Category: Press Releases

  • 5/22/24 Tobacco Commission Meets in Lee/Wise Counties.

    Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Logo

    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN LEE AND WISE COUNTIES
     
    COMMISSION APPROVES 11 SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA PROJECTS, 8 SOUTHERN VIRGINIA PROJECTS AND 11 WORKFORCE FINANCIAL AID REQUESTS

    COMMISSION APPOINTS THE HONORABLE FRANK RUFF AS CHAIRMAN AND DELEGATE WILL MOREFIELD AS VICE-CHAIR

    Ewing, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its second of three scheduled meetings for the year on Wednesday, May 22nd, in Ewing with Committee meetings held the day prior in Wise. The Commission was hosted by Lincoln Memorial University at their DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center. This is the first time in the Commission’s history that meetings have been held in Lee County.

    The Commission approved 19 funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southwest and Southern Virginia as well as 11 Workforce Financial Aid requests to increase access to educational opportunities and job readiness across the footprint.

    Funding was approved for projects in agribusiness, site development, tourism and business development. These awards are part of the Commission’s 25 years of work helping to rebuild the economies of Southern and Southwest Virginia.

    For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.
    The Commission elected The Honorable Frank Ruff to serve as Chairman and Delegate Will Morefield to serve as Vice-Chair. Both have been elected to 2 year terms.

    Tobacco Commission Chairman, The Honorable Frank Ruff said, “It was a pleasure to hold our meetings in Southwest Virginia and in beautiful Lee County for the very first time in the Commission’s history. I want to thank my fellow Commissioners for entrusting me to serve as Chairman of the Commission. The Tobacco Commission has made strategic investments over the last 25 years that have created jobs, opportunities and helped grow the economies of Southwest and Southern Virginia while continuing to adapt with new programs and offerings to meet the needs of the communities we serve. As Chairman, I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners, staff and our partners across the TRRC footprint to expand on the success the Commission has had with an eye toward the future and harnessing the immense potential Southwest and Southern Virginia have to offer.”

    Tobacco Commission Executive Director, James Campos said, “Thank you to everyone who joined us for our meetings in Wise and Lee Counties. It’s important to me that the Commission has a presence in every one of our footprint localities and these meetings were a great opportunity to interact with many of our local partners.

    The projects approved at this meeting are representative of the diverse range of projects the Commission can help move forward to improve the lives of those in Southern and Southwest Virginia. I look forward to working to create additional opportunities for the communities we serve in the energy and agriculture sectors along with additional lending opportunities, including our lending program in partnership with VSBFA, and other innovative tools to meet the evolving needs of Southern and Southwest Virginia.

    In particular, I believe that energy innovation and development hold great promise for Southern and Southwest Virginia and our recently created Energy Ingenuity Fund looks to tap into that sector to bring jobs and investment to the footprint. We have also heard loud and clear the need for workforce housing in many of our localities so I am excited to further develop and implement our workforce housing pilot program.”

    TRRC/VSBFA Loan Program Update

    The Commission has created a $10 million loan fund for economic development loans to be administered in partnership with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA). The program launched recently and has provided its first loan to Grayson Natural Farms. The loan will provide working capital to help Grayson Natural Farms meet demand.

    The program has been well received and several additional loans are under consideration.

    Economic Development Workforce Housing Incentive Program

    The Commission authorized staff to develop a workforce housing incentive program.

    The Commission has heard from many of our communities that a lack of workforce housing is either a current issue they are facing or will become an issue should a large prospect consider moving into their locality. The program seeks to deploy modest Commission funding alongside the energy brought about by a major economic development project to bring together the locality, the employer, and the state’s housing community to develop and implement an innovative workforce housing solution that incentivizes the company’s commitment to the Commonwealth. The program’s goal is to make the Commission’s footprint more attractive for economic development by directly addressing a major concern of footprint localities and major employers: insufficient housing for their workforce.

  • 1/17/24 Tobacco Commission Launches Energy Ingenuity Fund

    Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Logo

    TOBACCO COMMISSION LAUNCHES ENERGY INGENUITY FUND

    UP TO $12 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR HIGH-IMPACT ENERGY PROJECTS IN SOUTHERN AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA


    The new Energy Ingenuity Fund builds on the Commission’s 25 year track record of funding innovative economic development initiatives in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Just as early investments in broadband and site readiness are paying dividends for rural Virginia, this program’s energy sector investments are expected to create not just new jobs and investment in rural Virginia, but to also provide the innovative energy solutions that long-term economic prosperity requires.

    Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade & Acting Executive Director of the Tobacco Commission, James E. Campos said, “During my time working at the U.S Department of Energy and in the private sector I have seen firsthand the rapid growth of energy sector over the last decade and the opportunities that growth can present to communities that are able to harness it. Energy jobs are good jobs that pay great wages and set communities up for long-term success. Southern and Southwest Virginia are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this opportunity and the Tobacco Commission is committed to helping them attract top employers who will continue to grow and diversify their economies.”

    Campos continued, “This innovative program aligns with Governor Youngkin’s Compete to Win agenda that calls for unleashing our talented workforce, investing in sites and infrastructure, and elevating high-growth industries as well as the Governor’s all-of-the-above approach to energy that recognizes the need to balance factors like affordability and environmental stewardship while also ensuring reliability and maintaining Virginia’s ability to compete.”

    Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation, Jerry Silva, added “I look forward to reviewing this first round of applications as they come in with our team here at the Tobacco Commission and couldn’t be more pleased that we are investing in Virginia’s energy future while also strengthening its economy.”


    Energy Ingenuity Fund Program Outline

    Up to $6 million is designated for energy-related projects in each of the Commission’s service regions, Southern and Southwest Virginia. A variety of energy project proposals will be accepted, with a focus on establishing a ‘best in class’ energy economy. Projects supported through this fund will capitalize on the region’s skilled workforce and promote an energy focused economy for the Tobacco Region, recognizing that regions with a strong focus on energy can better attract economic activity to their communities. Potential project areas include, but are not limited to: energy manufacturing supply chain, energy production, grid resiliency, energy storage, microgrids, hydrogen generation, smart cities, wind, small scale modular reactors, conversion of coal mines, and more.

    The Energy Ingenuity Fund will solicit applications through a competitive process to establish grant and loan agreements for high impact economic development projects meeting the following objectives:

    • Deployment of resources to amplify and accelerate investment in energy projects.
    • Collaboration between key partners in energy and economic development.
    • Enhancement and expansion of the region’s energy supply chain.
    • Development of more energy resiliency in Southern and Southwest Virginia.


    Funding will be considered for projects within the Southern and Southwest Virginia areas of Virginia’s Tobacco Region. See the TRRC Coverage Area Map.

    For more information on TRRC program objectives please review the TRRC Strategic Plan and the Logic Models for this Program in the Plan as well as the Commission’s Funding Policies.

    Application Deadline:

    Energy Ingenuity Fund Program:

    February 15, 2024 – Please review the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals before beginning an application. Please note that a pre-application is required before a project can move forward in the review process.

    To read more about the program, and complete a pre-application (required) please visit the Energy Ingenuity Fund page of our website, revitalizeva.org.

    Eligibility Requirements

    Please note that:

    Applicants must be either a local governmental entity or a non-profit OR must be partnering with a local governmental entity or non-profit.

    All requests for grant funds require at least dollar-for-dollar (1:1) matching funds, with no more than 25% of the match requirement from “in-kind” sources.

    Please see the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals for full eligibility details.

    Program Contacts

    For media inquiries:

    Jordan Butler
    Public Relations Director & Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund Manager
    (804) 894-9652
    JButler@revitalizeva.org

    Questions from partners or potential applicants:

    Jerry Silva
    Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation
    (804) 325-4363
    JSilva@revitalizeva.org

  • 1/9/24 Tobacco Commission Meets In Richmond

    Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Logo

    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

    GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN JOINS COMMISSION IN HONORING THE SERVICE OF SENATOR FRANK RUFF

    COMMISSION APPROVES NEW PROGRAMS FOR AGRICULTURE AND ENERGY, CREATES NEW LENDING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE VIRGINIA SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING AUTHORITY

    Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its first of three scheduled meetings for the year on Tuesday, January 9th, in Richmond. The Commission approved 17 funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southwest and Southern Virginia. These include investments in industrial sites, funding for agribusiness projects and support for new tourism initiatives. These awards are part of the Commission’s 25 years of work helping to rebuild the economies of Southern and Southwest Virginia.

    For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.

    The Commission was honored to be joined at its reception by Governor Glenn Youngkin and members of his administration. The Governor thanked Senator Ruff for his 30 years of service in the General Assembly and 25 years of service to the Commission.

    Tobacco Commission Chairman, Senator Frank Ruff said, “It has been an honor to serve on the Tobacco Commission since its inception. The work the Commission has done over the last 25 years has improved the lives of countless individuals across Southern and Southwest Virginia. While I am proud of everything the Commission has accomplished, our work in creating educational opportunities for rural Virginians that allow them to reach their full potential, support their families and contribute meaningfully to their communities has been particularly rewarding. I am confident that the Commission will continue to be a force for positive change in the years to come, and I look forward to seeing its impact continue to grow.”

    Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos added, “I can’t thank Senator Ruff enough for his service over the last 25 years. His knowledge and experience have been invaluable as we move forward with new and enhanced programs to support agriculture and energy-focused development across Southern and Southwest Virginia.

    These new programs will allow us to expand on the good work the Commission already does in agriculture and bring the energy jobs of the future to Southern and Southwest Virginia. I am also pleased that the Commission approved a new lending program that will allow the Commission to play a larger role in solving access to capital issues for businesses in Southern and Southwest Virginia.

    I am especially appreciative of Governor Glenn Youngkin and his Compete to Win initiative that has allowed us to foster an environment of increased innovation, collaboration and inter-agency cooperation that sets the Commission up for even greater success as we move forward.”

    The Commission authorized a number of new programs and initiatives.

