Category: Press Releases

RICHLANDS CREAMERY, LLC IN DINWIDDIE COUNTY

Project to Include $1.7 Million Investment and 17 New Jobs

Dinwiddie County, VA – Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Richlands Creamery, LLC will create 17 new jobs and invest $1,700,000 in Dinwiddie County to create a new commercial creamery. As part of this project, Richlands Creamery, LLC commits to purchasing over $959,071, 100% of its agricultural inputs from Virginia farmers. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $40,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with this project.

Speaking about the investment, Governor Northam stated, “I am pleased to announce that Richlands Creamery will soon begin operations in Dinwiddie County, demonstrating the hard work and innovation of Virginia’s farmers and further strengthening our rural economy. Supporting entrepreneurs with unique business models is another way for Virginia to grow and diversify our economy. My administration will continue to work to create new opportunities for families in every corner of Virginia.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Dinwiddie County to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which Dinwiddie County will match with local funds.

“This investment by Richlands Creamery is great news for Dinwiddie County and the Commonwealth as it creates a new market for local milk and an important new agritourism destination that will draw visitors to region,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “I am thrilled to partner with Dinwiddie County and the Virginia Tobacco Commission to help make this project a reality. This shows how working together, we can strengthen our economy to attract new jobs and investment to Virginia.”

“Richlands has worked hard to become a quality destination over the last several years. They have developed into an integral part of Dinwiddie’s tourism,” said Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair Senator Frank Ruff. “It is with pleasure that the Tobacco Commission is able to help them grow and continue their role as an attraction. It is great to see a family operation grow and prosper.”

“We are so grateful to receive an AFID grant for Richlands Creamery. This grant will allow us to build a milk processing facility with a retail store front to bottle and direct market milk and the best tasting ice cream in Virginia,” said Coley Jones Drinkwater, President of Richlands Creamery. “This in turn, will keep us from joining the mass exodus of dairy farms across the United States and preserve rural Virginia for all Commonwealth residents and visitors to enjoy during our various agritourism events throughout the year.”

“Richlands Dairy embodies the heart and soul of Dinwiddie County,” said Dr. Mark E. Moore, Chairman of the Dinwiddie Board of Supervisors. “It’s agricultural foundation and family-oriented operation enriches the lives of Dinwiddie citizens and those in Nottoway County as well. We are excited about their expansion and look forward to being home to Richlands Creamery.”

“The citizens of central Virginia are extremely fortunate to have Richlands Dairy in the 63rd District. Now with the Dairy’s expansion to include Richlands Creamery, LLC, other young farmers and entrepreneurs can build on the promise of innovation that will grow rural industry in the 21st century,” added Delegate Aird. “In addition, Coley Jones Drinkwater should be commended as a woman for having the vision and drive to take a five-generation family agri-business to the next level.”

Supporting businesses when they wish to invest in the tobacco region is an important part of the Tobacco Commission’s mission to develop a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Attracting new businesses and retaining valuable corporate partners are equally important 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
03/19/18

12 NEW JOBS COMING TO BEDFORD COUNTY

KMR Aviation Set to Expand

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that KMR Aviation Services Inc. will expand in Bedford County. KMR will invest $1 million to purchase a 7,200 square foot facility they currently lease and add a new repair facility. The project will create 12 new jobs. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is supporting this project with a $35,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Esther Lee said, “The aerospace industry has a rich history in Virginia, which offers multiple degree and training programs to support the sector, and makes the Commonwealth a great fit for a young company like KMR Aviation to thrive. A skilled workforce is vital to a healthy economy, and we’re proud KMR will benefit from the services of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program as they expand this important operation in Bedford County.”

Tobacco Commission Research & Development Committee Chairman, Delegate Kathy Byron added, “KMR Aviation is reaffirming its confidence in our region by expanding its operations in Bedford and creating more jobs. The Tobacco Commission is pleased to do its part in making KMR’s expansion in Bedford County a reality. This collaborative effort between the Commission, VEDP, the Region 2000 Workforce Development Board, and Bedford’s Office of Economic Development and EDA is a great example of how good things can become a reality when we’re all working together.”

KMR is an aviation management company that specializes in leasing, certifying, and selling parts, and providing maintenance solutions for the global airline industry. With six current employees, the company offers services to such clients as the ProFlight Zambia and other global customers.

