Category: Press Releases

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN RICHMOND

Commission Approves 13 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Tuesday, January 9th to give final approval for 13 funding requests. The 13 requests total more than $13 million and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $9.2 million for economic development in Southside Virginia, $2.9 million for megasite development and $1.1 million for agribusiness projects. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $72,000 to $2.9 million.

The Commission also approved funds for the student loan forgiveness program totaling $6.5 million.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “I’m proud of the work the Tobacco Commission has done over the last two days. These projects show our commitment to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have over the coming years.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “The projects the Commission chose to support over the last two days will help us grow the economy of Southern and Southwest Virginia for years to come. From individual projects that will create jobs right away to long term investments in critical infrastructure I could not be more pleased with the work the Commission has done here in Richmond.”

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
1/9/2018

AMERICAN MERCHANT INC. TO ESTABLISH MANUFACTURING OPERATION IN BRISTOL

Project Slated to Bring 405 Jobs

Bristol, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that American Merchant Inc. will establish their first U.S. based manufacturing facility in Bristol. American Merchant Inc., a subsidiary of Merchant House International, Ltd. is a Hong Kong based manufacturer of home textiles, seasonal décor products, and leather shoes. The facility in Bristol will produce products such as embroidered hand and bath towels. The project will create 405 jobs and includes $19.9 million in capital investment.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with a $590,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “The addition of over 400 new jobs and the revitalization of a former manufacturing facility is a big win for the City of Bristol, and we welcome American Merchant as Virginia’s new corporate partner. Our success in attracting international companies and major advanced manufacturing projects is evidence of Virginia’s competitiveness on a global level, and the Commonwealth has emerged as a leader in this rebounding industry of the future. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with American Merchant.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico, added, “Today is a great day for the City of Bristol and Southwest Virginia. Over 400 jobs and nearly $20 million in investment means this project will be a major boost to our economy, as well as show that we have the ability to attract manufacturers from around the world to our region. I can’t think of a better use of Tobacco Commission funds and I look forward to watching this project take off in the coming months.”

The Merchant House International Group has more than twenty-seven years of experience in sourcing, producing and selling consumer products with emphasis on footwear, home textiles, seasonal decorations and gifts. The Group’s main export market is the United States of America, although merchandise is also sold to buyers in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Customers in the United States of America include major importers as well as many of the leading retailers. Merchant House International. Ltd. is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with its Head Office located in Hong Kong.

Merchant House International Ltd chairwoman and founder Loretta Lee said, “Virginia has a rich history of manufacturing textiles for hundreds of years. With retailers increasingly challenged by e-commerce competitors, speed-to-market is vital. Therefore, manufacturing and warehousing in Virginia will be a great advantage, and we are delighted to return our industry to this beautiful state. We have been warmly welcomed by state and local officials, and we feel certain we have found the right home for our business. We visited a number of states, but after careful analysis, Virginia finished at the top of every list.”

City of Bristol, Virginia Mayor, Kevin Mumpower added, “This location has always been a mainstay in our city’s economy, providing good jobs and good wages and acting as a steward for our vision of Bristol, Virginia being a great place to live and work. We therefore are very excited to welcome a new employer to this location and we eagerly anticipate a continuation of this trend. We look forward to the new jobs created for our citizens and the increase in our local tax base. With the soon-to-happen building improvements, machinery and equipment investments, and employee hiring, we are looking forward to seeing this building busy with activity and we are extremely grateful for being the chosen location for this exciting new venture.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Attracting a large manufacturing operation like American Merchant to Southwest Virginia is a perfect example of the kind of project the Commission is pleased to invest in.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/12/2017

WILLIAM KING MUSEUM OF ART OPENS BETSY K. WHITE CULTURAL HERITAGE GALLERY

Richmond, VA – The William King Museum of Art in Abingdon held an opening reception yesterday for the Betsy K. White Cultural Heritage Gallery. The exhibit in the new gallery is comprised of objects produced in 19th and early-20th century Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee including ceramics, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, paintings, and more. The gallery will be the flagship asset of the museum’s Cultural Heritage Project (CHP). Initiated in 1994 by longtime museum Director Betsy White, the CHP’s mission is to preserve, promote, and celebrate our region’s legacy of material cultural and decorative arts. To date, the Project has resulted in over thirty exhibitions, a cultural heritage archive that documents the history and provenance of 2000+ cultural heritage items and two scholarly books, Great Road Style (2006, University of VA Press) and Backcountry Makers (2013, University of TN Press).

