Category: Press Releases

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

VIRGINIA EARLY CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION EXPANDS ACCESS TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Smart Beginnings Program Seeing Success and Expansion

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/29/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

MAJOR PROJECT BREAKS GROUND IN DINWIDDIE COUNTY

Will Bring 145 New Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/24/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR BERRY HILL INDUSTRIAL PARK

Industrial Park is Largest in Virginia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/23/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

BASSETT FURNITURE ANNOUNCES 22 NEW JOBS

Will Expand Henry County Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/22/17

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Hotel Weyanoke to Bring Jobs and Investment to Farmville

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/9/2017

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/6/17

SteelFab To add 18 Jobs In Emporia

Expansion of Manufacturing Facility Includes $2.14 Million in Investment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/2/17

Signaltape® Nears Commercialization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/9/17

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/1/17