Co-Owner of KMR Aviation, Paul Marten said, “Expanding our business in Bedford County will allow us to offer an added layer of advisory and technical services for our growing customer base.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Supporting growing companies, like KMR Aviation Services, is an important part of this mission.

“We’re proud to assist KMR Aviation, which has built a strong international reputation in the aerospace maintenance and certification industry,” said Mickey Johnson, Bedford County EDA Chairman. “Adding quality jobs in Bedford County is always a plan we welcome.”

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03/15/18

TOBACCO COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

Commission Approves 9 Funding Requests for Broadband Expansion Projects

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Thursday, March 8th to review proposals to extend broadband service. The Commission approved 9 funding requests for broadband expansion projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia, totaling more than $11 million in new spending. The projects approved at this meeting will result in broadband becoming available for more than 31,000 homes and businesses and Tobacco Commission investment will be matched by more than $16 million in additional funds. All funded projects will provide high-quality internet access, with speeds equaling or exceeding 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.

More information about each project can be found here: Project Details

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “Access to broadband is vital if we are to continue developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Broadband plays an important role in everything from making sure our students receive a first class education to attracting new businesses to our region. I am pleased that the Commission chose to fund these projects that will ensure more homes and businesses receive this vital service and look forward to seeing these projects get underway.”

Tobacco Commission Research & Development Committee Chair, Delegate Kathy Byron added, “Having worked on expanding broadband for more than a decade, I am very pleased with the commitment made by the Tobacco Commission to these projects. For me, this is the beginning. I am committed to using every resource possible to ensure our rural communities receive the same level of access as our urban and suburban areas. We still have a ways to go, but this is a great start.”

In today’s world access to a broadband connection is more critical than ever. Unfortunately, many rural areas lack access to this vital utility and this has created a “digital divide” between urban areas with access and rural areas without. The Tobacco Commission has worked hard over the years to provide this much needed access to Southern and Southwest Virginia. Since the Commission was created in 1999 it has invested over $150 million to create fiber infrastructure across the region. This has attracted significant investment and high paying jobs at data centers and other employers that rely on high speed broadband connections.

Though much progress has been made, the Commission knows there is still much work to be done particularly when it comes to “last mile” connections that connect individual homes and businesses to the backbone fiber network the Commission has created. The projects approved at this meeting are a continuation of this work and will provide access to homes and businesses that are currently without this vital utility. Additionally, these projects are likely to result in additional connections once providers begin to build out networks in new areas.

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman said, “Every citizen in Southside and Southwest Virginia deserves access to high-quality broadband so they can fully participate in our modern economy. These investments are a great first step, but will need to be one of many if we’re going to get the job done for Southern and Southwest VA.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Broadband expansion will continue to be a focus of the Commission as we work to attract businesses and increase opportunity across 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
3/12/2018

79 NEW JOBS COMING TO LEE COUNTY

England Furniture to Establish Manufacturing Operation

Lee County, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that England Furniture will establish a manufacturing operation in Lee County. The facility will be located at the Lee County Industrial Building and will cover 32,000 square feet. This project will create 79 new jobs. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $135,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant for this project.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “Manufacturing is critically important in Southwest Virginia and this decision by England Furniture to establish a new manufacturing operation that will bring 79 jobs to Lee County is welcome news. I am glad that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project as we continue to build our regional economy.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico added, “This is a great day for Lee County and all of Southwest Virginia. These jobs will have a large impact on our local economy and this project shows that Southwest Virginia can attract top quality employers. I thank everyone who worked hard to make this project a reality and look forward to England’s success in Lee County.”

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Esther Lee said, “England Furniture’s decision to establish its newest manufacturing operation in Lee County is tremendous news for Southwest Virginia, and demonstrates the strong advantages of the region’s business environment and site inventory. The company’s new operation will create needed jobs and economic opportunity in the coalfield region, and the tireless efforts of Lee County, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, and the Commonwealth to bring this project to fruition deserve recognition. We are confident that England Furniture will benefit from an outstanding workforce in its next chapter of growth in Virginia.”

England Furniture has been crafting quality upholstered furniture since 1964. Co-founded by brothers Charles, Eugene, and Dwight England, their goal was to employ the proud and hardworking people of Appalachia. Today, the company and legacy they built continues to be recognized for the highest quality and the shortest build cycle.

