Category: Press Releases

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN DANVILLE

Commission Approves 35 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia and Launches Talent Attraction Program

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Thursday, June 6th to give final approval for 35 funding requests. The 35 requests total more than $18.5 million and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $7,909,964 for broadband expansion, $3 million for the Talent Attraction Program, $2,923,500 for workforce financial aid, $2,564,269 in competitive education grants and $2 million in funds for the Virginia Department of Health Student Loan Repayment Program. Additionally the Commission authorized various extensions for existing projects. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $26,559 to $1.9 million.

The Commission also approved the creation of the TRRC Talent Attraction Program, which replaces and better targets the Commission’s prior 4 year loan forgiveness program, which will provide loan repayment for over 200 new or returning talented residents within the tobacco region. The Commission funded the program in the amount of $3 million. The Talent Attraction Program (TAP) is designed to encourage recent graduates to live in the Tobacco Region and work in targeted, hard-to-fill occupations by providing up to $12,000 annually in student loan repayment with a two-year commitment. This 2 year period may be renewed for a further 2 years for a total possible repayment of $48,000 over 4 years. To be eligible for this program students must have:

1. graduated within the past 18 months of the application deadline
2. reside within the Tobacco region during the 24 month period during which the award is made and
3. begin full-time employment in the tobacco region within 6 months of the award letter in one of the following occupations within the 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

Applicants will also be asked to become significantly civically engaged in their community. Examples of this include volunteering with local non-profit or government activities such as the United Way, Junior League, Ruritan Club, PTA, food banks, coaching youth sports etc. with a total annual engagement of at least 50 hours per year.

The Commission also committed $2 million to further fund the Virginia Department of Health State Loan Repayment Program. Eligible occupations for this program include Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Dental Professionals, Mental Health Professionals, Registered Nurses and Pharmacists. Specialties that are eligible under each occupation, as well as additional info about the VDH program can be found at this link: VDH-SLRP Program

The Commission funded 14 Last Mile Broadband Program requests that will provide over 16,000 new homes and businesses with a high-quality broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps. Increasing access to broadband internet has long been a Commission priority and this latest investment builds on significant investments made over the Commission’s 20 year existence. Over just the last 2 years the Commission has invested in projects that will provide access to more than 47,000 homes and businesses.

The Commission funded 21 Workforce Financial Aid and Competitive Education grant requests that will benefit thousands of students across the tobacco region. The approved requests cover in-demand areas such as Nursing, IT and Cybersecurity, Workforce preparedness and more. The Commission has invested significant resources in education and workforce development over the years to increase the competitiveness of the tobacco region.

The Commission also adopted the guidelines for the Small Business Entrepreneurship Support Program which will begin accepting applications this summer. This program will provide a limited number of small businesses within the tobacco region with access to GENEDGE business consulting services as well as Commission mentorship and media exposure. The goal of the program is to help small businesses that have grown past the initial “start-up” stage but have not yet grown to maturity advance their path to commercialization and ultimately their ability to bring new jobs and investment into the region.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “I’m excited about the investments the Commission made particularly in education and broadband expansion. Expanding broadband access and educational opportunities in Southern and Southwest Virginia is critical if we are going to be successful in developing the diverse economy we want in these regions. I think the investments made by the Commission at this meeting are a big step in the right direction.”

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
6/7/2019

160 NEW JOBS COMING TO DANVILLE

Litehouse, Inc. To Open Production Facility

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Litehouse, Inc. will open a new production facility in the City of Danville. The project is expected to create 160 new jobs as well as retain 40 jobs currently held by Sky Valley Foods employees. The project also includes $46 million in capital investment. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is assisting this project with a $340,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant as well as a $220,000 TROF loan.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “This is great news for the City of Danville and our region. In addition to bringing 160 new jobs I’m happy to hear that Litehouse plans to retain all 40 Sky Valley employees. I thank the Tobacco Commission for supporting this project and look forward to welcoming Litehouse to our community.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall added, “We are excited to have Litehouse, Inc. locate in Danville. Originally established in Idaho and branching to Utah and Michigan, this will be their first operation on the east coast. They have a greater than 50-year reputation of producing excellent, award-winning products. The company is 100% employee-owned, fostering enthusiasm and commitment among their workers. They invest in their employees with good jobs, pay and benefits. That culture is a great fit for Danville. We thank Litehouse, Inc. for bringing an additional 160 jobs to our region.”