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with two Southwest Economic Development grants totaling $86,680. The Tobacco Commission has supported the William King Museum with $773,129 in grant funds since 2002.

Tobacco Commission member and Mayor of Abingdon Cathy Lowe said, “The William King Museum is a great asset for our community and I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project. It is important that we preserve the culture and heritage of Southwest Virginia for future generations and this gallery will do just that. We are privileged to have William King Museum in Abingdon to educate the citizens of Southwest Virginia about the history of the Appalachian region we call home”

Tobacco Commission funds have been used to complete renovations of the museum as well as acquisitions to complete the collection and a short film, Along The Great Road, that will introduce visitors to the exhibit. Additionally, the Cultural Heritage Gallery will serve centerpiece for the in-development “Heritage Express” (HE) program, which will bring 4th graders from across the region to learn about state and local history by experiencing the exhibit, completing a hands-on project, and interacting with the museum’s education and curatorial staff. HE will supplement the state of Virginia’s requisite Standards of Learning for 4th graders.

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve and tourism is an important part of meeting that goal. This project in particular will enhance Washington County’s ability to attract valuable tourism dollars.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/4/2017

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR APPALACHIAN REGIONAL EXPOSITION CENTER

Wytheville, VA – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for the Appalachian Regional Exposition Center in Wytheville. The Exposition Center, strategically located at the intersection of interstates 81 and 77, will include a 200’ x 300’ arena, 3,000 permanent seats and space for an additional 2,000 temporary seats. The facility is designed to host many types of events including livestock shows, rodeos, indoor sporting events, concerts and more. Additionally, the facility will also include space for classroom and training facilities.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with two Southwest Economic Development grants totaling $1 million.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico said, “The exposition center will be a great asset for Southwest Virginia and will allow the region to capture tourism dollars that might otherwise have gone to other states. Tourism is a vital part of the economy in Southwest Virginia and I’m glad the Commission saw this project as a worthwhile opportunity to help the region expand in this sector.”

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Will Morefield added, “The ability to attract large events to our region will be a boost for our economy. I fought aggressively for this and I am pleased to see it moving forward. The exposition center will be a perfect venue for large local and regional events. Today is an exciting day for Southwest Virginia.”

The Exposition center is designed to attract events from across the east coast and beyond. Currently residents of Southwest Virginia often travel out of state to attend events that the Appalachian Regional Exposition Center will be able to host. The Exposition Center will thus serve as a focal point for attracting and retaining important tourism and entertainment related spending.

Timothy Reeves, Chairman of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors said, “Not only will the APEX Center be a great asset to Wythe County and the surrounding localities in Southwest Virginia, but it will also serve as an economic driver for the entire Commonwealth. We appreciate the TIC in recognizing the economic potential this facility will create and look forward to working with them in seeing this project through to completion.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Tourism plays an important part in reaching that goal and the Appalachian Regional Exposition Center will be a major asset 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
11/17/17

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HIGHER ED. CENTER LAUNCH NETWORKING AND CYBERSECURITY ACADEMY

Classes Slated to Begin in January

Abingdon, VA – Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, in partnership with Old Dominion University, today announced the creation of the Cisco Networking and Cybersecurity Academy. The academy will work directly with Old Dominion University, Virginia Highlands Community College, Wytheville Community College and the National Center of Systems Security & Information Assurance to develop and offer a high quality curriculum that will combine in-depth technical training and professional skills development covering a variety of disciplines including networking, virtualization, storage and cyber security.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is supporting the academy with a $190,000 Competitive Education grant which will be used to purchase equipment necessary to start the academy.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “The Cyber Security and Networking Academy will be a great asset for Southwest Virginia as we continue to diversify our economy. In addition to providing students with valuable credentials that can lead to high paying jobs it will help us attract top companies to our region. I am pleased that the Commission chose to support this project and look forward to its success.”

Cybersecurity is an important issue for economic growth and stability across all types of industry sectors, especially those in Southwest Virginia’s key industry sectors of Manufacturing, Agriculture, Warehousing/Distribution, Heath Care, Energy, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. The academy will provide entry to high level Cisco credentials to meet current demand for IT/Cybersecurity professionals while increasing the job-readiness of the local workforce as a means to attract and retain employers.

Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, David Matlock added, “This is a very exciting opportunity for the Southwest Virginia Higher Education. We believe this partnership with ODU and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission will be a genuine game-changer for our region addressing Cyber Security, one of Governor McAuliffe’s top priorities and a key component of the New Virginia Economy.”

