Category: Press Releases

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN FLOYD

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

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Wednesday, September 19th to give final approval for 19 funding requests. The 19 requests total more than $13.7 million and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $3 million for regional economic development, $1.85 million for economic development in Southside and $1.33 million for projects related to healthcare access. Additionally, the Commission approved a $3.62 million in Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grants and $3.93 million in TROF loans as well as authorizing various extensions for existing projects. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $50,000 to $1 million.

The Commission also approved $5 million in funds for an upcoming second round of broadband expansion grants to be awarded in 2019. Details regarding this latest round of funding will be forthcoming.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “The projects approved here today will bring much needed jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia. I am proud of the work we did here in Floyd and look forward to seeing each of these projects get underway in the coming months.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “The diverse array of projects approved by the Commission today, covering everything from healthcare access to broadband expansion, shows that the Commission is committed to creating jobs and opportunity for Southern and Southwest Virginia in innovative ways. I thank the Commission for approving these worthwhile projects and wish the successful applicants the best as their projects move forward. I’d also like to thank Floyd County for their hospitality and assistance in making these meetings a success.”

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
9/21/2018

21 NEW JOBS COMING TO PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Piedmont Access to Health Services, Inc. Expanding In Chatham

Chatham, VA – Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Development, Cassidy Rasnick announced today that Piedmont Access to Health Services, Inc. (PATHS) will relocate and expand in the Town of Chatham. The project will create 21 new full-time jobs and includes significant capital investment. The new facility will be located in the former Hampco building. The Danville Regional Foundation provided a $500,000 grant, the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded a $90,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant and Pittsylvania County/Town of Chatham awarded a $15,750 Industrial Enhancement Grant to assist with this project.

“Ensuring all Virginians have access to quality, affordable health care is a top priority for Governor Northam, which is why we are proud to support the growth of PATHS in the Town of Chatham,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Development Cassidy Rasnick. “PATHS has provided invaluable health care services to the citizens of Southern Virginia for nearly 20 years, and this expansion will expand those services while creating new jobs in the region. We thank the organization for its significant contributions to the region’s healthcare, and congratulate them on this expansion.”

PATHS is a non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to provide healthcare to all citizens in South Central Virginia regardless of their ability to pay. The vision of PATHS is to provide access to quality primary and specialty care, prescription medication, case management and other ancillary services to the citizens of Southern Virginia and surrounding areas. It is the core value of PATHS that everyone has the right to quality health care. PATHS provides a medical home for everyone, including the uninsured and underinsured, as well as a point of entry into established human service agencies and health care systems. PATHS currently operates 5 community health centers across Southern Virginia with locations in Chatham as well as Martinsville, Danville, South Boston and Boydton.

Kay C. Crane, Chief Executive Officer for PATHS, shared details of the Chatham project, including the unveiling of architectural drawings for the state-of-the-art facility. “This project represents a $2.9 million investment in the Chatham/Pittsylvania County community”, stated Crane. “By renovating the former Hampco building PATHS will be increasing its footprint to 19,000 square which will allow for expansion of services. Besides primary medical care and pediatrics, there will be the addition of a pharmacy, dental clinic, and a women’s health clinic. It is anticipated that there will also be 21 additional high paying jobs over the next three years which will help boost the local economy. On behalf of PATHS, I would like to thank the Town of Chatham and Pittsylvania County for their support, and the Danville Regional Foundation, which awarded us a $500,000 grant to directly assist with this valuable project. We look forward to continuing to provide excellent service to our patients and welcome them into our new facility.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “Access to quality healthcare is incredibly important as we work to expand the economy of Southern Virginia. A healthy workforce is absolutely vital if we are to continue to attract top employers to our region. I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission is supporting this project and I thank PATHS for their continued commitment to the health and well-being of our region.”

Delegate Les Adams added, “It is a privilege to applaud PATHS on this next stage of their expansion in our community. The enhancement of medical services right here in Chatham is a welcome improvement for all our citizens.”