Litehouse, Inc. is a leader in refrigerated salad dressings, dips, cheese, freeze dried herbs and other innovative and delicious products. Founded in Hope, Idaho by the Hawkins family in 1963, Litehouse is proud to be a 100% employee-owned company. Each of the employee-owners is committed to providing great-tasting, high-quality food made with real ingredients and crafted with care. Manufactured at the company’s five U.S. facilities based in Michigan, Utah, and Idaho, Litehouse award-winning products are available in North America through general retail, e-commerce, foodservice, deli, club stores, and value-added goods such as meal and salad kits.

President of Litehouse, Kelly Prior said, “We are excited and appreciative for the opportunity to operate a Litehouse manufacturing facility in Danville. This facility will be key in continuing to provide the best-in-class customer service that Litehouse is known for to our customers on the East Coast. We look forward to being a strong partner and steward of the Danville community.”

Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones added, “We’re so excited to welcome the national brand Litehouse to our community. Strategically, we have wanted to build a food processing base in Danville because of the unused capacity that Danville Utilities has in water and wastewater infrastructure. With Litehouse joining Nestle in Airside Industrial Park, we now have two leaders in the food industry.”

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/23/2019

42 NEW JOBS COMING TO SMYTH COUNTY

Scholle IPN Packaging, Inc. To Expand Manufacturing Operation

Richmond, VA– Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Scholle IPN Packaging, Inc. will expand its Smyth County manufacturing operation. The project will create 42 new jobs and includes $10.29 million in capital investment.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said, “We are honored to celebrate the expansion of a major manufacturer and long-term contributor to the region’s strong, diverse manufacturing base. Scholle IPN’s continued growth in Smyth County is a true economic success story for Southwest Virginia, and we look forward to the company’s next phase as it expands in the North American market.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico added, “Scholle IPN has been a valuable business partner in Smyth County for many years, and I am pleased that they are expanding their manufacturing operation and adding 42 new jobs. Helping existing businesses expand, bringing jobs and investment to Southwest Virginia, is a top priority for the Tobacco Commission, and I am glad the Commission chose to support this project.”

Scholle IPN is one of the world’s largest and most innovative packaging manufacturers; providing sustainable packaging solutions for the food and beverage, agriculture, automotive, cleaning, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors. The company is committed to making products safe and accessible while minimizing waste and extending shelf life. Headquartered in Illinois, Scholle IPN operates in 14 countries with over 2,000 employees worldwide.

Vice President and General Manager of Scholle IPN’s North America region, Kent Kisselle said, “This a key milestone in Scholle IPN’s long-range plan for our North American business. Our decision to expand in Chilhowie was necessitated by our continued growth in core flexible packaging markets along with the need to support our long-term strategic objectives. These initiatives include the development and application of a broad range of technologies to our business, and training our people in using these tools. Southwest Virginia is a strong fit in terms of high-quality labor availability and runway for additional investment, led by a solid leadership group ready to execute our strategic initiatives. I look forward to seeing the new Chilhowie plant footprint take shape in the coming months and welcoming our new team members as we prepare for an exciting 2020 and beyond.”

Chairman of the Smyth County Board of Supervisors, Todd Dishner added, “Today’s exciting announcement of the growth and expansion of our long-term partner, Scholle IPN, is welcome news in Smyth County and Southwest Virginia. The work involved in making this project a reality demonstrates the true partnership and concentrated effort that exists between Scholle IPN, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Smyth County to provide for and facilitate growth right here within our limits. We are extremely proud of the relationship that has developed with Scholle IPN over the years and look forward to growing and continuing this partnership well into the future.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Helping existing businesses, like Scholle IPN, expand and bring new jobs to the areas we serve is an important part of this mission.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/14/2019

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

Commission Approves 15 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Tuesday, January 8th to give final approval for 15 funding requests. The 15 requests total more than $2.45 million and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $236,250 for regional economic development and $2,226,118 for AgriBusiness projects. Additionally the Commission authorized various extensions for existing projects. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $6,250 to $500,000.

