Category: Uncategorized

  • TOBACCO COMMISSION LAUNCHES NEXT ROUND OF ENERGY INGENUITY FUND

    ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 9TH

    The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is now accepting applications for the latest round of its Energy Ingenuity Fund. The deadline for pre-applications is February 9th.

    This round aims to build on the success of previous rounds of the program and continue to bring innovative energy projects, along with the jobs and investment that come with them, to Southern and Southwest Virginia.

    More information about the program, and details on how to apply for the latest round, can also be found on our website, www.revitalizeva.org.
     
    Energy Ingenuity Fund Program Outline

    Funds are designated for energy-related projects in each of the Commission’s service regions, Southern and Southwest Virginia. A variety of energy project proposals will be accepted, with a focus on establishing a ‘best in class’ energy economy. Projects supported through this fund will capitalize on the region’s skilled workforce and promote an energy-focused economy for the Tobacco Region, recognizing that regions with a strong focus on energy can better attract economic activity to their communities. Potential project areas include, but are not limited to: energy manufacturing supply chain, energy production, grid resiliency, energy storage, microgrids, hydrogen generation, smart cities, wind, small scale modular reactors, conversion of coal mines, and more.

    The Energy Ingenuity Fund will solicit applications through a competitive process to establish grant and loan agreements for high-impact economic development projects meeting the following objectives:

    – Deployment of resources to amplify and accelerate investment in energy projects
    – Collaboration between key partners in energy and economic development
    – Enhancement and expansion of the region’s energy supply chain
    – Development of more energy resiliency in Southern and Southwest Virginia

    Funding will be considered for projects within the Southern and Southwest Virginia areas of Virginia’s Tobacco Region. See the TRRC Coverage Area Map.

    For more information on TRRC program objectives, review the TRRC Strategic Plan and the Logic Models for this Program in the Plan as well as the Commission’s Funding Policies.
    Deadline to Submit an Energy Ingenuity Fund Pre-Application: 

    February 9th – Please review the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals before beginning an application.

    To read more about the program, visit the Energy Ingenuity Fund page on our website, revitalizeva.org.
    Eligibility Requirements

    Note that:

    Applicants must be either a local governmental entity or a non-profit OR must be partnering with a local governmental entity or non-profit.

    All requests for grant funds require at least dollar-for-dollar (1:1) matching funds, with no more than 25% of the match requirement from “in-kind” sources.

    See the program Guidelines & Request for Proposals for full eligibility details. 
    Program Contacts
    For media inquiries:
    Jordan Butler
    Public Relations Director & Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund Manager
    (804) 894-9652
    JButler@revitalizeva.org

    Questions from partners or potential applicants:
    Jerry Silva
    Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation
    (804) 325-4363
    JSilva@revitalizeva.org
  • Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Meets at Virginia International Raceway (VIR)

    Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Meets at Virginia International Raceway (VIR)

    COMMISSION APPROVES 18 FUNDING REQUESTS

    Halifax County, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its third and final scheduled meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 24th at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Halifax with committee meetings held the day prior. The Commission played a critical role in the revival of VIR, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and has continued that support in the years since. VIR now employs over 300 people and attracts over 350,000 visitors each year, many of whom are from out of state. It is one of the largest tourism destinations in Southern Virginia, generating millions of dollars of economic impact each year. For more information on VIR and its history, please take a look at their VIR Reborn documentary. 

    Among the funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southern and Southwest Virginia, including agriculture, business development and tourism projects, the Commission supported three workforce housing projects that will create over 130 units targeting families earning between 80-120% of the area median income. A shortage of workforce housing in the Commission’s footprint has consistently been cited as a barrier to growth and these additional units will play a role in helping meet this demand. 

    The Commission also supported the development of an energy-focused unmanned aircraft system (UAS)/drone center in collaboration with the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems. This center will serve as a catalyst for energy-centric UAS research, innovation and training. 

    The Commission adopted a new strategic plan that will chart the Commission’s course through 2027. The strategic planning effort, led by a team from the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement, included multiple input sessions, interviews and more with stakeholders from across the Commission’s footprint to ensure that the Commission is meeting the needs of the communities it serves. 

    For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.

    “Our meetings here at Virginia International Raceway have been a huge success,” said Commission Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “VIR is a good example of the diverse array of opportunities and attractions we have across Southern and Southwest Virginia, and why I am so proud of the projects we have supported. The Commission approved a remarkable slate of projects that showcase the ingenuity of our region. We’re seeding the future of agriculture, fueling innovation in the energy sector, enhancing our unique tourism assets that draw visitors from all over and working with a variety of partners to meet our workforce housing challenges. None of this progress would be possible without the steady leadership and tireless dedication of Executive Director James Campos. His commitment to our mission has been instrumental in turning these ambitious ideas into realities for the communities of Southern and Southwest Virginia, and we are deeply grateful for his service.”

    “Serving as Executive Director of the Commission has been one of the highlights of my career,” said TRRC Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos. “While I plan to remain on through our meetings in Richmond in January, this will be my last meeting in the Commission’s footprint. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done over the last few years. We’ve launched innovative new programs to harness the opportunities the energy economy can bring, renewed our focus on agriculture, developed a program to help address our workforce housing shortage and so much more. Energy, in particular, is a priority of mine because it is critical to the success of Southern and Southwest Virginia moving forward. Affordable, available energy is at the foundation of economic growth. Perhaps most importantly, we have increased collaboration across the board with state and local partners alike, which will serve the Commission well for many years to come. As I look to finish strong over the next few months, I’d like to thank our Commissioners and our staff for the incredible work they do for the people of Southern and Southwest Virginia. It’s their work, combined with the extraordinary efforts of our partners across the region, that makes the progress we’ve seen possible.”