Category: Press Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/9/2020

NEW PERFORMING ARTS VENUE TO OPEN IN TAZEWELL COUNTY

Venue Will Be Constructed In Newly Renovated Theater Building

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/3/2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/26/20220

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

Application Deadline: March 15, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/23/2020

56 NEW JOBS COMING TO FRANKLIN COUNTY

Traditional Medicinals to Open Manufacturing Facility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/21/2020

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

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

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Tuesday, January 7th to give final approval for 19 funding requests. The approved requests total more than $3.7 million and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds awarded break down as follows: $1.9 million for AgriBusiness projects, $674,600 for economic development projects in Southwest Virginia, $570,000 for a Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) project and $545,000 for Special Projects. Additionally the Commission authorized various extensions for existing projects. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $11,800 to $570,000.

Additionally, the Commission approved a $1 million allocation for a second round of the Loan Repayment Talent Attraction Program. The program’s successful first round saw 91 students accept awards that averaged $17,549 with a total award amount of $1,614,500 should all students meet all program requirements. For more information on the program please visit our website at www.revitalizeva.org.

The Commission also released its FY 2019 Annual Report which includes an in-depth look at what the Commission has accomplished over the last 20 years including the creation of over 21,000 jobs and more than $3.4 billion in private capital investment in Southern and Southwest Virginia. The report can be found on our website HERE.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “As we look back on 20 years of serving the citizens of Southern and Southwest Virginia we can be proud of what the Commission has accomplished. The grants awarded today will continue our successful efforts to bring jobs and investment to the regions we serve.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “Turning the page on the Commission’s 20 year history, we are excited to look forward to new opportunities and economic success for the regions we serve.”

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/7/20

TOBACCO COMMISSION ANNOUNCES $250K GRANT TO TOWN OF BIG STONE GAP FOR CO-WORKING SPACE TO ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES

Commission Co-Hosts Forum on Smart Communities Initiatives For Small Towns

Big Stone Gap, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission today highlighted a Southwest Economic Development program grant award of $250,263 to assist the Town of Big Stone Gap in adding entrepreneurial co-working space to the renovated Mutual Pharmacy property. The grant was originally awarded in October of this year. The Town is modeling this co-working space after successful spaces in other localities and is presently designing its co-working operations program to fit within this unique downtown space. The location also ties in with a successful recent downtown revitalization effort as part of a strategy to attract new businesses and grow existing ones.

Tobacco Commission Chair, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “Attracting new businesses to our rural towns and communities has been a challenge but it is one the Commission, along with our local and regional partners, is having success in meeting. Projects like this new co-working space in Big Stone Gap serve as an anchor for new businesses giving them a place to launch and grow. I look forward to participating in additional events like the forum held today that allow us to get together with our regional stakeholders and discuss the best strategies for invigorating our economy.”

“We are focused on making Big Stone Gap attractive to working professionals as a great place to both live and work,” said Steve Lawson, Town Manager for Big Stone Gap. “This grant will help us continue to revitalize our downtown district and recruit new business opportunities.”

Along with the grant announcement the Tobacco Commission, Invest SWVA and Lonesome Pine RIFA sponsored a Forum on Smart Communities that was attended by community leaders from across Southwest Virginia. The Forum served as a discussion of ways communities in Southwest Virginia can become better connected and utilize technology to attract new businesses to grow their local economies and that of the region as a whole. The Forum featured presentations by David Ihrie, Chief Technology Officer for the Center for Innovative Technology and Charles Neal, Managing Director of Operations Transformation for Deloitte Consulting LLP.

“Co-working spaces like this one in Big Stone Gap are a critical business recruitment tool for us as we continue to market the region to Northern Virginia-based high-tech companies looking to grow their operations in Southwest Virginia,” said Will Payne, who serves as project lead for InvestSWVA, a newly-formed regional marketing initiative backed by the Tobacco Commission and corporate partners around the region, including Point Broadband and Appalachian Power.

Payne’s firm, Coalfield Strategies, is leading the Invest SWVA initiative, funded by the Tobacco Commission, Point Broadband, LENOWISCO, and Appalachian Power. This public-private initiative covers the 13 counties and 3 cities in the GO Virginia Region One footprint. Payne tapped Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s Global Economic Development practice, led by former Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore, as its strategic advisor. At InvestSWVA’s launch in September, co-chairs Senator Ben Chafin, Delegate Terry Kilgore, Delegate Israel O’Quinn, and Senator-elect Todd Pillion announced a first-of-its-kind strategic partnership with the Northern Virginia Technology Council to offer growth opportunities in the region to its member companies.