    Energy Ingenuity Fund

    The Commission’s new Energy Ingenuity Fund will provide grants and loans for high impact, energy-related economic development projects with the following objectives:

    • Deploy resources to amplify and accelerate investment in energy projects.
    • Collaborate with key partners in energy and economic development.
    • Enhance and expand the region’s energy supply chain.
    • Develop more energy resiliency in Southern and Southwest Virginia.


    Up to a total of $12 million ($6 million per region) will be made available with additional details coming soon.

    Agribusiness Fund

    The Commission’s Agribusiness Fund will provide grants and loans for agriculture and forestry related economic development projects in the region with the following objectives:

    • Create or expand market opportunities for Tobacco Region producers that result in a quantifiable increase in net farm income.
    • Leverage Federal, State and private grant opportunities for agribusiness development.
    • Diversify and enhance the region’s agricultural economy.
    • Provide an enabling environment for innovation in the agricultural entrepreneurial ecosystem.


    This program is expected to be rolled out in February.

    Lending – TRRC/VSBFA Partnership

    The Commission has created a $10 million loan fund for economic development loans to be administered in partnership with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA). The target markets for the new program include economic development organizations, agribusiness, and energy-related projects, especially those with other public sector support.

    The program leverages VSBFA’s experience and capacity for small business and commercial lending with the Commission’s resources and knowledge of the region’s lending needs to solve problems of capital access limiting business growth.

    This program is expected to be rolled out this Spring.

  • 10/12/23 TOBACCO COMMISSION MEETS IN BLACKSTONE

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN BLACKSTONE

    APPROVED PROJECTS CONTINUE THE COMMISSION’S SUPPORT OF AGRICULTURE, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, SITE PREPARATION AND MORE IN SOUTHERN AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

    Blackstone, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its third and final meeting of the year on Thursday, October 12th, in Blackstone. The Commission approved 22 funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southern and Southwest Virginia. Eleven awards went to community colleges, and other educational organizations, to support workforce training in areas such as nursing, automotive and welding. Other awards will support a variety of economic development projects ranging from industrial site improvements, establishing new meat processing capacity and supporting regional tourism initiatives. The awards approved at this meeting build on the Commission’s nearly 25 years of work helping to rebuild the economies of Southern and Southwest Virginia. The Commission also approved extensions and modifications for a number of projects.

    Tobacco Commission Chairman, Senator Frank Ruff said, “I am delighted that we could hold the Tobacco Commission meeting in Blackstone at the recently opened Inn at Blackstone. From supporting our agricultural community, to attracting top businesses and ensuring we have the sites and assets to be competitive, the work the Commission has done here will have a long-lasting impact on the regions it serves.”

    Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos added, “The projects approved at this meeting are a perfect example of the great work the Commission does for the regions it serves. Governor Youngkin’s Compete to Win strategy makes note of the importance of workforce education, site development and of driving innovation. The projects approved here in Blackstone align with that vision and will help develop the diverse economy the Commission is working towards for Southern and Southwest Virginia.”

    The following projects were approved for funding by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (Please see the meeting packet on our website for full project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications):

    Southern Virginia Committee


    Southern Virginia Agribusiness

    4167, Campbell County

    Expanded Southern Virginia Precision Agriculture and Farm Efficiency – $272,000 Grant

    The goal of the program is to encourage producers to incorporate new practices that increase their operation’s outputs and cost savings. This grant will expand the reach of the Precision Agriculture program by allowing more farms to benefit. These funds will serve as cost-share reimbursements directly to producers for implementing these new practices and technologies etc.

    4161, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

    Connecting Southern Virginia Producers with Markets Through Value Chain Coordination – $104,452 Grant

    This grant will support a new Value Chain Coordinator position in the region for a period of two years. The Value Chain Coordinator will connect institutional buyers, food hubs, and other purchasers with farmers to increase net farm output and income, and diversify agribusiness in the region. This grant will also help cover costs for a software solution for connecting producers with buyers, website development, marketing and travel costs.

    4166, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

    Supporting Controlled Environment Agriculture Industry in Southern Virginia – $145,841 Grant

    This grant will provide assistance to expand Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in Southern Virginia. It will accomplish this by establishing a testing service for the CEA industry by hiring a research technician and expanding outreach efforts by providing educational materials to growers based on data generated from studies conducted to address common issues faced by CEA producers.


    Southern Virginia Business Development

    4163, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

    Business Development & Talent Attraction for Investment in Southern Virginia – $325,563 Grant

    This grant will provide matching funding (50%) to add a Talent Attraction and Retention Director to the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance staff, as well as marketing resources, to sustain the steady pipeline of investment opportunities that can be converted from prospects to companies in the region.

    4164, Virginia’s Growth Alliance

    Refresh/Restart+ Focused Business Development – $51,950 Grant

    This grant will provide funds for a diverse business development program based on VGA’s recently completed Strategic Economic Development Action Plan. The program will include website modifications/enhancements, new marketing materials, working with Lead Generation specialists, hosting FAM tours of the region and participating in key lead generation events and opportunities to network directly with prospects.


    Southern Virginia Sites & Infrastructure

    4159, Brunswick County

    Stonewall Industrial Site Development Project – $1,117,230 Grant

    This grant will provide 50% of the A&E and construction costs for development of the pad ready site. Overall the Stonewall Industrial Site Development Project will provide a much needed “shovel ready” industrial site for Brunswick County and allow Brunswick County to compete in a highly competitive market.

    4155, Campbell County

    Seneca Commerce Park Grading Project – $404,918 Grant

    This grant will allow the locality to complete revisions to engineered designs and support costs for improvement to a 100,000-square-foot pad-ready site in Seneca Commerce Park with Virginia Department of Transportation access. This will raise the VEDP site characterization level from Tier 2 to Tier 4 and Tier 5 depending on the lot and significantly improve the marketability of the site.


    Southern Virginia Tourism

    4160, Town of Brodnax

    Brodnax Depot Renovation Project – $183,507 Grant

    This grant will provide funds to renovate the vacant, historic depot to serve as a trailhead facility for users of the Tobacco Heritage Trail. Funds will be used to perform site work, building renovations and purchase bike racks. This effort is expected to result in increased visitor use of the trail, and increased visitor spending and tax revenue for the region.

    4156, West Piedmont Planning District Commission

    Regional Outdoor Recreation Economy Program – $118,000 Grant

    This grant will aid in the development of a regional outdoor economy recreation program that will collectively market and brand the West Piedmont region’s outdoor recreation sites and activities as a noteworthy tourism destination. The project builds on current WPPDC programming in agritourism and the “Life in SOVA” brand in partnership with local and regional partners such as Friends of Southwest Virginia. The project will result in the creation of an outdoor recreation economy master plan and impact study for Western Piedmont PDC service region, providing an asset inventory and a marketing strategy with brand and logo.

    Southwest Virginia Committee

    4154, Tazewell County IDA

    Ponderosa – $979,000 Grant

    This grant will assist with the construction of a USDA Inspected meat processing facility in Tazewell County. TRRC will provide 50% of the funds for the project with Tazewell County providing the remaining 50%. Meat processing capacity is in high demand with farmers and producers often experiencing long waits to have their animals processed which adds financial strain to an already challenging business. This project will add capacity and help to alleviate some of that strain for Virginia farmers.


    Education Committee


    Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Training

    4176, Central Virginia Community College Educational Foundation, Inc.

    CVCC Advanced Manufacturing with Energy Technology Expansion – $220,878 Grant

    This grant will aid CVCC in purchasing equipment for their Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Training programs that will expand program capacity and allow students to train on state-of-the-art equipment that accurately simulates their future work environment.

    4178, Central Virginia Planning District Commission

    ACA Classical & CTE Institute Welding Program – $318,255 Grant

    This grant will aid the Appomattox County Government, Appomattox Christian Academy and central Virginia Community College in establishing the ACA Classical & CTE Academy. The partners will renovate the historic Carver-Price school in the Town of Appomattox and, in phase 1, will then offer programs in welding, emergency medical technician training and performing arts. The Commission’s investment will result in an increase in welding certifications/credentials awarded.


    High School Equivalency Program

    4169, Washington County Public School System Dba Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program

    Southwest Virginia RACE to GED/NEDP Program – $140,000 Grant

    This grant will provide financial assistance for high school equivalency testing in 16 Southwest region localities for a three-year period.


    Post-Secondary Programs with a Focus in STEM-H

    4171, Patrick & Henry Community College Foundation

    Healthcare Training Expansion – $149,140 Grant

    This grant will aid P&HCC in expanding healthcare training capacity including: Nurse Aide, Clinical Medical Assistant, Medication Aide, and Phlebotomy Technician training. These programs lead to short term credentials that quickly allow students to enter healthcare careers in high demand in the region. Commission funds will support a portion of the funds for an additional instructor.

    4170, Southwest Virginia Community College

    SWCC’s EquipEMT: Strengthening Emergency Medical Training through Advanced Equipment – $71,206 Grant

    This grant will support the purchase of equipment for SWCC’s EMS program. Specifically, Commission funds will 50% of the cost of multiple training manikins which will result in a program enrollment increase.

    4177, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation

    Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health – $600,000 Grant

    This grant will support the development of the Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab located at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The lab will support several existing healthcare programs and will provide additional clinical training space for allied health and nursing career pathways. Commission funds will be used for equipment purchases (manikins, A/V equipment etc.) and the renovation of space to house the lab.


    Workforce Training Programs

    4179, Danville Community College Educational Foundation, Inc.

    Danville Community College’s Class-B Commercial Driver’s License Non-Credit Workforce Program – $233,081 – Grant

    This grant will support DCC in standing up a Class-B Commercial Driver’s License program in response to requests from community partners. Commission funds will help pay for a modular mobile classroom and a CDL-B simulator with related training services.