England’s dedicated and skilled craftsmen and craftswomen build each piece of furniture custom and built to last a lifetime. With over 500 fabrics and leathers to choose from, England offers the broadest selection and countless combinations to help customers create something special and uniquely suited for their home.

Built in America, England delivers orders in three weeks or less. With such efficient manufacturing capabilities and enviable logistics, England attracted the attention of La-Z-Boy Co. and now operates as an independent division since 1995.

Terry England, President, England Furniture, Inc., said, “We are delighted to expand our operations into the great State of Virginia. We would like to thank the State and its various agencies for their support, cooperation, and partnership in this endeavor, and we look forward to operating in Lee County and becoming involved in the community.”

Chairman of the Lee County IDA, Greg Edwards added, “We are very pleased and excited to have this opportunity to work with England Furniture to provide much needed jobs in Lee County. We are well aware of England’s current operations and success and their impact on this region. We look forward to a long relationship with the company to create a more stable economy in Lee County.”

Manufacturing has long been an important part of the Virginia economy. As the Tobacco Commission works to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia it is important that we support projects like this one that build on that history of success and create valuable jobs.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/8/2018

70 NEW JOBS COMING TO PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Panaceutics to Establish Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operation

Pittsylvania County, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Panaceutics will establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing operation in Pittsylvania County. The project will create 70 new jobs and result in $5.8 million in capital investment. The facility will be located at the Cane Creek Centre Industrial Park.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $405,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant for this project. Additionally, the Tobacco Commission has invested more than $6.4 million in the development of Cane Creek Centre Industrial Park.

Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Senator Frank Ruff said, “This announcement shows that Southern Virginia has the workforce and the tools needed to successfully compete for valuable, high-tech jobs. The Launch Place here in Danville has been instrumental in Panaceutics’ success, and it is great to see that the company will grow its business in Pittsylvania County. These jobs and the considerable investment they are making will provide a boost to our local economy, and I am very pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall added, “This is a great day for Pittsylvania County and Southside Virginia. To see Panaceutics go from a startup to now adding 70 jobs says a great deal about our business climate here in Southside. I wish them all the best as they get their expansion underway and look forward to their future success here in Pittsylvania County.”

Panaceutics is breaking down the “one size fits all” barriers that limit the formulation, manufacturing, and delivery of personalized medicine and nutrition. With over 100 combined years of scientific expertise in specialty medications and pharmacies, cloud computing, and robotics technologies, Panaceutics offers a patented cloud-based technology platform, automated robotic delivery system, and high-quality processes built from the ground up to help strategic partners develop personalized therapies and clinical nutritional products for large consumer populations, quickly, safely, and economically. Its product is delivered in custom-made, good-tasting, and easy-to-swallow multi-compound gels in a convenient soft pouch.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Esther Lee said, “Panaceutics’ trajectory is a great testament to Southern Virginia’s pro-business climate and dedication to helping businesses of all sizes flourish, and we are proud to have this young company on the Commonwealth’s corporate roster. Virginia’s dynamic research universities, numerous federally-funded facilities, and renowned R&D institutes will help us continue to attract companies of Panaceutics’ caliber that are at the forefront of their industry. We look forward to a long partnership with Panaceutics, and thank the company for its commitment to the region and the Commonwealth.”

Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Robert W. “Bob” Warren, III, added, “Pittsylvania County is very excited to add Panaceutics to our rapidly growing business community, and we welcome them as our newest corporate citizen. We are honored and delighted that Panaceutics has chosen Pittsylvania County for its state-of-the-art facility in a cutting-edge industry, contributing $5.8 million in new capital investment, as well as 70 high-paying jobs. This project is particularly special to us, as it has been a great collaborative effort with not only our state partners, but also with our regional and local partners, Danville Regional Foundation and The Launch Place, which have played critical roles in the development of this company. We thank Panaceutics for its commitment to Pittsylvania County, we congratulate them on this major milestone, and we look forward to developing a strong partnership with them.”

The Tobacco Commission is working to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Long term investments, like Cane Creek Centre Industrial Park are vital when it comes to attracting high-tech, high-skill jobs like those Panaceutics is bringing to our region.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/6/2018

12 NEW JOBS COMING TO BEDFORD COUNTY

Innovairre Communications, LLC Expanding in Bedford

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Innovairre Communications, LLC will expand their operation in Bedford County. The expansion will create 12 new jobs and 72 existing employees will be retrained to utilize the new digital printing technology Innovairre will use to produce direct mail fundraising materials for the nonprofit sector. The expansion will also result in $4.85 million in capital investment for the new printing equipment.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded a $65,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with this expansion.