The Commission also celebrated the start of its 20th year serving the Citizens of Southern and Southwest Virginia. Since the Commission’s creation in 1999 we have awarded over $1.15 Billion in grant funds helping to create over 18,000 jobs, invested over $196 million in our community colleges and scholarships, played a key role in the development of 8 “megasites” to allow our regions to compete for large scale projects and invested more than $130 million in broadband expansion efforts to ensure that communities in rural Virginia have the same access as those in urban areas.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “The projects approved today are a good example of the work the Commission has been doing to develop a vibrant, diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. As we enter our 20th year, I look forward to seeing these projects get underway and to many more years of working with our partners in 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
1/9/2019

25 NEW JOBS COMING TO FRANKLIN COUNTY

McAirlaid’s, Inc., to Expand Manufacturing Facility

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that McAirlaid’s, Inc., will expand their manufacturing facility in Franklin County. The project is expected to create 25 new jobs and $7.8 million in capital investment. McAirlaid’s currently has 128 employees at its Franklin County location. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is supporting this project with a $60,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant as well as a $60,000 loan.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said, “McAirlaid’s, Inc.’s decision to expand its facility in Franklin County is a strong vote of confidence in the Commonwealth. Industry-leading manufacturers from around the world are drawn to the Roanoke Region for its low operating costs and strategic access to national and international markets. We thank McAirlaid’s for its investment and commitment to Franklin County and Virginia.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “Helping existing businesses, like McAirlaid’s, expand is an important part of developing a diverse and vibrant economy in Southside Virginia. I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project and wish McAirlaid’s the best as it adds to its workforce here in Franklin County.”

Founded in 1997, McAirlaid’s Vliesstoffe GmbH is a global producer and distributor of the world’s first nonwoven airlaid, SuperCore, which is produced without any glue, binders, recycled materials or latex. The company’s absorbent airlaid is used in a variety of food packaging, retail, medical, personal hygiene, and filtration applications. McAirlaid’s, Inc., the company’s first and only U.S. manufacturing operation, currently employs 128 workers at the Rocky Mount facility in Franklin County.

President of McAirlaid’s, Inc., Paul Maksimow said, “Since establishing our U.S. plant in 2006, we have expanded our absorbent solutions and manufacturing capabilities. Thanks to continued state and county support, we are able to expand our capacity and capabilities in Virginia for the protein and fruit packaging markets. Our newest expansion further strengthens our commitment to being a Made In The USA manufacturer while supporting local jobs in Rocky Mount.”

Franklin County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Cline Brubaker added, “Franklin County is proud to finish 2018 with its fourth major business announcement of the year. Since locating its North American headquarters in our community, McAirlaid’s has played a central role in the health of our economic base, providing high-quality jobs to Franklin County citizens. This expansion once again proves the area’s ability to foster long-term growth for outstanding industries that decide to locate here. The county is grateful to McAirlaid’s for its continued commitment to growing in our community.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Helping existing businesses, like McAirlaid’s, expand and bring new jobs to the areas we serve is an important part of this mission.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/20/2018

500 NEW JOBS COMING TO DANVILLE

PRA Group, Inc. To Establish New Call Center

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that PRA Group, Inc. will establish a new call center in Danville. The project is expected to create 500 new jobs and includes $15.1 million in capital investment. The Tobacco Commission is supporting this project with a $1,665,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant as well as a $1,665,000 loan.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “I am thrilled that PRA is making this substantial investment in our region and bringing 500 new jobs. The fact that we were able to successfully compete against other states to bring these jobs to Danville says a lot about our business climate and workforce. I look forward to PRA starting their hiring process and am proud that the Tobacco Commission supported this project.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall added, “What a great Christmas present for the Danville area. This is a big win for our region. Five hundred new jobs will have a huge impact on our local and regional economy. I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project and wish PRA the best as they get their operation underway here in Danville.”