    4175, Mountain Empire Community College

    Heavy Equipment Operator Program – $92,705 Grant

    This grant will assist MECC in establishing a Heavy Equipment Operator II training program at MECC’s Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia in response to regional and state demand for operators. Commission funds will be used to purchase equipment and supplies including a Bobcat Telehandler, safety cones and barrels and a laser level.

    4172, Southside Virginia Community College Foundation

    Accelerating Truck Driver Training at SVCC – $316,000 Grant

    This grant will help expand SVCC’s Truck Driver Training program by adding additional trucks to the program fleet, replacing outdated equipment and hiring an additional training instructor, all in response to industry demand.

    4173, Virginia Highlands Community College Educational Foundation

    VHCC Diesel Technology Expansion – $202,300 Grant

    This grant will help expand VHCC’s diesel technology programming through the purchase of additional equipment including high-capacity lift systems, heavy duty forklifts, high weight capacity diesel engine stands, a live front axel with air disc brake assembly and a large tire balancing apparatus.

    4174, Wytheville Community College

    Wytheville Community College WEST – Workforce, Education, & Skills Training Center – $277,000 Grant

    This grant will assist WCC with the development of the WEST Center. Commission funds will help pay for the renovation of the facility, a former auto dealership, that will house the Center as well as the purchase of tools required to receive accreditation for the program. The program will offer programs in automotive, off-road diesel and welding.

    Incentives & Loans Committee

    Pittsylvania County & The City of Danville
    Request for loan, Contingent Upon Successful Attraction of Major Tenant for Berry Hill

    The Commission approved an up to $25 million loan to be used for the construction of a new gas gate at the Southern VA Mega Site at Berry Hill. Disbursement of loan funds requires a firm commitment that a project will occur at the proposed site.

    Access to an adequate supply of natural gas at Berry Hill has been noted as an obstacle when it comes to attracting the kind of regionally transformative, large scale operation the site has been designed for. This loan will help to remove that barrier and allow the site to marketed with funding in place to meet the natural gas requirements of prospects.

  • 5/18/23 TOBACCO COMMISSION MEETS IN ABINGDON

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN ABINGDON

    APPROVED PROJECTS CONTINUE THE COMMISSION’S SUPPORT OF EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN SOUTHERN AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

    Abingdon, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Thursday, May 18th, in Abingdon. The Commission approved 11 funding requests for education programs that will support workforce development efforts across Southern and Southwest Virginia. With its 2021-2022 Workforce Financial Aid awards the Commission supported programs that helped 1,268 students gain valuable education and credentials in high demand fields. The awards approved at this meeting are a continuation of the Commission’s long-term support of these programs. The Commission also approved extensions and modifications for a variety of projects and adopted a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

    Tobacco Commission Chairman, Senator Frank Ruff said, “As always, I am proud of the work the Commission has done here in Abingdon. The Commission has been a supporter of education, and in particular our community college system, for its entire existence. That support has continued here with the approval of a number of grant awards that will ensure students in Southern and Southwest Virginia have access to top quality programs. A well educated workforce, with the skills and credentials employers are looking for, is critical to the Commission’s job creation efforts. The Commission’s investment in education is an investment in the future of our region. By ensuring that our students have access to the education and training they need, we are creating a more skilled workforce that is better prepared to compete in the global economy.”
    Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos added, “Education is critical to growing a successful economy and the programs the Commission will support through the grants approved here in Abingdon will provide opportunities for hundreds of students. In my short time with the Commission so far I have talked to many of our partners and stakeholders, visited a number of Commission funded projects and learned more about the impact the Commission has had on Southern and Southwest Virginia over the last 20 plus years. I couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds for the Commission and, more importantly, the role the Commission can play in being a catalyst for growth in Southern and Southwest Virginia.”

    Campos further added, “One way in which I believe the Commission can increase its role is by expanding and further developing a sustainable energy economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. My last post was at the U.S. Department of Energy, so I have seen firsthand what well planned energy development has the potential to add to the TRRC region, including jobs, economic growth and increased power supply to meet the needs of employers and citizens alike. Deploying Governor Youngkin’s all-of-the-above energy plan in our footprint will create sustainable economic growth, help rebuild our infrastructure and create lasting results for Southern and Southwest Virginia for decades to come.”

    As seen above, Commissioners toured the historic Barter Theatre and the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center’s Virtual Cadaver Lab. 

    The Commission has been a long-time supporter of both the Barter Theatre and the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. 
    The following projects were approved for funding by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (Please see the meeting packet on our website for full project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications):

    Southern Virginia Education

    #4143, Brightpoint Community College Foundation
    2023-24 Tobacco Region Scholarship at Brightpoint Community College -$77,020 Grant


    This grant will support dual enrollment tuition assistance for programs in Industrial Electricity (CSC), Basic Precision Machining (CSC) and Welding (CSC).

    #4138, Central Virginia Community College Educational Foundation
    CVCC Workforce Financial Aid 2023-2024 – $240,000 Grant


    This grant will support dual enrollment tuition assistance for programs in Computer and Electronic Technology/Fundamentals (CSC), Cyber Security /Fundaments (CSC), Electrical Technology Fundaments/Plus (CSC), HVAC/Fundaments (CSC), Industrial Maintenance Electrician/Mechanical/Fundaments (CSC), Information Systems Fundamentals/Plus (CSC), Machine Technology /Fundamentals (CSC), Mechatronics /Fundamentals/Plus and Welding /Fundamentals (CSC).

    #4141, Danville Community College Educational Foundation
    DCC Educational Foundation Workforce Financial Aid 2023-2024 – $240,000 Grant


    This grant will support STEM-H and Advanced Manufacturing programs as well as workforce credential programs.

    #4137, Patrick & Henry Community College Foundation
    P&HCC 2023-24 Workforce Financial Aid – $240,000 Grant


    This grant will support dual enrollment programs in Precision Machining (CSC), Welding (CSC) and Mechatronics (CSC) as well as a General Studies Specialization in Teacher Education Preparation (AA&S).

    #4145, Southside Virginia Community College Foundation
    Investing in Southside Students – $240,000 Grant


    This grant will support dual enrollment programs in Welding, Information Technology, HVAC, Electricity and Precision Machining as well as Administration of Justice (AAS) and Criminal Justice (CSC).

    #4136, Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation
    Workforce Financial Aid and Community College Access Program for Franklin County – $100,000 Grant


    This grant will support programs in Culinary Arts (AAS) and Management (AAS).


    Southwest Virginia Education

    #4140, Mountain Empire Community College
    MECCWorks – $240,000 Grant


    This grant will support programs in:

    Police & Corrections Science Career Pathways: Law Enforcement Management and Supervision (CSC), Administration of Justice (Certificate), Corrections Management and Supervision (CSC), Police Science (AAS), Corrections Science (AAS)

    Education Career Pathways: Early Childhood Development – Early Childhood (CSC), Early Childhood Development – Infant & Toddler (CSC) and Pre-Teacher Education (AAS)

    #4146, New River Community College Educational Foundation
    Floyd County ACCE (Access to Community College Education) Program – $100,000 Grant


    This grant will support programs in:

    Law Enforcement Career Pathway: Forensic Science (AAS), Police Science (AAS), Criminal Justice (CSC)

    Business Management/ Administration (AAS, CSC, Certificate)

    #4139, Southwest Virginia Community College
    2023-2024 SWCC WFA Tobacco Scholars/tip Program – $240,000 Grant


    This grant will support programs in STEM-H and Advanced Manufacturing as well as workforce credentials. 

    #4142, Virginia Highlands Community College Educational Foundation
    Virginia Highlands Community College – Workforce Financial Aid FY24 – $240,000 Grant


    This grant will support programs in: 

     Administration of Justice (CSC, AAS)

    Law Enforcement Career Pathway: Education (AA&S) and Educational Specialization in Teacher Prep (AA&S)

    #4144, Wytheville Community College
    Wytheville Community College Forging Futures Scholarship Program – $240,000 Grant


    This grant will support programs in:

    Education (AA&S)

    Law Enforcement Career Pathway: Administration of Justice (CSC, AAS) and Corrections Science (CSC, AAS)
  • 3/16/23 FUNDING AVAILABLE TO INCREASE CRITICAL MEAT PROCESSING CAPACITY; KEEP FAMILY FARMS IN BUSINESS

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    FUNDING AVAILABLE TO INCREASE CRITICAL MEAT PROCESSING CAPACITY; KEEP FAMILY FARMS IN BUSINESS

    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION HOLDS SPECIAL FUNDING ROUND AIMED AT INCREASING MEAT PROCESSING CAPACITY IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

    Abingdon, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is currently accepting applications for a special funding round aimed at increasing the number of meat processing facilities in Southwest Virginia.

    This funding from the Commission seeks to meet the needs of local producers who have made it clear that adequate meat processing capacity does not exist in the region. This is a critical issue for producers as lengthy and unpredictable wait times for processing of their animals, combined with the long distances often required to get their animals to the processing facility, contribute to greatly decreased profitability and make it much more difficult for these family businesses to continue operating. 

    Currently, producers are seeing wait times for processing extending out a year or more and are often required to transport their animals hundreds of miles, at great cost, when they are able to obtain time at a facility. Simply put, this is not sustainable and should this unavailability of processing capacity continue it will likely result in the loss of long-time producers who are unable to bear the costs associated with these long and unpredictable wait times and excessive transportation costs to bring their product to market.

    John Rhudy, owner of Rhudy Livestock in Burke’s Garden said, “The number of processing facilities, especially USDA inspected facilities, has decreased dramatically over the years. The remaining facilities are booked up six months to a year in advance. It is extremely difficult to get an appointment, and virtually impossible on short notice. With the eat local movement in full swing and the memory of the 2020 shutdowns still fresh, people want access to local meats, as well as the opportunity to have their own home-raised animals processed locally. Locally-owned and operated USDA inspected facilities are needed for farmers and ranchers to have the opportunity to direct market their products, which gives them the chance to be sustainable and stay in business.”