Tobacco Commission Research & Development Committee Chair, Delegate Kathy J. Byron (R-Bedford) said, “Innovairre’s expansion is great news for our region, creating new jobs by expanding their investment in Bedford and their commitment to our region. Keeping up with advances in technology is vital to success in any industry, and Innovairre’s decision to make that commitment to Bedford says a great deal about our labor force and business climate. I am pleased the Tobacco Commission supported this project, and I look forward to Innovairre’s continued growth and success.”

Innovairre is the worldwide leader in fundraising, supporting nonprofits & agencies. They service more than 500 charities, with 4000+ professionals, working across five continents. Each year, Innovairre helps their clients raise more than five billion dollars. Innovairre leverages a scientific marketing approach. This includes use of advanced data analytics; progressive digital marketing; leading-edge technologies; hyper – personalization; a proven creative and testing methodology; and unsurpassed capabilities in direct mail, digital printing and premiums for the nonprofit sector. Innovairre also supports many leading commercial companies and has specialized expertise in financial services, healthcare, insurance, publishing, and retail.

Senior VP of Operations at Innovairre, Chad Stephenson said, “This advanced press installation is going to be the biggest paradigm shift this site has ever seen. Our employees are exceptionally well suited to take on this challenge in Virginia.”

Chairman of the Bedford County EDA, Mickey Johnson added, “We’re thrilled that Innovairre selected Bedford County for this expansion. The company has had a presence in Forest for 28 years, and we are proud to support its growth here.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Assisting with the expansion of existing businesses, like Innovairre, that have demonstrated their commitment to the region is an important part of this effort.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/27/2018

10 NEW JOBS COMING TO FRANKLIN COUNTY

ValleyStar Credit Union to Build Administrative Campus at Summit View Business Park

Richmond, VA – ValleyStar Credit Union will invest $5.25 million to build a new administrative campus in Franklin County. The project will result in 10 new, high-paying, jobs with 32 total employees working at the new facility. ValleyStar will be the first business to locate at Summit View Business Park.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded a $40,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with this project. Additionally, the Tobacco Commission has supported the development of Summit View Business Park with grants totaling more than $1.1 million.

Tobacco Commission member, Gretchen Clark said, “It is great to hear that ValleyStar is building their new administrative campus at Summit View Business Park. The Commission has invested in both Summit View and this project and it is wonderful to see those investments producing results.”

ValleyStar Credit Union has been in business since 1953 and serves southwest and central Virginia and north central North Carolina. The Credit Union is $380 million in assets with more than 40,000 members. ValleyStar is a full service financial institution that offers consumer and commercial loan products and services. Headquartered in Martinsville, Virginia, ValleyStar operates 9 branch offices in the Collinsville, Danville, Martinsville, Roanoke, Rocky Mount, South Boston and Waynesboro communities. For more information, visit valleystar.org.

The first phase of the Summit View Business Park’s construction, estimated at $9.7 million, is expected to be completed by June and includes two building pad sites, extending utilities, and building an access road connecting U.S. 220. Eventually the 550-acre project will include pavilions, athletic fields, BMX bicycle course, festival area, tourist visitor center, multi-use trails and more, in addition to numerous fully-served business and industrial sites.

President/CEO of ValleyStar Credit Union, Delbert Lee Morgan said, “Summit View is an exciting and visionary venture for Franklin County, and we are proud to be coming on board at the early stages of the development. Having the opportunity to consolidate our operations in one centrally located campus ensures our future growth and success. Summit View and Franklin County are open for business and we are excited to be part of this project.”