Robert W. “Bob” Warren, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, acknowledged the importance of this project to both Pittsylvania County and the Town of Chatham, and their residents. “PATHS provides an extremely valuable service to many of our citizens”, stated Warren, “and Pittsylvania County is pleased that we could work with and help facilitate this organization’s expansion in the Town of Chatham. The Board firmly believes that the provision of quality health care to citizens is an important component of fostering a vibrant and sustainable community. We thank PATHS for their continued commitment to our citizens, and for the creation of good paying health care jobs.”

William A. “Will” Pace, Mayor of the Town of Chatham, shared the Town’s appreciation and said that “PATHS is a valued resource for the citizens of Chatham and our region. Their decision to remain in the Town of Chatham and to move to a larger facility within the town limits is fantastic news for our community. This project not only increases PATHS capacity for providing services, but also creates jobs and will occupy a long vacant and visible building on our Main Street. The Town is pleased to partner with Pittsylvania County to assist PATHS with this project.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. The Commission knows that a healthy and able workforce is necessary to attract top employers to our region and access to quality care is an important factor in making Southern Virginia a great place to live and work. Supporting organizations, like PATHS, that make access to affordable, quality healthcare possible is a vital part of the Commission’s vision.

Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
Jordan Butler
O: 804-786-7692
C: 757-692-0878
jbutler@revitalizeva.org
www.revitalizeva.org

Piedmont Access to Health Services, Inc.
Kay C. Crane, CEO
434-791-3630
cranek@pathsinc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/12/2018

SALE OF BVU-OPTINET BROADBAND NETWORK TO SUNSET DIGITAL COMPLETED
Deal Will Ensure Continued Operation and Expansion of Broadband Network

Bristol, VA – An agreement was reached by all parties today that will see Sunset Digital purchase Bristol Virginia Utilities (BVU) OptiNet broadband network. As an investor in the network, The Tobacco Commission will receive a return on that investment from the sales price as well as a commitment from Sunset to make thousands of home connections at the Commission’s direction.

The deal is designed to ensure continuous operation of the OptiNet network for existing customers which was a priority during negotiations. Sunset will also expand the network to new customers in the Tobacco Commission’s footprint.

Tobacco Commission Executive Director Evan Feinman, who negotiated the deal on behalf of the Tobacco Commission, said “The Commission is thrilled that, after years of effort, this critical network will be in great hands and growing again. We’re looking forward to working with Sunset and all of our local and regional partners to get thousands more Southwest Virginians online.”

Sunset Digital is a next-generation fiber-optic services company based in Duffield Virginia that provides broadband Internet, private data, IPTV, and Voice Service to residents, businesses, medical facilities, banks, and other Internet service providers. Sunset also has a branch office in Kingsport and Tazewell Tennessee.

Today, Sunset operates and continuously improves one of the most agile and capable fiber optic networks in the United States with more than 1000 miles of fiber optic cable. Through Sunset owned and leased tributary networks, as well as through partnerships with other networks, broadband connectivity options are available throughout Virginia and Northeast Tennessee to virtually anywhere in the world. These connections attract new businesses to the region and provide lower overall costs for the Internet bandwidth that the region so desperately needs. The acquisition of BVU Optinet will allow Sunset Digital to focus on further development of fiber optic services to homes and businesses in Southwest Virginia and beyond.

Co-Counder of Sunset Digital, Ryan Elswick stated, “Our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible to our customers. They will still be receiving new services from the same skilled team of people they always have, and their bill will remain the same.” He continued, “The Sunset Digital team is very excited to finalize the acquisition of BVU OptiNet service network. This is not the final step for us, but the very first step in a plan for future growth and improved services to the area that we have been developing for several years now. We are looking forward to moving forward with growing a vibrant broadband network to service schools, government agencies, businesses, and residents across the region in the combined territory that will stretch from the Cumberland Plateau region to Northeast Tennessee. We’re excited to have the OptiNet staff and customers join the Sunset Digital family where they will continue to provide excellent service through a local company, with local people, providing local jobs. We look forward to continued growth and improved services for years to come.”