    To help meet this need the Commission will award up to $2.5 million in total funding for projects that create new USDA certified meat processing capacity within the Southwest Virginia Region. Priority will be given to facilities that are capable of serving multiple localities.

    “This is an excellent opportunity for the Tobacco Commission to play a major role in addressing an important issue that our agricultural community is facing”, said Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Delegate Will Morefield. “This added capacity will help keep family farms in business by reducing the uncertainty, long wait times and high transport costs many of them are currently facing when trying to bring their products to market. The Commission has long prided itself on listening to the needs of our communities and taking action. This funding is a great example of our commitment to doing just that.”

    Over the years the Commission has constantly evolved to meet the needs of the communities it serves and this funding round is a perfect example of that. As the Commission continues the work of developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia it encourages its partners to communicate their needs whenever they feel the Commission may be able to help. 

    The deadline to apply for this special funding round is June 1, 2023.

    For more information on this special funding round, including program guidelines, please visit our website, www.revitalizeva.org.

  • 1/5/23 TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

    APPROVED PROJECTS WILL HELP ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES AND GENERATE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM SECTORS.

    Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Thursday, January 5th, in Richmond to approve projects that will generate economic growth in the agriculture and tourism sectors as well as help attract new businesses to Southern and Southwest Virginia. The Commission approved 29 funding requests in addition to various extensions and other business including welcoming Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and new Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director, James E. Campos.

    Tobacco Commission Chairman, Senator Frank Ruff said, “I’d like to welcome our Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and new Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director, James E. Campos, to the Commission. James brings a wealth of experience to the position and I look forward to working with him as we continue to do all that we can to be a catalyst for growth and opportunity in Southern and Southwest Virginia.

    The Commission has always taken a broad view of economic development and you can see that reflected in the projects we approved at this meeting. From helping our local farmers and producers remain competitive, supporting our tourism economy, developing sites for future businesses and more, I’m proud of the work we have done here.”

    Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director, James E. Campos said, “I am excited to get started here at the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. The Commission does important work and after attending the meetings over the last few days it is clear that it is a critical asset for the communities of Southern and Southwest Virginia as they seek to grow and diversify their economies. I am proud to be a part of this team and look forward to getting to work to help ensure a bright future for our rural communities.”

    Talent Attraction Program Update: The Commission’s Education Committee is currently evaluating the Talent Attraction Program (TAP) to ensure it is best meeting the needs of the communities the Commission serves in Southern and Southwest Virginia. While payments and renewals will continue for those currently in the program we encourage those interested in future rounds of the program to check our website for additional information as it becomes available. Our TAP information page can be found HERE.

    The Commission approved a $10 million Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) incentive grant for a confidential project. These funds will only be awarded if the project comes to fruition.

    The Commission reviewed and discussed feedback from partners on upcoming revisions to its strategic plan. At the Committee’s direction staff will revise the draft to incorporate that feedback and additional info provided by members at the meeting with the goal of approval of a final strategic plan at the upcoming spring meeting.

    The following projects were approved for funding by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (Please see the meeting packet on our website for full project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business including project extensions and modifications):

    Southern Virginia Program

    4107, Brunswick County IDA

    Brunswick County Produce Project – $500,000 Grant
    This project is a public-private partnership between Brunswick County’s IDA and Southside Virginia Vegetable Packing, LLC (SVVP) to construct a produce processing facility at the I-85 Business Park in Alberta, VA. The SVVP is comprised of and owned equally by eight local farms participating in organic produce production, aggregation, and distribution. Demand for their products has led to multiple expansions of their farming operations over the past five years. To accommodate the need for further expansion in production, a large-scale produce processing facility is required. This project will grow to support 60 jobs from an estimated 20 farms across Southern Virginia and the surrounding area by year five of operations. A 45,000 sq. ft. building will include climate-controlled intake areas with forced air-cooling system, industrial ice making equipment, two processing lines, and ample cold storage and loading docks to facilitate final distribution of produce.

    4119, Mecklenburg County

    Southside Virginia Beef Producers Increase Efficiency and Their Bottom Line Through Use of Certifiable Livestock Scales – $7,500 Grant
    This project will support 50% of equipment purchases, and certification costs, for mobile legal for trade scales to benefit cattle farmers in Mecklenburg, Brunswick and Charlotte Counties. Beef Cattle producers have the opportunity to capture added value by marketing their feeder cattle in uniform lots by weight and sex (truck load of 48,000-50,000 pounds) while minimizing costs for transportation and subsequent shrink. The purchased scales to be utilized from a base location in Mecklenburg County will support producers marketing their feeder cattle in cooperation with other producers, as well as efforts to market finished cattle for direct sales.

    4114, Prince Edward County

    Project Clementine – $75,000 Grant
    Project Clementine will help expand meat processing by creating a new value-added facility that will source from producers of cattle and small ruminants in the Southern Virginia region. There is currently a shortage of meat processing facilities in Southern Virginia. Operations will center on 1) fee processing of beef, lamb, and goats for local Southside Virginia producers and 2) processing and manufacturing of wholesale and retail cuts for local restaurants, hotels, and grocers as well as retail consumers especially seeking Halal meats. Project Clementine will consist of a 32’X 92′ square foot steel building constructed on a 2.5-acre parcel in the Prince Edward County Business Parle Site.

    4118, Virginia Cattleman’s Association

    Inventory Advance Incentive and Cattle Processing Initiative Fund – $330,000 Grant
    This project will support expansion of the finished cattle market in Virginia to provide cattlemen with the opportunity to sell their cattle and/or beef locally for a higher return. USDA statistics show a decrease to 36.8% in 2021, for US cattle producer’s share of retail value of beef; down from 51.5% in 2015. An inventory advance purchase incentive fund will be established, providing for an increase in the number of Virginia cattle finished by offering incentive for the advance purchase of cattle processed for USDA certified beef sale.

    4121, Brunswick County IDA

    Sledge and Barkley – $437,000 Grant
    The Brunswick County Industrial Development Authority (BCIDA) is requesting 50% of the $874,000 costs for essential repairs and stabilization of the lower floor of the Sledge and Barkley building in downtown Lawrenceville. The BCIDA plans to develop the 23,000 square foot building for mixed-use. The top two floors and an adjacent 7,000 square foot storage space will be converted to ~ 24 apartments. The lower level on N. Main Street and the basement will be used for business development and provides equivalent of three commercial spaces. A Market and Feasibility Study funded by a DHCD Industrial Revitalization Fund will determine the best use for the lower level. The TRRC funding request is for an initial $150,000 to cover immediate structural stabilization and water mitigation to prevent deterioration on the lower level. The remaining $287,000 from TRRC will be combined with funding from the DHCD IRF program to provide the necessary funding for the required renovations and buildout of the 1st floor and basement areas of the building.

    4126, Patrick County EDA

    Cockram Mill/Freehouse Brewery – $30,000 Grant
    This project will help revitalize a blighted site along US Highway 58 between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Primland Resort, a scenic tourist thoroughfare. Cockram Mill, a former brick construction grist mill located on the Dan River less than one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Meadows of Dan is undergoing rehabilitation to transform the mill building into a brewery, tap room, restaurant, and event space. The property is located on state highway 58 and also includes two smaller buildings with concept drawing showing these as a craft shop and antique shop. Patrick County has limited gathering places and currently does not have an establishment such as what is planned for the revitalized mill complex. Freehouse Brewery will need to purchase brewing equipment, hot water heaters and cold storage equipment to commence brewery operations which is a substantial capital investment.

    4105, SOVA Innovation Hub Corporation

    SOVA Innovation Campus Construction – $400,000 Grant
    TRRC Grant #3749 was previously funded at $85,300 to support architectural and engineering design for the SOVA Innovation Labs building. The current funding request will be used for hard construction costs for the building, which is anticipated to be completed by 9/1/2024. The facility is projected to more readily enable entrepreneurship, small business development and talent retention in a region that is experiencing population decline and a poverty level of 17%. The proposal was accompanied by letters of support from Southside PDC, Brunswick County, Charlotte County, CodeVA, Danville Science Center, Halifax County, Longwood University, Lunenburg County, Mecklenburg County, the Town of South Boston, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance.

    4122, City of Emporia

    Extensions of Water and Sewer to Norwood Property – Recommended to Commission’s CBL program for $1,680,000 Loan
    The project will provide the water and sewer line extensions connecting the existing water and sewer lines under US Route 58 and to the southern boundary of the Norwood site. The City of Emporia purchased the 38-acre Norwood Estate Property in 2016, with the objective to develop an industrial park strategically located with direct access to US Route 58. The location provides access to a four-lane divided highway and is in close proximity to Interstate 95.

    4124, Halifax County

    Virginia International Raceway Water Supply Interconnection – $546,029 Grant
    This project will support 50% of the $1,092,058 million estimated costs for final design, permitting, easements and inspections for the water supply system to connect the Virginia International Raceway in southern Halifax County. The long term sustainability of a significant regional asset is a priority of Halifax County and the entire Southside region. Without public water, VIR cannot host events or continue to invest back into its growth. The wells serving the existing public water system at VIR are no longer reliable and at a high risk of being insufficient. The proposed Phase 1 VIR Water Interconnection would connect Pittsylvania County’s Ringgold water system to the VIR water system. The Pittsylvania County Service Authority would convey water supplied from the City of Danville to the VIR water system which is owned and operated by the Halifax County Service Authority.

    4104, Mecklenburg County

    Virginia’s Growth Alliance Site Development Project – $602,210 Grant
    Commission funds are requested on behalf of five localities who participate in the regional economic alliance, Virginia’s Growth Alliance, to increase the marketability of five smaller and three larger industrial sites to expand diversity of sites being marketed in the region. Engineering due-diligence and final reports/studies will be completed at eight industrial sites with one or more in Brunswick, Charlotte, Lunenburg, and Greensville Counties, and the City of Emporia. This request is based on research undertaken through VEDP’s Virginia Business Ready Sites Program and the assessment completed for identifying sites with the most developability potential in conjunction with priorities of VGA localities. VEDP’s research considered the strengths and weaknesses of each site and how it pertained to the labor shed and developability criteria established for targeted sectors. This project enables participating localities to address the existing deficit in shovel ready sites allowing them to better market the region for attracting targeted industries, The entire scope of work will include the characterization of one site, which is currently uncharacterized, and bring it to a Tier 3, It will also raise the tier level of four sites and provide final design work to allow three sites to advance their tier level.