“Developing co-working spaces in small towns like Big Stone Gap creates the potential for both downtown redevelopment and job creation in one fell swoop — a win-win proposition for Southwest Virginia,” said Duane Miller, Executive Director of the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission.

LENOWISCO’s localities (Lee, Wise and Scott counties and the city of Norton) in addition to Dickenson County comprise the Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facility Authority. This Authority, the first of its kind in Southwest Virginia, supports revenue sharing and serves as a mechanism for sharing resources.

“The CIT Smart Communities team is honored to support Big Stone Gap in their mission to improve and modernize community resources and services through smart technology,” said David Ihrie, Chief Technology Officer for the Center for Innovative Technology. “Communities like Big Stone Gap can be an ideal environment for smart initiatives to make a big difference in the quality of life for the people who live there. We are thrilled to be a part of the plan to deploy their vision for the future.”

Ihrie is co-leading the Virginia Smart Communities Working Group and, along with CIT Broadband, is helping bring this new generation of capability to all Virginians.

“Improving connectivity can impact almost every corner of a community from education and mobility to public safety and overall prosperity,” said Charles Neal, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP. “What will make improved connectivity possible is collaboration across the public, private and nonprofit sectors, which is now happening in Big Stone Gap thanks to the many community partners involved. By working together, identifying clear goals and developing a clear understanding of the obstacles and available options, towns such as Big Stone Gap can reap the benefits of being a smart, connected community.”

Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Smart Rural Communities Practice explores the economic transformation of underserved rural areas in the United States through enhanced connectivity. Their work convenes community and government stakeholders, private industry providers, and experts to serve as a catalyst for designing innovative strategies and solutions to the challenges rural communities face. These strategies help federal, state, and local agencies realize the cascading impacts of connectivity for their industries and communities in pursuit of rural prosperity.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Supporting regional initiatives like InvestSWVA is an important part of accomplishing that goal. For more information on InvestSWVA please visit their website at www.investswva.org

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/19/2019

92 NEW JOBS COMING TO DANVILLE-PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

AeroFarms To Establish Vertical Grow Operation

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that AeroFarms will establish a vertical grow operation in Danville-Pittsylvania County. The grow facility will be constructed in Cane Creek Centre industrial park which is a joint project of Danville and Pittsylvania County. AeroFarms is expected to invest $42 million in the facility and create 92 new jobs once the facility is operational. The Tobacco Commission approved a $190,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with this project.

Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Senator Frank Ruff said, “The Tobacco Commission has always supported Virginia’s agriculture industry, the backbone of our state’s economy, and attracting AeroFarms to Danville-Pittsylvania County is a big win. AeroFarms’ technologically advanced approach to farming is an example of how the industry is adapting to meet the demands of modern consumers and I am pleased that they chose to grow their business here in Southside Virginia.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall added, “It is exciting to see an innovative company like AeroFarms open their first Virginia location here in Southside. Attracting a company like this to our region shows that the effort we have put into developing a top notch business climate is paying off. I welcome AeroFarms and their team to Danville-Pittsylvania County and wish them the best as they get hiring underway.”

Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, AeroFarms is a global, Certified B Corporation on a mission to transform agriculture by building and operating environmentally responsible farms throughout the world to enable local production at scale and nourish communities with safe, nutritious, and delicious food. The company disrupts traditional supply chains by building farms on major distribution routes and near population centers and defies traditional growing seasons by enabling local farming at commercial scale year-round. AeroFarms sets a new standard for traceability by managing its greens from seed to package, all while using 95% less water than field farmed-food and with yields 390 times higher per square foot annually.

David Rosenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of AeroFarms said,“We are excited to expand to Virginia, an incredible state with a strong farming tradition, and we have been honored by the amazing reception at all levels. We want to thank everyone for helping bring our tenth and largest, most advanced indoor vertical farm to life to create new jobs and increase access to healthier foods with better flavor. We are also excited about the future collaboration opportunities with The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research to build on our work with Fortune 100 companies to solve broader ag-related supply chain issues.”

“We’re pleased that AeroFarms has selected the Cane Creek Centre for their new mid-Atlantic facility”, said Robert “Bob” Warren, Vice-Chairman of the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority and member of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. “It is only appropriate that the largest county in the Commonwealth by land area will soon be home to the world’s largest and most advanced vertical farm. The region has placed a heavy emphasis on attracting technology-based agribusiness firms through strategic investments in our workforce, and we thank AeroFarms for their commitment to Southern Virginia and its people.”