The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Investments in workforce development, especially in-demand sectors such as IT and cybersecurity, are vital to attracting new, high-paying jobs to the region.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/16/17

VIRGINIA PRODUCE COMPANY INC. EXPANDING IN CARROLL COUNTY

Project Will Add 33 Jobs

Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia Produce Company Inc. will expand operations at its produce packing facility in Hillsville. The expansion is expected to produce 33 new jobs and $650,000 in capital investment over three years. Production of over-wrapped produce will double over the next three years and result in a significant increase in Virginia-grown produce purchases.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with a $96,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant and a $47,500 Opportunity Fund loan.

Tobacco Commission member, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Basil Gooden said, “This new investment by Virginia Produce Company represents another positive step for Virginia as we reinforce our reputation as a quality produce grower. I am pleased the Commonwealth could partner with Carroll County through the AFID Program to continue to support this local business. We are lucky to have an innovative company like Virginia Produce Company as a member of the agriculture community in Virginia.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “The expansion at Virginia Produce is great news for Carroll County and our region. A project that will create this number of new jobs is particularly noteworthy and I’m pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project.”

VPC was founded in 2002 by Moir Beamer with a goal of providing high quality local produce to retail and wholesale grocery markets through a network of farms that are managed with VPC’s assistance. At its inception, Beamer worked with Carroll County farmers to grow specifically the items that the market demanded. The close relationships developed between growers and the processer/wholesaler led to a successful expansion in the number of farmers and the land acreage participating in VPC’s farm-management program; more than twenty Virginia farms in and around Carroll County now supply VPC. The company regularly holds grower meetings to bring on new farmers. Recently, the company has made an intensive and targeted effort to bring on farmers from Southside Virginia.

President of Virginia Produce Company, Moir Beamer, said “We are pleased to again be expanding our business operations in Carroll County. Not only will this allow us to better serve our customers, we are creating important new market opportunities for our Virginia producers. We appreciate the continued assistance we have received from the Commonwealth, Carroll County and the Tobacco Commission.”

Carroll County Administrator, Steve Truitt added, “Today’s announcement is another example of how VDACS works closely with our local Carroll government and our entrepreneurs. This team effort opens new markets for Virginia-grown produce and bring new jobs to Carroll County. We are really excited to help facilitate this grant for Virginia produce and are doubly pleased to say that we are already seeing the benefits of the grants right behind us in VA Produce’s facility in the form of new production lines and new employees.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Supporting successful companies that wish to expand within the tobacco region, like Virginia Produce, is an important part of this process.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/19/2017

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR SUMMIT VIEW BUSINESS PARK

Richmond, VA – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for phase 1 of Summit View Business Park in Franklin County. Summit View, located on U.S. Route 220 North of Rocky Mount, will initially have a 5-acre pad and a 25-acre pad available. At 550 total acres Summit View has the potential to attract large businesses from around the world looking to relocate or expand in Virginia.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $658,960 Southside Economic Development grant to assist with phase one of this project.

Delegate Kathy J. Byron (R-Bedford), Chairman of the Tobacco Commission’s Research and Development Committee said, “It is great to see Summit View Business Park open after all the hard work that has gone into its development. Summit View will be a strong asset as we work to attract quality businesses and the jobs they bring to Southside. I am glad the Tobacco Commission chose to support this important project.”

The Phase One project includes the construction of the main access road into the park, grading of a 5-acre building pad and a 24-acre building pad, and extension of public utilities to serve the new building pad sites. Future site development projects will be enabled using the road and utilities first provided by this Phase One work.

Cline Brubaker, Chairman of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors said, “This Phase One project is just the beginning of a long-term effort by the County to create a new economic future for the citizens of Franklin County. The cutting-edge nature of the Summit View Business Park will allow 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.”

Michael Burnette, Franklin County Economic Development Director added, “The business park represents a substantial investment by the Board of Supervisors and our partners in the future of our community. After a year of intense planning, it is gratifying to see actual dirt moving and encouraging that the park is already drawing interest from prospective new businesses for the soon-to-be created pad sites as well as other sections of the park.