    4123, Patrick County EDA

    Rich Creek Corporate Park Shell Building – $95,850 Grant
    This project will support the renovation of a recently vacated building in the Rich Creek Corporate Park to prepare it for a future business or light industrial tenant. The 20,000 SF building was constructed in 2006, sits on a 3.5 acre graded site and was previously used as office space for a call center. The renovation will include removal of non-load bearing walls, drop ceilings and the installation of a sprinkler system. Attracting a tenant to the shell building located at the business park entrance will help market the larger 70 acres at this industrial site that are available for development.

    4111, Sussex County

    Megasite – Master Planning, Conceptual Engineering, & Water Line Extension – $250,000 Grant
    This project will enhance the shovel-readiness of the Sussex Megasite, a strategic economic development area for Southern Virginia. This request is a component of a broader application the County submitted to the VA Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) for a VA Business Ready Sites Program site development grant. Overall, the County is requesting over $3 million in funding from VEDP, the Tobacco Commission, and USEDA to assist with a more robust master planning and conceptual engineering design study and construction of a waterline for the Sussex Megasite. This includes identifying the highest and best uses for manufacturing and distribution in this strategic area of Sussex County – particularly those without significant water demands. The study would include both of the County-owned properties, the Sussex Megasite and Route 602 Industrial Park given their close proximity (less than 1,500′ feet apart), as well as due diligence and pursuit of adjacent properties (700+ acres) to expand the Megasite.

    4112, Brunswick County

    Herman Road Lake Gaston Day Use Park – Kayak and Canoe Launch – $230,400 Grant
    This project will contribute $230,400 towards the $1,298,200 estimate from Timmons ($140K engineering services, and $1,158,200 construction cost estimate) for Phase 1 park construction which
    includes a kayak and canoe launch access, a fishing/ observation pier, parking for 8-12 vehicles, picnic area and pavilion as well as the access road to the facility.
    Lake Gaston is a major tourist attraction for the Southern Virginia region, and public access to Lake Gaston is very limited as much of the shoreline is privately owned. Brunswick County acquired roughly 14 acres of waterfront property on Lake Gaston with the intent to develop and maintain a free and safe public outdoor recreation day-use facility. The county’s goal is to provide the community and tourists with free and safe access to the waters of Lake Gaston for an expansion of outdoor recreational opportunities.

    4108, Cumberland County

    Operation Connect-The-Dots – Grant – $218,000
    The Cumberland Courthouse/Bear Creek Lake State Park Connector Trail Project is currently a local trail that connects Cumberland Courthouse Village to Bear Creek Lake State Park Trail. This 0.7-mile trail is a 6-foot-wide grass trail built in 2004 and is maintained by Cumberland County (mowed 2-4 times a month depending on season and weather). Due to the current condition, the grassed walking path is not easily accessible for visitors and is prone to erosion. The goal of this project is to provide major improvements to the current trail by paving the 6-foot-wide trail in asphalt to enhance the walkability and accessibility for all users. If funded, these much­ needed improvements will link the visitor to the nearby Cumberland State Forest which connects to Bear Creek Lake State Park as well as Cumberland Courthouse Historic District. This project will allow for state park and state forest visitors from around the country to access Cumberland Courthouse encouraging them to spend more money supporting the local tourism economy.

    4113, National D-Day Memorial Foundation LTD

    National D-Day Memorial Motor Pool Museum and Courtyard – $350,000 Grant
    This project will support the construction of an indoor museum space (specifically for the excavation, grading and site preparation work for the museum Motor Pool building and adjacent courtyard to the Motor Pool.) The 1940s inspired Motor Pool building will serve as the Memorial’s first truly indoor museum space featuring armored and transport vehicles and the stories of the Allied armies that battled an entrenched foe to liberate Europe. Additionally, a rare amphibious tank recovered from Omaha Beach in Normandy has been committed to the Foundation once display and curation space is complete. The proposed Motor Pool addition will highlight these unique artifacts and in turn broaden visitation to the Commonwealth while also increasing visitor expenditures in lodging, food, recreation, and other sectors of the regional economy. The Motor Pool will improve visitor experiences to the monument, increase national and international tourism figures to the site (and the Commonwealth), and transform the Memorial into a true year­ round destination.

    4106, Town of Blackstone

    Operation Swedish Chef – $581,000 Grant
    This project will support the final portion of the $3,781,000 total project costs for rehabilitation and renovations to the Harris Memorial Armory Center. The building will be used as a multi-purpose facility including training programs for hospitality students and an event center. The job training would consist of hospitality training to support the tourism business sector for the new lodging that has opened and that is planned for the area to serve the recently opened Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) facility at Fort Pickett. Part of the building would be used by Virginia State University for job training programs to provide skilled workers for support industries needed for the FASTC facility at Fort Pickett – namely hospitality (four new hotels are planned for the area to service users of FASTC). The other parts of the building would be used as rental space for banquets and receptions. Students in the job training programs would work at these events as part of their hospitality training, to gain experience working in the hospitality industry.

    4099, West Piedmont Planning District Commission

    Southern Virginia Regional Branding and Marketing Plan – $50,000 Grant
    Commission funds will contribute 50% of the $100,000 consultant services for the development of a Southern Virginia regional branding and marketing plan. This initiative is modeled after the Friends of Southwest Virginia which has successfully branded their region as a distinct cultural area and destination, and expanded microenterprise, tourism and business development opportunities throughout the region. This project, led by the three southern Virginia Planning District Commissions: the Commonwealth Regional Council, Southside PDC, and West Piedmont PDC; will establish a regional brand, inventory the region’s tourism assets, establish key anchor attractions that link the region together, and develop a promotion and marketing plan to implement the regional brand.

    Southwest Virginia Program

    4098, Abingdon Feeder Cattle Association

    Improving Genetics, Health, and Management of Small Ruminants in SWVA – $299,880 Grant
    Commission funds will be used to continue a program to provide cost share for small ruminant producers in the entire SW region to assist with genetic improvements to herds as well as equipment and facility needs required for effective herd management. Support for the first round of this program was approved in May 2022. Improving the genetic quality and health of flocks and herds is important because small ruminants are susceptible to parasites, diseases, and predators. Purchasing genetically superior breeding stock will result in less animal losses, reduced production costs, increased productivity, and generally healthier flocks.

    4128, Carroll County

    Vacuum Cooler Value Added Project – $96,000 Grant
    This project will assist Virginia Produce Company, a private enterprise located in Carroll County, with costs associated with the purchase of vacuum coolers and related equipment. Commission funds will reimburse 25% of the total cost for the coolers which are significantly more efficient compared to conventional cooling equipment. The equipment will allow a longer shelf life for produce resulting in $620,162 of increased revenue for TRRC region producers.

    4109, Blue Ridge Crossroads EDA

    Wildwood Commerce Park Site 1 Due Diligence and Design Services – $188,750 Grant
    This project will support 50% of due diligence and design costs for Site 1 of the Wildwood Commerce Park. Site 1 is the final available property at Wildwood. Wildwood’s attractive location, adjacent to I-77 and only 13 miles from the I-77/ I-81 interchange, has made it one of SWVA’s most attractive industrial parks. Due diligence is required before construction can proceed. Because an application for construction has already been submitted to VEDP’s Virginia Business Ready Site Program, completion of due diligence is critical to the competitiveness of that application, Site 1 is the final available property in the park and requires substantial site development work before it can be marketed to prospects.

    4127, Washington County

    Oak Park, Lot 8 Railway Extension – up to $500,000 Grant
    This project will support 50% of the cost to design and construct a 1,300 foot rail spur to serve Lot 8 at Oak Park. The lack of rail access has been noted by several prospects as a reason for not selecting the site. The 70 acre pad is rated as Tier 2 under VEDP’s Ready Sites Program.

    4120, LENOWISCO Planning District Commission

    LENOWISCO Invest SWVA 3.0 (RMI) – $400,000 Grant
    This project will support a third round of the InvestSWVA regional marketing initiative. The grant will fund the initiative for two additional years (July 1, 2023- June 30, 2025). This phase of the project will focus on accelerating lead generation and project development work in the region. Several projects are currently in the pipeline undergoing due diligence and require additional time for resolution. Commission funds will be used to support contractual services with Coalfield Strategies.

    4100, The Barter Foundation, Inc.

    Barter Theatre Regional Marketing Campaign – $105,000 Grant
    Commission funds will be used to provide two additional years of contractual support for implementation of the Theatre’s regional marketing campaign. Funding will be used to retain the services of Anat Gerstein Inc., the public relations firm selected by Barter in March, 2022. TRRC currently supports the first phase of this project under #3925 ($70,000) approved in January 2022. During the second phase the campaign will utilize the knowledge gained over the past several months to continue to develop and implement the campaign. Digital and print earned media placements will be generated for targeted markets around the nation.

    4103, Birthplace of Country Music

    Birthplace of Country Music Museum Expansion – $500,000 Grant
    This project will support construction costs associated with the expansion of the BCM Museum (BCMM). In 2015 BCM completed the purchase of the building adjacent to the Museum. This building, now referred to as the Annex, will allow BCMM to greatly increase the size of the overall property to 41,000 SF. The new space will allow for the expansion and improvement of the areas used to house both core and special exhibits as well as creating an area to stage and house special exhibits when not on display. Archival space, a recording and radio production area, activity space, education space, and additional offices are among the other areas that will be created or improved as a result of the expansion.