Fred Shanks, Chair of the Danville Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority added, “AeroFarms is a perfect example of how blending technology with agriculture can provide an environmentally responsible solution to growing nutritious food. Given the history and importance of agriculture to this region, I cannot think of a better place for AeroFarms to locate. We are delighted to welcome them to this great community.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Agriculture has always been an important part of Virginia’s economy and the Commission is proud to support companies, like AeroFarms, that will continue that tradition.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/11/2019

703 NEW JOBS COMING TO DANVILLE-PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Morgan Olson To Establish New Van Manufacturing Operation In Former IKEA Plant

Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Morgan Olson, LLC, will establish a new manufacturing operation in the former IKEA plant in Danville-Pittsylvania County. The project will create 703 new jobs and Morgan Olson plans to invest $57.8 million in the 925,000 square foot facility. The Tobacco Commission is supporting this project with a $1.195 million Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant.

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall said, “This is a huge win not only for Danville and Pittsylvania County but our entire region. Morgan Olson has a long history of producing a quality product used by some of the biggest names in shipping, and I am proud that they will now be producing those trucks right here in Southside Virginia.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “Finding a new manufacturer to come in and fill this space so quickly shows how resilient our economy here in Southside Virginia has become. As I’ve said before, we have the workforce and assets to compete on a worldwide level for good jobs from respected companies like Morgan Olson. I wish them the best as they get their operation underway here in Danville-Pittsylvania County.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman stated, “This announcement is a huge win and proves once again that Virginia is the nation’s business leader. Local, regional, and state organizations all came together to turn bad news into incredible news.”

Headquartered in Sturgis, Michigan, Morgan Olson’s legacy of building their iconic step vans began in 1946 with the production of the first “all-aluminum” step van. Moving forward to today with the growth of e-commerce, Morgan Olson’s step vans are in demand to deliver these on-line purchases to homes and businesses throughout North America. In 2003, Morgan Olson was purchased by J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. (JBPCO), a diversified manufacturing company headquartered in Houston, Texas. JBPCO has eight profitable subsidiaries, with combined revenues of $1.4 billion and 6,200 employees. The new Virginia plant represents the company’s fourth expansion in the last six years.

President & CEO of Morgan Olson, Mike Ownbey said, “Morgan Olson walk-in step vans are in demand more than ever. We’ve been very fortunate with capturing large orders from major parcel package delivery companies; however, other important industries and valued customers use Morgan Olson walk-in vans everyday, too. Baking and snack food distributors, textile rental and uniform companies, and even city municipalities all rely on Morgan Olson walk-in vans for their business services. We’re expanding to keep up with our customers’ needs for our product. One of the most attractive aspects of locating in Danville-Pittsylvania County is that we will be able to take advantage of the new Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which will help us quickly attract and train the high-quality workforce we need to deliver for our customers.”

Vice-Chairman of the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority and member of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Robert “Bob” Warren stated, “With this announcement, Morgan Olson will become the largest private employer in Pittsylvania County, and we are grateful for the company’s long-term commitment to the community. We are proud that our excellent workforce was able to attract North America’s premier walk-in van manufacturer, and believe that the positive impacts of Morgan Olson’s operations will be felt throughout the region. We welcome Morgan Olson and J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. to our growing community, and we look forward to seeing trucks made in Pittsylvania County on our country’s roadways for many years to come.”

Chairman of the Danville Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority and Danville City Councilman, Fred Shanks added, “It’s such a joy to welcome Morgan Olson to the region. We are confident that this walk-in step van assembly plant will have a positive economic impact throughout the region by providing living wage jobs, and also bringing the supply chain needed to support an industry of this scale.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to bringing jobs and investment to the regions we serve. Helping localities like Danville and Pittsylvania County attract a top employer like Morgan Olson is a perfect example of the work the Commission is doing to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/25/2019

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN MARION

Commission Approves 18 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Thursday, October 10th to give final approval for 18 funding requests. The 18 requests total more than $15.4 million and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds awarded break down as follows: $8 million for a potential Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) project, $3.94 million for economic development projects in Southwest Virginia, $1.99 million for economic development projects in Southern Virginia and $1.5 million for Research and Development projects. Additionally the Commission authorized various extensions for existing projects. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $57,000 to $8 million.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “It was a pleasure to hold our Commission meetings in Marion. The projects the Commission approved will bring much needed jobs, tourism dollars and other benefits to Southern and Southwest Virginia. I look forward to our January meetings in Richmond as we continue our work to bring opportunity to the regions we serve.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “The Tobacco Commission continues to make investments that will grow the economy of Southern and Southwest Virginia for years to come. From tourism to education and more, I believe the projects the Commission chose to support at our meeting in Marion will keep us on the right path towards a vibrant and diversified regional economy.”

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/11/19