The Tobacco Commission’s primary goal is developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Assets like Summit View Business Park make it possible to recruit companies from around the world to bring jobs and investment 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
10/19/2017

Blue Ridge Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to Move to Washington County

Richmond, VA – It was announced today that Highlands Automotive, Inc., which does business as Blue Ridge Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, will move its car sales and service operation from its present location in Russell County to Washington County. The new facility will be located near exit 14 on I-81 and the move is designed to increase sales through improved accessibility and visibility. The move will create 42 new jobs within 36 months and result in $3.17 million in new capital investment.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $140,000 Opportunity Fund grant to assist with this project.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico said, “The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission continues to do great work creating jobs and expanding business opportunities in Southwest Virginia, and the Commission’s decision to approve Highland Auto’s Opportunity Grant is a shining example of this. The 42 new jobs and $3.17 million in new capital investments this project will create in Washington County will bring a welcome and substantial boost to our local economy for years to come.”

Blue Ridge Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is a full service auto dealership that sells a variety of vehicles ranging from family sedans to off-road capable trucks and Jeeps. They focus on a quick, hassle-free car-buying experience for their customers and, in addition to sales, the company also offers full service featuring highly trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment.

“We’re really excited about this opportunity,” said Ryan Mathesius, President of Blue Ridge Auto Group, a family owned and operated group of dealerships. “We’ve had a great operation in Russell County and Lebanon but we really feel that this move to Abingdon will be extremely beneficial, not just for us but for Washington County, as well. Not only will we be investing over 7 million dollars of capital into the community, but we’ll be adding to our large family of employees in Southwest Virginia, creating even more jobs in the county. With the dealership right off I-81 it will be easily accessible and give us an incredible location that can be seen from the interstate. We are thrilled about the move and to continue to represent the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Nissan, Ford, Lincoln, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC brands at our dealerships.”

The Tobacco Commission is working to develop a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Job creation and investment from successful companies like Blue Ridge Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram plays a vital part in helping us reach this goal.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/13/17

PATRICK HENRY’S RED HILL BREAKS GROUND ON EUGENE B. CASEY EDUCATION AND EVENT CENTER

Brookneal, VA – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today to announce the start of construction on the Eugene B. Casey Education & Event Center at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. The 5,000 square foot center will be built just outside the historical area at Red Hill and will be able to host a variety of events including educational classes and lectures, business meetings, weddings and more. This will result in increased traffic at Red Hill primarily due to the ability to host school groups in adverse weather conditions which is not currently an option. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded a $400,000 Southside Economic Development grant to assist with this project.

“Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is a vital part of our region’s rich history,” noted Delegate Kathy J. Byron (R-Bedford), Chairman of the Tobacco Commission’s Research and Development Committee. “The Tobacco Commission is proud to partner with Red Hill to construct the Casey Center. This facility will help Red Hill enhance its educational mission and provide a beautiful venue for memorable events.”

Red Hill was the home of Patrick Henry from 1794 to 1799 and upon his death he was buried on the grounds. The site was operated primarily as a tobacco plantation during Henry’s time. Today, as a national memorial, Red Hill allows visitors to learn more about Patrick Henry and 18th century life in general. The Education Center will allow Red Hill to greatly expand this mission by housing artifacts, traveling exhibits and serving as a space for guests to visit and learn when the weather makes outdoor activities less appealing.

Mark Holman, Chairman of the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation Board of Directors said, “This project will help Red Hill–a national treasure–be a magnet of tourism and an engine of economic development here in the center of almost six million people.”

The Tobacco Commission is working to develop a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Tourism, and particularly historical tourism, is an important part of Virginia’s economy and this project presents an excellent opportunity to increase traffic at an already important and successful destination.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/26/2017

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION MEETS IN GALAX

Commission Approves 21 Funding Requests for Projects in Southern and Southwest Virginia

Galax, VA – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Tuesday the 19th and Wednesday the 20th of September to give final approval for 19 funding requests. The 21 requests total more than $10.5 million dollars and will support projects across Southern and Southwest Virginia. The total funds to be disbursed break down as follows: $1,995,850 for megasite development, $1,942,750 for regional economic development, $1,614,746 for economic development in Southwest Virginia, $3,370,979 for research and development, and $1,029,933 for healthcare access. The individual requests approved ranged in size from $26,550 to $2,000,000.

Tobacco Commission Chairman, Delegate Terry Kilgore said, “These projects will further our goal of developing a diverse economy in the tobacco region. I am pleased that the Commission chose to approve these grants and look forward to following the progress of each project.”

Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “It’s always great to be able to support projects that will grow the economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia and that’s what the Commission has done here. From megasites that will help us attract new businesses, to ensuring people have access to quality health care, to attracting regionally transformational projects, I am proud of the projects the Commission chose to help make possible over the last two days.”

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. For more information on specific projects please contact Jordan Butler at jbutler@revitalizeva.org.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/20/17