    4101, Town of Haysi

    Haysi Trails Center – $650,206 Grant
    Commission funds will be used to complete construction of the Haysi Trails Center in Downtown Haysi. The project, involving the renovation of the former Haysi Theater, was fully funded through grants from ARC and VCEDA however additional floodproofing is now required for the second floor. The Trails Center will serve visitors to the Town of Haysi which is located directly along or adjacent to six major outdoor recreational destinations. The Haysi Trails Center is identified in the Town of Haysi’s Downton Revitalization Economic Restructuring and Master Plan developed in 2010. The multiphase revitalization project centers on Haysi’s location along or adjacent to six major outdoor recreational hotspots including Breaks Interstate Park which welcomes 300k visitors each year. The trailhead of Spearhead Trails’ “Ridgeview Trail” is located in Haysi. World class rapids attract hundreds of whitewater rafters to the Town each October. Haysi also attracts numerous cyclists. The Trail Center will provide a multi-use venue to serve visitors to the Town which is lacking in tourism support businesses and infrastructure. In addition to its role as a visitors center, the facility will house a space for a café as well as space to allow artisans to sell their products.

    4116, Song of the Mountains

    Song of the Mountains Revitalization – $120,000 Grant
    Commission funds will be used to assist with booking fees for popular bands. Song of the Mountains, and Lincoln Theater, will book large draw acts to entice patrons to return to live performances at the Theater. The amount requested was reduced due to Staff’s concerns about the availability of eligible matching funds. The original budget allocated 100% of the booking costs to the TRRC grant. The revised budget limits the Commission’s support to 50% of each booking fee. The remainder will be provided by SOTM through sponsorships. This project is similar to the Barter project in that it supports the recovery of one of SWVA’s most popular performance venues. Live performance venues suffered tremendously during the pandemic shut downs. These venues were unable to host events, and earn needed revenues, for an extended period of time. Song of the Mountains is not alone in its quest to reestablish itself as a viable draw for regional tourists. Many potential patrons remain cautious of the risks associated with attending events while others may have moved on to new options. Helping SOTM with booking fees will provide the opportunity for the Theater to entice visitors back to Marion.

    3975, Sunset Holler, Inc.

    Southern Gap Amphitheater Project: Construction Documents & Construction – $500,000 Grant
    This project will assist in the development of a commercial-grade amphitheater at Southern Gap in Buchanan County, Virginia. The amphitheater will host a variety of events including live music performances, film screenings, sports events, etc. with a maximum capacity of 4,000 attendees. Commission funds will be used for the purchase of a Stageline SL320 stage ($450,000) and for amphitheater construction ($50,000). Projects considered under the Tourism strategy of this program’s RFP must document the ability to attract visitors from national and international markets. The business plan provided for this project indicates that the unique geographical location of the amphitheater will serve as a draw for music tourists. Project updates provided since the project was tabled in May document numerous campsites in close proximity to Southern Gap which could provide lodging options to these visitors who may also take advantage of other opportunities, in particular the outdoor recreation amenities, in the region. Sunset Holler plans to work with other regional tourist organizations and venues to collaborate on cross marketing opportunities.

    4110, Blue Ridge Public Television, Inc.

    PBS Appalachia Virginia – $400,000 Grant
    This project will support the establishment of a fully digital public television station, PBS Appalachia Virginia, to serve the 14 counties and three cities of the SWVA TRRC service area. The station, announced in July, 2022 will be fully region based and will highlight positive stories from the footprint. This content will support other regional branding initiatives to market tourism and business development efforts. Commission funds are requested for a variety of operating expenses over a two year start up period. The station plans to launch on June 10, 2023.

    4097, Virginia Coalfield Coalition

    Virginia Coalfields Cell Coverage Assessment Planning Grant – $40,000 Grant
    Commission funds will be used to support a planning project to identify the remaining wireless needs in the Coalfields region (Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Norton, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise Counties). It is estimated that 40% of this region lacks wireless service. TRRC will support $40,000 of the estimated $140,000 total project cost. The applicant will select a provider through a competitive bid process.

  • 10/5/22 TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN SOUTH BOSTON

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN SOUTH BOSTON

    APPROVED PROJECTS WILL EXPAND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND BROADBAND ACCESS FOR RURAL VIRGINIANS

    South Boston, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Wednesday, October 5th, at the Berry Hill Conference Center to approve projects that will expand educational opportunities and broadband access in Southern and Southwest Virginia. The Commission approved 11 funding requests in addition to various extensions and other business including selecting Senator Frank Ruff to serve as Chair.

    Tobacco Commission Chairman, Senator Frank Ruff said, “Education has always been a top priority for the Tobacco Commission and with the variety of education projects the Commission chose to support at this meeting it is clear that it remains an area of focus. I’m proud of what the Commission has accomplished here in South Boston, especially since many of the approved projects will directly result in more opportunities for residents of the tobacco region to learn necessary skills and valuable industry-recognized credentials.”

    Tobacco Commission Acting Director, Andy Sorrell said, “I’d like to thank South Boston for hosting us as the Commission approved a variety of projects that will expand opportunities for those living in Southern and Southwest Virginia. An educated workforce is critical as we look to attract top employers to the Tobacco Region and these projects will go a long way towards helping us do just that.”

    The Commission selected a new Chair. Senator Frank Ruff will serve as Chairman and Delegate Will Morefield will continue to serve as Vice-Chair.

    The Commission took a first look at upcoming revisions to the strategic plan with the goal of soliciting input from partner organizations through the fall to take action at the Commission’s next meeting set for January 4-5, 2023 in Richmond.

    With a recommendation from the Southwest Virginia Committee, the Commission also approved allocating $2 million for a focused application round on increasing the capacity of meat processing facilities in Southwest Virginia. The Commission’s goal is to focus on projects that produce finished/processed locally grown beef and funding recommendations would be based on projects that present the highest likelihood for sustainability and have the largest impact on regional beef production. An application round is anticipated to open in the spring of 2023 with funding decisions likely in the fall of 2023.

    Additionally, the Commission recognized the service of the late Del. Joseph P. “Joe” Johnson who served on the Commission for 13 years and the late Medford Howard, the Commission’s long serving court reporter/stenographer. Both played an important role in the work the Commission has done over the years and will be missed by all.

    The following projects were approved for funding by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (Please see the meeting packet on our website for full project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business including project extensions and modifications):

    Southern Virginia Program

    4096, Halifax County

    Halifax County Universal Broadband Support 2022 – $540,598 Grant
    This project will provide universal broadband coverage for all areas of Halifax County with underserved and unserved residents, where internet access was insufficient to meet the minimum requirements of 25/3 Mbps for the VATI program. Halifax County is requesting the reallocation of $540,598, to be used towards the local Match on a $27.5 million VATI project, for which the contract was finalized in summer 2022. Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative’s ISP subsidiary Empower will deliver broadband fiber to serve 4,007 premises. This project will utilize the foundational fiber backbone deployed on MEC’s electric infrastructure, and will utilize the facilities of Dominion Energy, Southside Electric Cooperative and Mid-Atlantic Broadband where needed to expand broadband coverage outside of MEC’s territory. The Tobacco Commission’s two previous broadband grant awards were from March 2018 for $334,396 (#3534); and June 2019 for $206,202 (#3385) for the $540,598 total requested.

    4095, Dinwiddie County

    Dinwiddie County’s Universal Broadband Project – $781,820 Grant
    Dinwiddie County is requesting $781,820 to be used toward the local match on a $7,532,055 award from the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) for the purposes of expanding broadband coverage to unserved or underserved areas of the County. Dinwiddie County has partnered with RuralBand, a subsidiary of Prince George Electric Cooperative, to implement and complete this project. The VATI project area does not include areas of Dinwiddie County with existing broadband access, nor does it include census blocks awarded to an outside vendor through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction.

    Education Program

    Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Training Programs

    4084, Mountain Empire Community College

    CWIA Expansion II – $419,732 Grant
    This project will continue the development of MECC’s Center for Workforce and Innovation in Appalachia, VA. This facility, a former public school building, houses several of MECC’s training programs and provides an opportunity to expand capacity and programming beyond the space constraints of the college’s main campus. The current proposal will utilize TRRC support to develop a machining laboratory resulting in the creation of a Precision Machining program required to meet the demands of local industries. Grant funds will be used for required building renovations and for equipment purchases. The request also supports the expansion of the CDL program. Funding will be used to transition a part time instructor to full time and to purchase an additional commercial vehicle for the program. The expansion will allow MECC to offer four additional cohorts classes each year.

    4086, Patrick & Henry Community College Foundation

    Career and Technical Education Credentialing – $40,425 Grant
    These funds will cover student certification costs within the high-demand fields of advanced manufacturing. Despite the value of industry recognized credentials in validating and confirming student skills to future employers, current state policy prohibits P&HCC from embedding student certification costs into tuition, which eliminates the ability to use most scholarship funds to cover these costs. While most certification testing fees are $150 or less, these fees represent a significant financial burden for students and limits their ability to earn certifications that would assist them in the job market.

    4085, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

    Welding Program Expansion – $236,222.50 Grant
    This project will expand the Welding@SVHEC Training Program to include 1) new and enhanced curricular components focused on planning and executing a metal fabrication project (these components will be embedded in the currently-offered Welding Levels 1 through 3 courses); and 2) the addition of Welding Level 4 curriculum for aluminum and stainless steel welding. This expansion is a direct response to employer-specified needs for advanced skill sets and abilities.

    4091, Virginia Technical Institute

    Advanced Industrial Maintenance Mechanics Laboratory – $25,285 Grant
    This project will create an interactive laboratory incorporating local methods/practices most commonly found in local manufacturing industry. Requested funding will be used toward the purchase of interactive trainers in pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, and electrical disciplines; as well as initial fees with Smart Automation Certification Alliance offering specialist certifications for Industry 4.0 technical skills.

