world. We are proud to help support and fund such an important project starting here in Charlotte and Halifax counties.”

    Paul Garnett, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Affordable Access Initiatives added, “Too many students in the U.S. are falling behind their peers because they lack reliable high-speed internet access at home. Falling behind today means entering the job market at a serious disadvantage tomorrow. This innovative public-private partnership can help close that gap. Our partnership with MBC and others is one step in what we hope is replicated in other parts of the country and around the world.”

    The technology behind the network utilizes ‘TV white space’, which is the unused spectrum between TV channels, by redirecting broadband from schools to receivers located at each home. The network utilizes hardware manufactured by Adaptrum and installed by B2X Online.

    Tad Deriso, MBC President and CEO said, “Closing the homework gap is critical for improving the odds of student success. We are delighted to partner with Microsoft and others on such a groundbreaking initiative that, at the end of the day, connects young people to required educational resources and strengthens our local communities. Ultimately we believe such initiatives enhance competitiveness for economic development in Southern Virginia.”

    The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Access to fast, reliable internet for rural communities has been a long term focus of the commission and this project continues our effort to make our region a great place to live and do business.

     

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    5/23/17

  • 5/18/17 Tobacco Commission Meets In Appomattox

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN APPOMATTOX

    Commission Approves 19 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia

    Appomattox, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Wednesday the 17th and Thursday the 18th of May to give final approval for 19 funding requests. The 19 requests total more than $7.6 million dollars and will support projects in areas such as agribusiness, education, research and development, special projects and general economic development. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $125,000 for agribusiness, $1.68 million to support education, $400,000 for special projects and $5.42 million for general economic development. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $81,424 to $1.77 million.

    Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “I am pleased that the Commission chose to fund these projects. Job creation and economic growth are our primary goals and the grants approved at these meetings are a step in the right direction on both fronts.”

    Additionally, the Commission set aside $10 million in Research & Development funds for a new program designed to expand broadband access in the region. Specifically, the program is designed to encourage service providers and localities to invest in last mile connections. More details about this program will be released in the coming weeks.

    Research & Development Committee Chair, Delegate Kathy Byron said, “Providing broadband access to communities currently underserved is one of the keys to increasing economic development throughout the tobacco region. By making investments that will actually address this challenge, we are providing opportunities for business growth and job creation.”

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

    Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “These projects represent a wide array of opportunities for our region and will have a positive impact on our goal of developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve.”

     

    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
    5/18/17

  • 5/1/17 KYOCERA SGS Tech Hub, LLC Breaks Ground On New Facility

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

    KYOCERA SGS TECH HUB, LLC BREAKS GROUND ON NEW FACILITY

    Project Will Bring 35 New Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    5/1/17

  • 4/28/17 Universal Companies Will Expand Distribution Operation

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

    30 JOBS COMING TO WASHINGTON COUNTY

    Universal Companies Will Expand Distribution Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    4/28/17

  • 4/25/17 Applied Felts Announces Expansion In Henry County

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

    APPLIED FELTS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION IN HENRY COUNTY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    4/25/17

  • 4/19/17 DP Facilities Inc. Will Make $65 Million Capital Investment In Data Center

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

    40 NEW JOBS COMING TO WISE COUNTY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    4/19/17

  • 4/18/17 Boones Mill Cuts Ribbon On New Facility.

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

    BOONES MILL CUTS RIBBON ON NEW FACILITY

    Renovated Factory Site Becomes Village Park at Boones Mill

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    4/18/17

  • 4/11/17 Tobacco Region Forgivable Student Loan Program Now Accepting Applications

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

    TOBACCO REGION FORGIVABLE STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    4/11/17