Cumberland Plateau Company (CPC) Chair, Roger Rife of Buchanan County stated, “Today, with the closing of the BVU/Sunset transaction, and with Sunset and ITC becoming CPC’s new partner in the CPC OptiNet, we are extremely excited about the next phase of growth for our system. We believe we now have partners who share our vision for growth of the network in our four Counties to include both business and residential expansion opportunities.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has made large investments in expanding high speed broadband access in Southern and Southwest Virginia as part of our ongoing mission to develop a diverse economy in those regions. Increasingly companies looking to relocate or expand view high speed broadband as a necessity for doing business. By increasing the availability of broadband across the regions we serve the Tobacco Commission helps attract vital jobs and investment to the area.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/2/2018

212 NEW JOBS COMING TO HENRY COUNTY

Press Glass to Locate In Commonwealth Crossing Industrial Park

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Press Glass has chosen Commonwealth Crossing Industrial Park as the location for their new manufacturing operation. Press Glass plans to invest $43.55 million in a 280,000 square foot facility. The project is expected to create 212 new jobs. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is assisting this project with an $835,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund Grant. Additionally, the Tobacco Commission has invested over $16 million in the development of Commonwealth Crossing.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said, “This is an exciting win for Henry County, the region, and the Commonwealth. In addition to offering a pipeline of skilled talent, Henry County’s ability to provide a pad-ready site that accelerates the company’s timeline was a key component in their decision for Virginia. We are proud to welcome Press Glass to the Commonwealth’s corporate roster, and look forward to their future success.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall added, “An investment of this magnitude is great news for Henry County and all of Southern Virginia. That a company like Press Glass is willing to make such a commitment to our area shows that we have the workforce and other assets, like Commonwealth Crossing Industrial Park, to compete on a global scale when it comes to bringing jobs to our region. I look forward to seeing this project get underway and wish Press Glass many years of success here in Henry County.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “212 new jobs is a big win for our region and I’d like to thank Press Glass for selecting Henry County for this new manufacturing operation. I’m also pleased to see that Commonwealth Crossing Industrial Park will be receiving its first business. Long term investments like Commonwealth Crossing are the building blocks that allow us to go out and compete for top companies like Press Glass and today we’ve seen that investment pay dividends.”

Headquartered in Poczesna, Poland, Press Glass was founded in 1991 and employs 2,100 across its 11 manufacturing operations. As the largest independent flat glass processing operation in Europe, the company processes glass for fabricators of windows and doors, facades, solar and photovoltaic panels, and more.

Press Glass Vice President, Michael Lankford said,“This new investment in Henry County is an important step for the company’s growth strategy. From this location, the new production facility enables Press Glass to enter a targeted sales territory and market segment. There are many reasons for selecting Henry County and the Commonwealth Crossing. The location of the industrial park is near our existing production facility in Stoneville, North Carolina, which will enable synergy between the two facilities, allowing them to share knowledge, resources, and management. Geographically, the industrial park also allows good access to highways and interstates. The proximity to future Interstate 73 will make transportation of materials more efficient. The industrial park allows opportunity for future growth and continued success. Building a formidable team will be paramount in the success of the operation, and we feel we can build such a team in this area. Working with Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development and the Commonwealth of Virginia reaffirmed this decision. Press Glass is looking forward to a successful future and working closely with the community.”

Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors, Jim Adams added, “Henry County is thrilled to welcome Press Glass to our community. Not only do we expand the number of foreign countries represented here, but we also put our first client into Commonwealth Crossing Business Center. It’s baseball season, and this is a grand slam for us.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Long term investments, like those the Commission has made in Commonwealth Crossing, set the region up for long term success and today’s announcement shows that these investments are paying dividends.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/30/2018

160 NEW JOBS COMING TO SMYTH AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
Speyside Bourbon Cooperage to Establish New Operation

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc. will establish a bourbon barrel cooperage in Smyth County and a stave mill facility in Washington County. The Company plans to invest $26 million to establish the cooperage and a further $9 million in the stave mill. The project is expected to create 125 new jobs in Smyth County and 35 new jobs in Washington County. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is supporting this project with a $415,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant for Smyth County and a $95,000 TROF grant for Washington County.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said, “This major win is a tremendous example of state, regional, and local collaboration to secure Speyside Bourbon Cooperage’s newest supply and production facilities in the U.S., and will have a positive impact on Smyth and Washington Counties, Southwest Virginia, and the Commonwealth. The projects also demonstrate the value and efficiency that Virginia’s robust logistics infrastructure adds to companies’ supply chain management. We thank Speyside for its significant investment and 160 new, 21st-century jobs.”

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring added, “Through its commitment to making significant investments in Virginia, Speyside Bourbon Cooperage is further supporting Virginia’s forest industry, loggers, and landowners, a critical part of Virginia’s economy. I am thrilled the Commonwealth could partner with Washington County through the AFID program to support this company in a flourishing industry. This project fills a critical gap in the spirit industry supply chain and through Speyside’s handcrafted barrels, Virginia-grown forestry products will be a part of making craft beverages all around the world.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico said, “Bringing a new business to Southwest Virginia is always good news, especially when it will create a large number of new jobs. We have a dedicated and skilled workforce in our region and it’s great to see that recognized by a company like Speyside through their decision to locate here. I’m also pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project and look forward to seeing Speyside get their workers hired and operations underway.”

Speyside Cooperage has specialized in providing barrels for spirit-making since 1947. Speyside makes top quality barrels to meet the requirements and expectations of spirit-makers all over the world. Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc. is a subsidiary of Tonnellerie Francois Freres, a global cooperage company. Speyside has cooperages and stave mills located around the world and are specialists in every aspect of the industry. Speyside Bourbon Cooperage aims to ensure that barrels become a modern spirit-making instrument by combining age-old craftsmanship and state of the art techniques and equipment developed by their research and development department.

General Manager of Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc. Darren Whitmer said, “Speyside Bourbon Cooperage is very excited to be expanding our operations in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Working with state and local authorities has been a wonderful experience for us, and thanks to these groups of people we have been able to locate excellent sites for our upcoming expansions. Virginia is perfect for us from a business standpoint; the communities that we are working in have been very welcoming. Logistically, the access that Virginia has fits our business model, and from a resource standpoint, Virginia cannot be beat. All of these factors have played an important part in leading us to Virginia, and we look forward to a long and prosperous future here.”

Chairman of the Smyth County Board of Supervisors, Todd Dishner added, “On behalf of the Smyth County Board of Supervisors and the citizens of Smyth County, I am excited to welcome Speyside to our community and region as a whole. We are very pleased with the decision to locate one facility here in Smyth County and a second facility in Highlands Business Park, which we partner with our good neighbors from Washington County in the Glade Springs area. Together, we are looking forward to beginning what is sure to be a win-win relationship for both our communities and Speyside moving forward.”

Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors, Saul Hernandez said, “Today’s announcement exemplifies the power of partnerships in helping to catalyze new job creation and new investment opportunities which benefit both Washington County residents, and our neighbors. We are delighted to be celebrating not just one project today, but two. The people of Washington and Smyth Counties hit a homerun today with the location of Speyside to our communities.”

Developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia is the primary goal of the Tobacco Commission. Attracting new businesses to the area, like Speyside, along with the jobs and investment that they bring is an integral 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
7/20/2018

50 NEW JOBS COMING TO SCOTT COUNTY
Mountain Top Timber Products Set To Expand

Scott County- Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Mountain Top Timber Products will invest $3.759 million to expand their operation into the Town of Dungannon. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs and create a new market for Virginia timber. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this expansion with a $125,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant and a $125,000 TROF loan.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “The Tobacco Commission is happy to assist this business in creating much needed jobs. I congratulate the company on its choice of Scott County to expand their business.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico added, “It’s great to see a company like Mountain Top Timber expand into Scott County. Forestry and timber products have long been an important part of our economy in Southwest Virginia and I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support the resurgence of one of our staple industries and bring more than 50 new jobs to our region.”

This expansion will add a sawmill and dry kiln capacity to the company’s existing wood chipping operation.

Neal Stidham, Managing Member of Mountain Top Timber Products said,”Mountain Top Timber Products is a locally grown company and we are excited about the opportunity to revive the facility in the Dungannon area. These will be good forestry related jobs for this area. We appreciate the Commonwealth, the region and Scott County in their partnership with us on this project.”

Dr. David Redwine, Chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors added, “The citizens of Scott County are excited to welcome a new partner, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Mountain Top Timber Products. We are pleased that the company recognizes that our people are our greatest asset, and have chosen Scott County as their new location to grow into the future.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Supporting important sectors of the Virginia economy, like forestry, is a crucial part of this goal.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/6/2018

Wildwood Park Secures First Business
S&S Transporters Set To Expand

Hillsville, VA- S&S Transporters (S&S) will be the first company to locate their business at Wildwood Commerce Park in Carroll County. The new facility will serve as both their headquarters and operations center. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with a $125,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) Grant as well as a $125,000 TROF loan. The Commission has also supported the development of Wildwood Commerce Park with grants totaling more than $14.6 million.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “It’s great news that S&S Transporters has chosen Wildwood Commerce Park as their new home. The Tobacco Commission has concentrated on making long term investments in Southern and Southwest Virginia that will pay dividends for years to come, including Wildwood. I am pleased that the Commission chose to support this project both through our investment in Wildwood and our grant for S&S and I wish them the best as they expand their business here in Carroll County.”

S&S Transporters was founded by president W. Scott Frye in 1986. The company’s roots are in moving mobile homes. The business soon expanded to be a general for hire carrier, with much of its business serving the produce and food and beverage industries, providing refrigerated trailers. A few of S&S’ larger customers are Pepsi, Gatorade and Virginia Produce.

S&S founder and president, Scott Frye said, “new business opportunities are giving us the chance to expand our business very rapidly. We believe in our region and are excited to work with Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority and the Carroll County IDA to expand our operations in Wildwood.”

Carroll County Administrator and IDA Executive director, Steve Truitt added, “it has been a pleasure working with Scott Frye and his team on this exciting project. He is a consummate professional who really know his business. I am really excited for all of us here in Grayson, Galax and Carroll.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Supporting companies like S&S when they wish to expand as well as making long term strategic investments like Wildwood are two ways the Commission is working towards this goal.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/8/2018

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN FARMVILLE

Commission Approves 27 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Tuesday, May 22nd to give final approval for 27 funding requests. The 27 requests total more than $6 million and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $2.8 million for workforce development, $2.23 million for new education programs and facilities and nearly $1 million for business park development. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $24,841 to $975,039.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “These projects show that a diverse range of opportunities exists in Southern and Southwest Virginia. I’m pleased that the Commission approved funding for these worthwhile projects and look forward to seeing them get underway.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “The Commission’s core responsibilities are job creation, increasing investment in the localities we serve, and helping to create a world-class workforce in our region. I am confident that these projects will help us meet those goals as we continue to position Southern and Southwest Virginia as great places to live and do business.”

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.

Developing 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
5/23/2018

CRENSHAW LIGHTING EXPANDING IN FLOYD COUNTY

Project Set to Create 56 New Jobs

Floyd, VA – It was announced today that Crenshaw Lighting will expand their operation in Floyd County. The expansion will create 56 new jobs for a total of 120 employed by Crenshaw in Floyd. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $100,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant as well as a $50,000 TROF loan to assist with this project.