Franklin County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Cline Brubaker added “We welcome ValleyStar’s administrative campus to Franklin County. The investment we are making in Summit View and the foresight of our leaders are evident with this addition to our corporate community. The Summit View Business Park will enable the county to be a major player for a wide variety of economic development prospects looking for low costs of doing business, a skilled workforce, and ready-to-go building pads while creating new job opportunities and recreational options for our residents. ValleyStar is bringing exactly the type of jobs that Franklin County residents are demanding. This project shows the transformational effects that the Summit View Business Park will have on our community.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Over the years the Commission has made strategic investments to ensure that Southern and Southwest Virginia are able to attract high-quality jobs to the region, including investment in business parks like Summit View. The jobs being created by ValleyStar at Summit View Business Park are a testament to the effectiveness of this long term strategy.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/20/2018

15 NEW JOBS COMING TO PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Eastern Panel Manufacturing Inc. Set to Expand

Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Eastern Panel Manufacturing Inc. (EPM) will expand its operation in Pittsylvania county. As part of the expansion, the company will move to a 55,000 square foot facility in the Chatham Industrial Park. The expansion will create 15 new jobs and includes $1 million in capital investment.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded a $30,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with this project.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “It is great to see a successful business expanding and adding jobs in our region. Companies like Eastern Panel show that our manufacturing workforce is second to none and I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project.”

Eastern Panel Mfg. Inc. is a custom plywood manufacturer with a combined experience of over 100 years that laminates, and machines, decorative wood veneers and High Pressure Laminates (HPL) to a wide variety of core materials.

EPM specializes in supplying Office, Residential, and Contract furniture manufacturers with quality cut-to-size, or sheet stock plywood to their specifications. EPM also services the Architectural Millwork industry along with many Cabinetmaking clients. North American and Exotic veneers are laminated to particleboard, MDF, lumber, lumber banded and veneer core.

President of Eastern Panel Manufacturing, Keith Van Asch said, “Eastern Panel Manufacturing Inc. has enjoyed the advantage of operating in Chatham for well over 20 years. During those years, Chatham has proven to be an excellent place to conduct business and offers us all the support we need to operate efficiently. The combination of our experienced local workforce, along with being centrally located to our customer base and vendors, produce a natural fit to remain in Pittsylvania County. As our company’s offerings continue to transform and broaden, the acquisition of this facility provides us with greater flexibility to expand on future opportunities.”

Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Robert “Bob” Warren III added, “Pittsylvania County has been very fortunate to have Eastern Panel Manufacturing as an integral member of our thriving business community, and we are so pleased that they have chosen to expand their operations here. We are thankful for their continued commitment to the county and to the economic growth of our region, and we are proud to have them in our growing business family. The Board offers our warm congratulations to Eastern Panel on the acquisition of their new building in the Chatham Industrial Park, and we wish them great success as they move into this new and exciting phase of the company’s future. We very much look forward to continuing our partnership with them as they grow and prosper here in Pittsylvania County.”

Mayor of the Town of Chatham, Roy P. Byrd said, “It’s indeed a pleasure at any time to hear of increased economic opportunity here in our small community. More jobs and private investment are always welcome, especially when associated with one of our existing businesses expanding into a vacant facility in our industrial park. We have many folks in our area who have the skillsets that match the workforce needs of Eastern Panel Manufacturing. On behalf of the Town Council, I thank both Eastern Panel Manufacturing for believing in our community, the County Board of Supervisors, and their economic development staff for facilitating this exciting expansion that will directly benefit the Town of Chatham and its residents and businesses”.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Manufacturing has long been an important part of the Virginia economy, especially in Southern and Southwest Virginia, and companies like Eastern Panel Manufacturing show that growth and success in this sector continues to be possible today.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/15/2018

AMTHOR INTERNATIONAL TO EXPAND IN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Project Will Create 70 New Jobs and $7.1 Million in Investment

Pittsylvania County, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Amthor International will expand their tanker truck manufacturing operation in Pittsylvania County. The expansion includes the construction of a new 115,000 square foot production and will create 70 new jobs over 3 years and 90 new jobs over the next 5 years. The expansion will also result in $7.1 million in capital investment. Along with the expansion Amthor will designate the Pittsylvania facility as its corporate headquarters.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is supporting this project with a $255,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant. Additionally, at its most recent meeting, the Tobacco Commission approved a $2.3 million Southside Economic Development grant that will be used to construct the building that will house the expansion.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “Over more than two decades, Amthor International has built a strong reputation as a quality employer in Pittsylvania County, and this major expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to the region and to the Commonwealth. Nearly 250,000 Virginians are employed in manufacturing, and Amthor will continue to provide quality jobs as we enhance our tailored training programs to support this bustling industry.”