Founded in Norfolk, Virginia as Portfolio Recovery Associates, PRA Group, Inc. is now one of the nation’s largest debt recovery firms. By returning capital to banks and other creditors, the company helps to expand financial services for consumers in the Americas and Europe. PRA Group employs more than 2,000 in its Norfolk and Hampton facilities and 5,000 worldwide.

President and Chief Executive Officer of PRA Group, Kevin Stevenson said, “We are excited to open this new call center just a few hundred miles away from where we started 22 years ago. I am grateful to the Governor and our local and state officials, as well as the Tobacco Commission, for their support in making this new site possible. I look forward to long-term growth and success in Danville.”

Mayor of Danville, Alonzo Jones added, “We are so delighted to welcome PRA to our wonderful city. This is truly a winning scenario for all involved—a win for PRA to come to a community with a quality workforce ready to help the company grow, a win for the citizens of Danville to provide quality employment opportunities, and a win for the Commonwealth of Virginia to help an existing Virginia company expand within the state!”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Attracting new employers, like PRA Group, to the areas we serve is an important part of that mission.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/20/2018

34 NEW JOBS COMING TO PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

YakAttack, LLC to Expand Manufacturing Facility

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that YakAttack, LLC will relocate and expand their production facility in Prince Edward County. The expansion is expected to create 34 new jobs. The new Prince Edward County facility will cover 66,000 square feet and result in increased production. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is assisting this project with an $110,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant.

Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Senator Frank Ruff said, “There is no better place for a company like YakAttack than South Central Virginia, where outdoor sports and recreation are a central part of the lifestyle. YakAttack not only manufactures top-tier products for kayak anglers around the world but serves as an active member of the community through events such as its annual YakAttack Tournament. We are proud to have YakAttack on our region’s corporate roster and look forward to its next chapter in Prince Edward County.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate James Edmunds added, “I am pleased to see that YakAttack will be creating 34 new jobs in Prince Edward County and proud that we were able to keep them here in Virginia as they expand their business. As a water sports enthusiast myself, I am a supporter of their products as well. Helping innovative companies, like YakAttack, grow and expand is an important part of the Tobacco Commission’s mission, and I thank the Commission for choosing to support this project.”

Founded in a garage in 2009, YakAttack has quickly grown into a leader in the kayak fishing industry. YakAttack specializes in kayak fishing gear and kayak rigging. The company is tightly integrated into the kayak fishing community and as a result they are acutely aware of what is needed for the sport. YakAttack’s designs are always problem solving solutions that are relevant, effective, and second to none in terms of quality and performance.

President of YakAttack, Luther Cifers said, “With our beginnings in a garage in Central Virginia, YakAttack could not be happier to deepen those roots with this expansion into Prince Edward County. We’ve built an incredible team, significant technology, and a powerful brand. This move will enable us to capitalize on the growth opportunities that these things have created, and create small town manufacturing jobs in the process. We appreciate the efforts of Prince Edward County Administrator Wade Bartlett and his team, the Virginia Tobacco Commission, and Governor Northam and his staff, which have helped make this project a reality.”

Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors Chair, Pattie Cooper-Jones added, “We are excited that YakAttack has chosen to build and expand its business in Prince Edward County. The County is a great place to live and work and is full of job opportunities; YakAttack will be a great addition to not only our industrial base, but also our community as a whole.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse and vibrant economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Helping existing businesses, like YakAttack, expand and add jobs is an important part of this mission.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/19/2018

49 NEW JOBS COMING TO DANVILLE-PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Harlow Group to Establish Manufacturing Plant