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman said, “Supporting existing businesses when they wish to expand is an important part of the Tobacco Commission’s mission. Crenshaw has proven to be a valuable community partner and I am glad the Commission approved these funds to help them grow their business in Floyd County.”

Established in 1957, Crenshaw is an award-winning decorative custom lighting and historic restoration lighting manufacturer. Dedication to the craftsman tradition, collaboration with world-class lighting specifiers, and pioneering leading edge technology solutions in decorative lighting remain Crenshaw’s guiding principles in the 21st century. This competence has led world-class lighting specifiers to select Crenshaw time and again for their important lighting projects. Crenshaw manufactures all lighting products in their Floyd, VA production facility.

Crenshaw Lighting Owner, Patrick Daley said, “Our work calls for great skill, complexity, and execution on a monumental scale. We are excited to be expanding our work in Floyd where the craftsmanship is exceptional. The facility we are renovating for expansion will be a showcase for our work and the community.”

Chairman of the Floyd County Board of Supervisors, Lauren Yoder added, “We are delighted to help support the expansion of Crenshaw Lighting. We are very proud that the lighting that adorns the US Supreme Court, US Capitol, state houses, universities, and historic buildings around the country, were custom made right here in Floyd County. We look forward to their growth and continued success.”

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 Crenshaw Lighting, 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
4/17/2018

MOHAWK INDUSTRIES EXPANDING IN CARROLL COUNTY

Project to Include Multi-Million Investment and Preserve Local Jobs

Carroll County, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Mohawk Industries will expand its manufacturing operation in Carroll County. The project will preserve existing jobs and add several new positions. Mohawk plans to invest in new equipment as part of the expansion. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $95,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with this project.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Esther Lee said, “Keeping Mohawk in the Commonwealth was a priority and the result of teamwork by the County, Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. The advanced manufacturing industry continues its growth in Virginia, which is home to more than 6,000 manufacturers employing over 242,000 workers. We applaud Mohawk’s growth and investment in Carroll County and look forward to its continued success.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “This announcement is welcome news for Carroll County and the region as a whole. Retaining a quality employer like Mohawk is a top priority for the Tobacco Commission and the jobs and investment associated with this project show that Mohawk is committed to staying in Southwest Virginia long term.”

Mohawk Industries is the leading global flooring manufacturer that creates products to enhance residential and commercial spaces around the world. Mohawk’s vertically integrated manufacturing and distribution processes provide competitive advantages in the production of carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, stone and vinyl flooring. Their industry-leading innovation has yielded products and technologies that differentiate their brands in the marketplace and satisfy all remodeling and new construction requirements. Their brands are among the most recognized in the industry and include American Olean, Daltile, Durkan, Karastan, Marazzi, Mohawk, Mohawk Group, Pergo, Unilin, Quick-Step and IVC. During the past decade, Mohawk has transformed its business from an American carpet manufacturer into the world’s largest flooring company with operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia and the United States.

Plant Manager, Ed Spivey said, “We are excited to expand in Hillsville and appreciate the opportunity to continue providing great jobs in Commonwealth. Operating a growing business means continued opportunities for the people in this community. We appreciate their diligence and dedication that supports the demand for Mohawk’s award-winning residential carpet.”

Carroll County Administrator, Steve Truitt added, “Carroll County could not be more gratified to begin a new chapter of its long-standing relationship with Mohawk Industries. Mohawk remains one of our largest employers, a leader in our community and a linchpin in our plans for future economic development and growth. In turn, Carroll is committed to continue working closely with Mohawk leadership to ensure its continued success in Carroll County and the Commonwealth.”

Supporting existing businesses when they wish to expand, like Mohawk Industries, is an important part of the Tobacco Commission’s mission to develop a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Retaining valuable corporate partners is equally important as attracting new businesses to Southern and Southwest Virginia as work continues to revitalize the economies of those regions.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/9/2018