    High School Equivalency Programs

    4087, Southside Virginia Community College – Adult Education

    Southside Race to GED/NEDP – $70,000 Grant
    Southside Virginia Community College’s Regional Adult Education program leads a partnership with the four regional adult education and literacy programs that serve Southern Virginia (Regions 11, 12, 13 and 14). The program provides an incentive to cover credentialing testing fees for individuals pursuing a high school equivalency diploma. To receive a GED individuals must receive a passing score in four subjects- Math, Science, Social Studies, and Reasoning through Language Arts. The objective of the Southside Race to GED/NEDP program is to increase basic education attainment levels in order to help families move out of poverty, into jobs, and towards self-sufficiency. The majority of the requested funding, $60,000 is to support scholarships for the GED test fees which ranges from $10 for a retake test and $30 for each subject, for up to a total of $160 per person depending on the number of retakes. Another $10,000 of grant funding is requested to support marketing and promotional efforts to reach participants.

    Healthcare/ Post-Secondary Programs

    4089, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation

    Southwest Va. Higher Education Center Virtual Cadaver Lab – $100,000 Grant
    This project will support the development of a Virtual Cadaver Lab at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The Lab will provide opportunities for interprofessional training across five programs including Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, and RN & RN to BSN. Governor’s School students will also utilize the lab in their programs. Two Anatomoge Virtual Cadaver Tables will outfit the lab and feature numerous support task trainers (skeletal system, brain, joints, heart, respiratory system, reproductive system, etc.). The total cost for the tables and related task trainers is $211,754. Commission funds will be used for the purchase of one table ($100,000).

    4092, Wytheville Community College

    Advancing Wytheville Community College’s Health Programs – $100,324 Grant
    This project will support enhancement of several of WCC’s healthcare programs. Simulated training opportunities will be expanded through the use of virtual reality technology. Additionally, the Pharmacy Technician program will be expanded through the creation of a simulated pharmacy lab space. The simulated lab space will create the capacity for the Pharmacy Tech program to offer an advanced credential.

    Workforce Training Programs

    4082, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

    ExTRA: Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeships – $497,890 Grant
    This project will support development of a regional work-based learning program for the creation of new apprenticeship opportunities by employers within the 15 localities of Southern Virginia that are included in Go Virginia Region 3. Virginia’s Registered Apprenticeship program is an occupation specific training model designed to produces highly skilled workers to meet the demands of employers, through a combination of on-the-job training and related technical instruction with a paid job experience for the employees. IALR is proposing to focus on expansion of apprenticeships for occupations in construction, healthcare, early childhood education, manufacturing, and information technology.

    4088, Southside Virginia Community College Foundation

    Fiber Technician Training Program – $478,253 Grant
    This project will support the creation of a two-pronged Fiber Technician Training Program to address critical workforce demand for fiber technicians. This program will support needed workforce for broadband fiber installation in the region, and information technology workers to support fiber industry installations and services for data center operations.
    About The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its mission is the promotion of economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement. To date, the Commission has awarded over 2400 grants and loans totaling more than $1.4 billion across the tobacco region of the Commonwealth, and has provided $309 million in indemnification payments to tobacco growers and quota holders.

    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
    10/6/2022

  • 5/12/22 TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN BRISTOL

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN BRISTOL

    GRANT AND LOAN PROJECTS WILL HELP LOCALITIES ATTRACT AND GROW BUSINESSES, ASSIST LOCAL FARMERS AND GROW VIRGINIA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY

    Bristol, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Thursday, May 12th, at the Bristol Sessions Hotel to approve projects that will help localities attract and grow businesses, assist local farmers and grow Virginia’s tourism industry. The Commission serves 40 localities in southern and southwest Virginia.

    Tobacco Commission Chairman, Ed Owens said, “As our economy continues to recover, the Tobacco Commission is more important than ever for the communities of southern and southwest Virginia. The Commission’s ability to invest in a diverse array of economic development efforts, from long term projects like business parks and industrial sites to projects designed to quickly grow our talent base and more, is critical to the future success of the regions we serve. I think the work done here in Bristol over the last two days reflects that diverse approach to building a strong economy for southern and southwest Virginia and I look forward to seeing the projects approved here get underway.”

    Tobacco Commission Acting Director, Andy Sorrell said, “I am proud of what the Commission accomplished here in Bristol. The Commission continues to support a variety of projects that will have far-reaching impacts and support our goal of developing a diverse economy in southern and southwest Virginia.” 

    The following projects were approved for funding by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (Please see the meeting packet on our website for full project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business including project extensions and modifications): 

    In addition to the projects listed below, the Commission also adopted a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year and approved numerous funding requests from educational institutions within the region for Workforce Financial Aid for Tobacco Region residents during the 2022-23 school year among other Commission actions.

    Southwest Virginia Program

    #3966, Abingdon Feeder Cattle Association
    Improving Genetics, Health, and Management of Small Ruminants in SWVA – $215,000 Grant
    Interest in small ruminant production and marketing is increasing in SWVA as additional producers show interest in livestock enterprises. In SWVA counties sheep and goats adapt well to the mountainous and hilly terrain and are one of the fastest growing agricultural segments. This project will support the many small ruminant producers in SWVA by providing and implementing a cost-share program to improve the genetic quality, health, and overall management of producers’ flocks and herds. This project is intended to help build the knowledge and confidence of small ruminant producers and provide them with a thorough understanding of these areas. The project is a collaboration of Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Small Farm Outreach Program at the Virginia State University, Abingdon Feeder Cattle Association, Virginia Sheep Producers Association, Coalfield Sheep Association, and the New River Valley Sheep and Goat Club. 

    #3970, Grayson County
    Sheep Wool Baler – $2,500 Grant
    This project will provide a new wool baler in Grayson County which will allow producers in the region to maintain profitability. Grayson County serves as a collection point for producers to bring wool to be packed and shipped to a buyer. The baler that is currently being utilized is 40 years old, in extreme disrepair and has surpassed its useful life. 

    #3968, Floyd County EDA
    Planning Expansion of the Floyd Innovation Center – $20,000 Grant
    This project will assist Floyd County in planning an expansion to the Floyd Innovation Center. The Floyd Innovation Center, built in 2014, serves as the focal point of entrepreneurship, innovation and business development in the County. It is completely full of growing businesses and an expansion is needed in order to continue small business development and job creation. Thirty-six people are employed at the the Innovation Center with the average full time wage being over $68,000 per year which is more than double the local average of $32,032. Three of the 4 businesses at the Innovation Center are growing and need more space and there are no other options for production, office or flex space in the County or Town currently. So far 10 businesses have “graduated” from the Innovation Center.

    #3971, Historic Pocahontas Inc.
    Engineering Study of Pocahontas Fuel Building and Dr. Ballard Building – $50,000 Grant
    This project will assist the Town of Pocahontas with an engineering study that will provide the opportunity to seek funding to restore the buildings. With the success of Adventure Tourism in the area many business owners have/are inquiring to open a business in the town. Unfortunately, no viable buildings remain. Restoring these buildings would provide a much-needed venue to welcome new businesses, thereby increasing revenue for the town, and boosts Pocahontas as not only a tourist destination but a place to be.

    #3974, Russell County IDA
    ACME Building Renovations – Referred to VRA for $189,000 Loan
    This project will provide matching funds for funds received from VCEDA to complete renovations of the old ACME building located in Lebanon VA for the benefit of Bates Family Farm. This will allow Bates Family Farm to expand the business from $1.4 million in 2021 to $2.5 million in 2022.

    #3972, Joint IDA of Wythe County
    Extension of Rail in Progress Park – $800,000 Grant
    This project will expand rail lines to serve the Blue Star NBR site in Progress Park. Lot 24 in the park was recently selected for the largest manufacturing project announced in Southwest Virginia in over a generation. In fact, it’s the second largest manufacturing project announced in all of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the largest creation of manufacturing jobs in 30+ years. Blue Star NBR will be doing the initial construction of a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) manufacturing facility. Soon thereafter, it is estimated that six glove manufacturing facilities will follow, with those built by Blue Star Manufacturing. This manufacturing campus will be dedicated to re-shoring personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturing in a vertically-integrated model. The significant job creation (2400+ over 5 years) and capital investment ($714 million+ over the same period) amount to game changing levels for our whole region, far beyond our county borders.

    #3973, Mount Rogers Development Partnership
    Mount Rogers Regional Partnership: Talent & Industry Attraction Program – $300,000 Grant
    This project will focus on the expansion of education and training opportunities that lead directly to occupations in the primary target industries of manufacturing; while healthcare is not a target industry, but a key component to the overall economic health, this project will also lead to opportunities in the healthcare sector. Mount Rogers Regional Partnership (formerly Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance) is the Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) responsible for business retention and expansion, marketing, business attraction, special projects such as site and infrastructure development, and now talent solutions. This is a project that will provide resources to continue business and capital investment attraction while also retaining and attracting talent within the region.

    #3967, Town of Big Stone Gap
    Regional Outdoor Recreation: Connecting Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, Norton, and Scott County – $300,000 Grant
    Development of the Big Cherry Reservoir as both a day-use and overnight-use destination will connect and further enhance the established regional outdoor recreation destinations of the nearby Flag Rock Recreation Area, High Knob Recreation Area, High Knob Observation Tower, Devil’s Bathtub, and throughout the vast Jefferson National Forrest. The Big Cherry Reservoir is a 250 acre lake owned by the Town of Big Stone Gap. In addition to expanding the day-use of trail networks and connectivity for the trails, this project will expand the overnight lodging options of Yurts, Safari Tents, and primitive campsites at each of the destinations. The TRRC funding would construct 18 of the signature campsites at three locations.

    #3969, Friends of Southwest Virginia
    Southwest Virginia Regional Marketing Campaign – $140,000 Grant
    This project seeks to leverage funds from the Commission, the federal POWER initiative, and other state and local resources to take the next step in the marketing of the Southwest Virginia region. This project will enhance the current marketing efforts of Friends of Southwest Virginia by incorporating the creation of new professional video and photography assets of the region and increasing the scope of the marketing campaign to reach new target markets. The goal of this project is to increase visitation to the entire Southwest Virginia region, while also increasing the direct visitor expenditures in lodging, food and beverage, retail, recreation, and transportation sectors of the local economy.