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Harlow Group Ltd. will establish their first U.S. manufacturing facility in Danville-Pittsylvania County. The facility will be located in the Danville-Pittsylvania County Cyber Park. Harlow Group will also establish a U.S. Training Center of Excellence at the facility. The Tobacco Commission is supporting this project with a $315,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant and a $630,000 TROF loan. The Tobacco Commission has also supported the development of the Cyber Park with a $300,000 grant.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “Manufacturing has always been an important part of the economy in Southside Virginia. In choosing to locate their first U.S. manufacturing facility here in Danville and Pittsylvania County, Harlow Group shows that we have the workforce and assets to compete for the high-tech manufacturing jobs of today and tomorrow. The jobs Harlow Group is creating, as well as the training they will offer at their training center, will be a boost to our economy for years to come, and I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall added, “We are excited that Harlow Group has chosen our region for its first U.S. sheet metal fabrication plant. This is especially good news because we have been preparing for companies like theirs for several years by investing in workforce training. There is a pipeline of workers already trained and others currently enrolled in precision machining, welding, and other skills that will provide a ready workforce. We appreciate the good jobs they are bringing and the investment in our area.”

The Harlow Group is a market-leading provider of precision sheet metalwork, fabrications and assemblies. Established in 1975 and based in the United Kingdom, the company has grown in size and experience. Supplying some of the best-known names in the world, the Harlow Group works with a broad range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, consumer and industrial electronics, marine, medical, retail, vending, telecommunications and energy.

Harlow Group CEO and founder Alan Pearce said, “After a two-year process looking at a number of alternative possibilities to expand into the U.S., we are delighted to finally conclude our decision to invest in Danville, Virginia. Virginians have been amongst the most welcoming and friendly people and their appetite to make things work and overcome obstacles is second to none. The inspirational leadership of Troy Simpson has made the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research a world beating Education and Technology centre, producing highly motivated and capable students and stands as a beacon to the rest of the world to emulate. The ambition of Virginia to embrace new technology and invest in the future will keep the Commonwealth as the number one destination for expansion and business investment and we are extremely proud to be associated with Danville and the State of Virginia.”

City of Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones added, “We are delighted that the Harlow Group has chosen Danville and Pittsylvania County for its first U.S. manufacturing facility, to be called Harlow Fastech. When this region made the commitment to invest in a state-of-the-art workforce training program with the facilities necessary to adequately educate our students to be world-class workers, we believed we would create a magnet to draw aerospace and automotive metal working companies from around the world. Our students and residents could be employed in”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Attracting businesses like Harlow Group, along with the jobs and investment they bring, is an important part of reaching this goal.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/1/2018

BGF INDUSTRIES, INC. TO RELOCATE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND R&D FACILITY TO DANVILLE-PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Project Will Create 65 New Jobs in Danville-Pittsylvania County

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that BGF Industries, Inc. will relocate their corporate headquarters and research and development facility to the Danville-Pittsylvania Cyber Park. The project will create 65 new jobs and $7 million in capital investment. BGF will construct a 25,000 square foot facility at the site. The Tobacco Commission is supporting this project with a $620,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant and an additional $620,000 TROF loan. Additionally, the Commission has supported the development of the Cyber Park in the past.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Tobacco Commission member Brian Ball said, “BGF Industries’ important project is a major win for Danville-Pittsylvania County and the Commonwealth, bringing a new corporate headquarters to Virginia as well as research and development components. From its new operation in the Cyber Park, the company will benefit from strategic partnerships with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and the local community college system to provide robust training solutions that provide a unique pipeline for talent. We are proud to have a corporate citizen like BGF Industries in the Commonwealth, and look forward to seeing the company grow in Southern Virginia.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “To have a company like BGF Industries move their corporate headquarters to Southside Virginia shows that we have the business climate, workforce and assets to compete for jobs at a high level. It’s always a good day when you can announce new jobs are coming to our region and I thank BGF for choosing Southside Virginia as their new corporate home.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall said, “Our ability to attract innovative manufacturing operations, like BGF Industries, to Southern Virginia speaks volumes about the work that has been done to make our region an attractive option for companies looking to re-locate or expand. The Tobacco Commission has supported both this project and the development of the Cyber Park and 65 new jobs is a great result.”