Tobacco Commission Member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “Amthor has been a valuable member of our community for many years and their continued success in Pittsylvania County is great to see. This investment and the new jobs it will bring show that Southside Virginia can compete with anyone when it comes to attracting top quality employers whether they are looking to locate here for the first time or, in this case, expand an already successful operation.”

Amthor International is a manufacturer of tank trucks for the propane, refined fuel, portable restroom, vacuum and septic industries. Trucks can be customized to meet customers’ needs and all trucks are made in America. Amthor has been family owned and operated since the company was founded in 1928 and it opened its first Virginia manufacturing facility in Gretna in 1992.

Executive V/P of Amthor International, Brian Amthor said, “Amthor International opened its doors in Virginia over 25 years ago. After considering other areas for the site of our manufacturing plant, we decided the commonwealth of Virginia was the best foundation for our business because of its business-friendly policies and the opportunity for growth and development. As our business grows, we are committed to keeping our roots in Virginia and recognizing the success this community has brought for our company, our employees, and our family. We strive to extend our success to those around us. By doing so, we continue the circle of support for our town, our county, and the commonwealth of Virginia. Had we not built our corporation in such a welcoming and supportive community, we would not have seen the huge success and prosperity over the last 25 years. We are looking forward 25+ more years of continued success here in Virginia.”

Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Bob Warren added, “This project is of the utmost importance to Pittsylvania County. Amthor has been a long-standing and loyal corporate citizen in Gretna, and nothing makes us happier than to help them grow and continue to thrive as an integral member of our community. This project presents us, alongside our state and local partners, with a compelling opportunity to make a savvy investment that will not only create at least 90 new jobs over five years in Gretna with good pay, but will also retain an additional 110 jobs. It also allows us to highlight this project as part of a success story for how our region’s visionary workforce investments are leading to industry investment and job creation and retention, which is just what they were intended to do. We thank Amthor for its commitment to Pittsylvania County, we congratulate them on this success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the company as it grows.”

Mayor of the Town of Gretna, R. Keith Motley said, “The Town of Gretna is very fortunate to have Amthor International be a part of our business community. We are excited and offer our full support to Amthor and the Amthor Family as they expand and move forward into the next phase of the company’s future. Their commitment to our town, our community, and the economic growth that they are contributing makes the Town of Gretna very proud that they are continuing to be a vital part of our business community and that they are choosing to make Gretna, Virginia the headquarters for their industry leading operations.”
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Supporting successful businesses, like Amthor International, when they wish to expand within the tobacco region is an important part of reaching this goal.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Supporting successful businesses, like Amthor International, when they wish to expand within the tobacco region 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
1/10/2018

STATELINE HEART & VASCULAR TO ADD 10 JOBS IN MARTINSVILLE

Martinsville, VA – It was announced today that Stateline Heart & Vascular will open a new office facility to expand their current operations. This expansion will result in the creation of 10 new high paying jobs.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is supporting this project with a $120,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, ”In addition to the jobs Stateline will bring to our area it is also important to have a healthy community and workforce. The heart and vascular care that Stateline will provide will be of great benefit to our community and I am happy that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this important project.”

Stateline was founded in 2017 by Dr. Deepak Banerjee. Dr. Banerjee completed his general and interventional cardiology training at MCV-VCU, Richmond, VA in 2005 and is board certified in both. He is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation. He relocated to Martinsville from the Hampton Roads area in 2010.

Stateline aims to provide contemporary, evidence-based and affordable medical care in a convenient and friendly office based setting. They specialize in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, vein disease and cosmetics. Stateline offers outpatient diagnostic cardiovascular testing including ultrasound imaging and stress tests. The majority of their services can be delivered in an efficient, prompt and unintimidating office setting.

Martinsville Mayor, Gene Teague added, “On behalf of the City, we’re grateful that Dr. Banerjee remains in our area, committed to quality healthcare for the community. Dr. Banerjee has a large patient following and the development of Stateline Heart and Vascular, while creating jobs and expanding the tax base, will allow the continuation of exceptional healthcare in this highly specialized field. We extend our congratulations to Dr. Banerjee and his staff and offer our wishes for success. We also offer our thanks to the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for their assistance with this project.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Supporting businesses in a variety of fields, including healthcare, is important to this mission. In addition, a healthy and able workforce is necessary to attract top employers to our region and Stateline Heart & Vascular will be a partner in ensuring Southern Virginia is prepared in that regard.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/9/2018