    Southern Virginia Program

    #3960, Patrick County Economic Development Authority
    Patrick County Business Development Center – $500,000 Grant
    The Patrick County Economic Development Authority proposes to redevelop approximately 16,000 SF of blighted commercial property in the Town of Stuart, Virginia for the purpose and use as a Business Development Center. Connecting local ideas, supporting new and existing business growth, and closing the communication gap to regional resources are important goals that this space will help to meet. Creation of support services and space for ecosystem building are considered essential to the success of modern economic development efforts and have been identified as priorities to regional investment. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for flexible, innovative, and highly networked facilities in rural areas. Utilization of existing MBC fiber is important to this project as the need for high speed internet must be addressed.

    #3956, Brunswick County
    Stonewall Site Development Project – $27,000 Grant
    This project will assist with Due Diligence activities for the Stonewall property located on Governor Harrison Parkway in Brunswick County, Virginia. Completion of the Due Diligence activities by Timmons Group will include a Tier 4 Certification for the Stonewall property which will make the site highly marketable by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. The industrial site is located approximately 10.3 miles west of 1-95 and 8.5 from the Town of Lawrenceville. The site consists of two parcels totaling 387.6 acres of land owned by the County and is connected to electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and broadband. Currently, the site is zoned Agricultural, but the site is in the process of being rezoned Industrial.

    #3957, Franklin County
    Tier Improvements of Dogwood Site at Summit View Business Park – $1,500,000 Grant
    This project will create a build ready site by completing the grading of the 55+/-acre building pad for a 1 million square foot facility and associated parking, loading, and trailer spaces. The project would also include needed erosion and controls, storm sewer piping, and required best management practices. The full 118-acre site would be available that can be developed in the future for additional support building(s), trailer storage, and flex space.

    #3961, Prince Edward County
    Water Tank – Prince Edward Heartland Innovation Technology Park – $530,100 Grant
    This project will assist with the development of A&E designs for a water storage tank and booster pump station in the Heartland Innovation Technology Park, located in Prince Edward County just outside of Farmville. To develop the site as a marketable data center site, and upgrade it to a Tier IV designation by VEDP.  A number of projects are needed, including extending public water and sewer into the Park, constructing a water tower at the site (for fire flow and to help the Park meet daily water demands), extending natural gas service into the Park, and providing electric service into the Park. The PEIDA has been awarded funds through the VEDP Virginia Business Ready Sites Program for A&E designs of water and sewer lines to tie in the HIT Park to the Town of Farmville’s public water and sewer systems.

    #3962, Town of Rocky Mount
    Cox Site Master Plan – Franklin County – Rocky Mount Industrial Park – $44,940 Grant
    This project will raise the level of readiness for the Cox Site, part of the Franklin County – Rocky Mount Industrial Park. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) currently designates the Park as Tier 2 under the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP). The report lays out next steps, including a list of specific engineering and surveying reports, that would increase the tier level of the site. If the reports are completed, and no issues are found in the reports, the site would improve to Tier 4 level of readiness.

    #3964, Virginia’s Heartland Regional Industrial Facilities Authority
    VHRIFA Business Readiness – Virginia’s Heartland Regional Industrial Park – $112,400 Grant
    This project will prepare site design plans for the development of sites in the Virginia’s Heartland Regional Industrial Park for the purpose of marketing the Park. The improvements are needed to bring the Park up to a Tier IV designation by VEDP, which would make the Park marketable to business prospects. 

    #3963, Town of Stuart
    The Star Theatre Economic and Market Feasibility Study – $7,500 Grant
    This project will assist the Town of Stuart in hiring a consultant to perform an Economic and Market Feasibility Study for the purchase and operation of a music venue/theatre/community space in a newly designated historic district. These efforts will coincide with a larger downtown revitalization plan being executed by Patrick County Economic Development and the West Piedmont Planning District Commission. The Star Theatre is a 4,725 SF building located at 318 Patrick Avenue in Stuart, VA. It dates back to at least 1947, and like many small rural downtowns, the place has seen numerous businesses come and go. The most recent renovations were completed in 2007 and it has been largely underutilized since that time.

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    5/13/2022

  • 1/7/22 TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

    Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

    TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

    GRANT AND LOAN PROJECTS WILL CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS AND HELP LOCALITIES ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES

    RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Friday, January 7th, at the Richmond Marriott to approve projects that promise to create new opportunities for farmers, increase the ability of localities to attract new businesses, support entrepreneurs as they seek to start a business and attract valuable tourism dollars to the region. The Commission serves 40 localities in southern and southwest Virginia.

    Tobacco Commission Chairman, Ed Owens said, “Supporting our farmers and producers, as well as creating jobs and opportunity in the communities we serve by helping attract new businesses and expand existing ones, have always been priorities for the Tobacco Commission and the projects approved at this meeting will do all of those things and more. I’m proud of what the Commission accomplished here in Richmond and look forward to seeing these projects get underway.”

    Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “The ability to quickly adapt to a changing environment is a core strength of the Commission and allows us to meet the current needs of the communities we serve. From helping Barter Theatre recover from the effects of the pandemic to ensuring that localities have the infrastructure in place to support large projects, and everything in-between, the Commission has never been more ready to move forward and meet the challenges of developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia.”

    Additionally, the Commission has released its 2021 annual report which can be viewed here: Annual Report

    The following projects were approved for funding by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (Please see the meeting packet on our website for full project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business including project extensions and modifications):

    Southern Virginia Program

    3891, Campbell County

    Southern Virginia Precision Agriculture & Farm Efficiency Grant – $505,000 Grant
    This project will support a cost share program intended to “encourage producers to incorporate new practices that enhance their operation’s inputs and cost savings.” The Virginia Cooperative Extension offices in 19 counties would administer the program and 8-10 producers would be supported per county. The program is targeted to four categories (1) Precision and Improved Agriculture Technology; (2) Produce Equipment & Cold Storage; (3) Produce Handling & Hay Storage Facilities; and (4) Livestock Handling Equipment.

    3895, Martinsville-Henry County Chambers Partnership for Economic Growth

    Startup/Grow Martinsville-Henry County Expansion – $103,575 Grant
    The MHC Chamber of Commerce coordinates the Chamber’s Partnership for Economic Growth (CPEG) program in partnership with Patrick Henry Community College and Longwood Small Business Development Center. This project will allow CPEG to serve additional entrepreneurs, provide additional training to entrepreneurs, and to make additional investments in viable business concepts. The focus of this funding will be on incentives for businesses that produce a traded product or service, contributing to the region’s economic base. Examples of targeted sectors include agribusiness, technology, small-scale production, manufacturing, and health care businesses.

    Southwest Virginia Program

    3928, Abingdon Feeder Cattle Association

    Mechanizing Forage Research In Southwest Virginia – Phase III – $9,000 Grant
    This project will support the purchase of a no-till seed drill for use in seeding forage research and demonstration plots. TRRC previously supported the purchase of harvesting equipment required for forage research.

    3930, Floyd County EDA

    Floyd County: Adding Much-Needed Meat Processing Capacity – $8,671 Grant
    This project will assist with equipment purchases for the establishment of a new, privately owned, meat processing facility in Floyd County. The facility will serve 50 producers by its third year resulting in a $10,000 increase in revenue for the producers.

    3927, Virginia Pumpkin Growers Association

    FRESH START: On-Farm Produce Safety Investments from Farm to Market – $507,000 Grant
    This project will assist with training and on farm infrastructure for fresh produce growers required to obtain USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification. This certification allows producers to verify that the farm’s production and handling practices meet required safety guidelines. GAP certification is necessary to allow producers to sell products through commercial market opportunities. The majority of the grant ($500,000) will be used for producer cost share payments. A small amount ($7,000) is allocated for training materials and supplies as well as for printing and postage costs. Grant funds will reimburse 33% of eligible costs up to a $5,000 limit. This request will support approximately 100 producers.

    3923, Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority

    Project Intersection – Building #1 – $500,000 Grant
    This project supports infrastructure needs at the Project Intersection industrial site in Norton. The property requires additional site development, as well as construction of a 30,000 SF building, to accommodate the recently announced EarthLink project. These improvements must be completed within a 24 month period in order to accommodate the project. Commission funds will be used for the site development work including paving, curbs and gutters, site signage, lighting, parking bumpers, etc.

    3926, Russell County Industrial Development Authority

    Russell Place Project Phase II – $303,500 Grant
    This project will support the redevelopment of a property in the Town of Lebanon. Within the last 36 months, 30 new businesses have located in Russell County and the IDA does not have any properties available for new prospects. To accommodate future demand for industrial space the IDA purchased a vacant property consisting of an existing 5,200 square foot building on a 12.6 acre site. These funds will be used for Phase II renovations of the building including demolition of the oldest portion of the building and renovation of the remaining structure.

    3929, Joint IDA of Wythe County

    Construction of Wastewater Line for Progress Park Lot 24 – Referred to VRA for a $500,000 loan
    This project will assist with necessary infrastructure improvements to serve Lot 24 in Progress Park which is the location of the recent Blue Star NBR and the Blue Star AGI industrial announcements. Required infrastructure improvements to accommodate the Blue Star project total approximately $31.9M. This application focuses on the extension of wastewater service to site via construction of a force main line.

    3925, The Barter Foundation, Inc.

    Barter Theatre Regional Marketing Campaign – $70,000 Grant
    This project will assist Barter Theatre in hiring a public relations firm to develop and implement a two year regional marketing campaign with the Theatre at the center. A strategy will be developed to appeal to urban markets. Barter wishes to increase attendance from beyond a 100 mile radius and believes there is untapped potential to recruit patrons from markets such as DC and Atlanta.

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    1/7/2022