BGF Industries is a US manufacturer of innovative technical fiber materials for global markets. Their products deliver high strength, high temperature, lightweight solutions that provide structural integrity, thermal, environmental and ballistic protection, or decorative appeal in countless everyday products from circuit boards to surf boards, from mufflers to snowmobiles, airplanes to armor and everything in between. BGF’s mission is to be the leading provider of technical fiber materials by delivering excellence in every product, every process, every time through customer-focused collaboration and by embracing a philosophy that inspires innovation.

CEO and Chairman of Porcher Industries Andre Genton said, “Porcher Industries has undergone an incredible transformation from a heritage of family-owned companies and regional organization to a truly global company that serves the needs of a global customer base. Locating in Virginia allows us to increase the technological support we are able to offer our customers worldwide. This most recent investment in the Danville and Pittsylvania Cyber Park will supply us with the R&D capacity and talented workforce to sustain this momentum and succeed in our efforts to design a tomorrow that exceeds the expectations of today.”

Chairman of the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority Robert W. Warren added, “The announcement of BGF Industries locating their U.S. corporate headquarters and R&D center in Danville/Pittsylvania County represents a truly regional effort to create and foster a business-friendly environment that can meet the needs of world-class companies. This project enables BGF to locate its new facility in a growing aerospace and automotive hub, and gives its researchers the ability to directly interact and collaborate with research being conducted at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. On behalf of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, I thank BGF for working with County Staff over the past 18-months and for selecting Danville / Pittsylvania County for this truly cutting-edge operation.”

Mayor of the City of Danville Alonzo Jones said, “On behalf of the City of Danville, I want to thank BGF Industries for choosing to call Danville its home. It is always great when a company decides to grow in our region. It is even better when it is a company with a long history in Virginia and one as well-known and respected as BGF. We look forward to having a great relationship with BGF for a long time to come.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. With investments in workforce training, site preparation, broadband expansion and more, the Commission has worked hard to attract high-tech manufacturers, like BGF, and other businesses that will bring jobs and investment to 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
10/16/2018

EMPIRE BAKERY COMMISSARY EXPANDING IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

Project Will Create 75 New Jobs

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Empire Bakery Commissary, LLC will expand their Franklin County operation. The project will create 75 new jobs and includes $10.4 million in capital investment.

Senator Bill Stanley said, “It’s always great to see existing businesses expand and thrive in Southside Virginia. Empire has been a valuable partner for more than 20 years and I wish them the best as they expand their business and continue to create jobs in Franklin County.”

“Empire’s expansion is great news for our region and for Franklin County,” noted Delegate Kathy J. Byron (R- Bedford), “Providing assistance to existing businesses looking to expand is one of the Tobacco Commission’s core missions, and the 75 jobs created by Empire’s expansion in Franklin County further strengthens the economic vitality of our region. I am pleased as a member of the Tobacco Commission that we were able to do our part to make this exciting announcement a reality.”

Empire Bakery, founded in 1997, produces hand decorated ready to sell cakes, cookies and single serve desserts for traditional retailers like Kroger, Wal-Mart and others. They offer custom programs to suit individual customer needs including design, packaging, supplier and size options. Empire Bakery currently employs 150 at their Rocky Mount facility.

Empire Bakery President Mike Marek said, “Empire Bakery’s products help families and friends celebrate life’s important milestones. With this investment and the support of Governor Northam, Secretary Ball and our local partners in Franklin County and the Town of Rocky Mount, we will be able to serve more customers and hire more Associates. We look forward to our continued expansion in the Commonwealth.”

Franklin County Board of Supervisors Chairman Cline Brubaker added, “Franklin County is excited to see another local business growing and successful. Empire Bakery has become a cornerstone of the local economy since its arrival in 2010, and we as a community are glad that we can help them continue to expand their operations here. Franklin County’s commitment to its local businesses remains, as always, our top economic development priority.”

Mayor Steven C. Angle said, “Empire Bakery helped to diversify our economy when it opened in Rocky Mount in 2010. We are delighted that Empire has been such an outstanding corporate partner, over-delivering on the promised number of jobs created and investment made, showing what a great place Rocky Mount is to do business, manufacture and live.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Supporting existing businesses when they wish to expand, like Empire Bakery, is an important part of reaching this goal.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/15/2018