The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority helped to bring 556 jobs through 42 new projects and seven expansions during 2019 — the most active year in VCEDA’s 31-year history. From top left, clockwise, a few of the projects which VCEDA helped to fund in 2019 included: construction of a new shell building at Southern Gap which will be occupied by Paul’s Fan Company; The Scripted Gate Sign Co., LLC;  Canadian Manufacturer Polycap LLC;  Misty Mountain Bit LLC; and Lawrence Brothers, Inc.

42 New Projects, 7 Expansions Creating 556 Jobs Makes 2019 Most Active Year in VCEDA History

A total of 42 new projects and seven expansions creating 556 total jobs helped make 2019 the most active year in the 31-year history of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). The statistics were compiled at year-end and also showed private investment related to those jobs projected at $28.56 million.

“In terms of marketing events, prospect visits, new projects, loan/grant approvals and loan/grant closings, 2019 was the most active year in VCEDA history. Projects were announced and funding was approved in all eight localities in the VCEDA region which includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell and Wise counties and the City of Norton.”

Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel

Read more about VCEDA’s historic year for activity.

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VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, left, presents a ceremonial check representing the $10,000 seed capital matching grant recently awarded to PK Fitness Inc. to Craig Nash, who owns the Anytime Fitness franchise at Claypool Hill with his wife, Angela. 

Seed Capital Matching Grant Approved for PK Fitness Inc.

“Your goals are our goals. Welcome to your first step.” It may be a motto on a web page, but for PK Fitness Inc. owners Craig and Angela Nash, it’s how they approach operating their Anytime Fitness gym franchise at the Claypool Hill Mall. Helping members to achieve their fitness goals is what it’s all about for PK Fitness Inc., which was recently approved for a $10,000 seed capital matching grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). The gym is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it easy for fitness enthusiasts to choose a time to work out that best fits their own individual schedules. Fitness consultation, personal workouts and team training are offered.

“The PK Fitness Inc. project fit very well into our seed capital matching grant program. It created jobs and adds to the quality of life in the region which is a factor in attracting additional jobs to the region.”

Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel

Read more about PK Fitness Inc.

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VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, right, presents a ceremonial check representing the $10,000 seed capital matching grant recently awarded to Dismal River Trucking LLC to Tyler Justus, center, owner of the trucking company. Also pictured is Margie Douglass, left, director of the Small Business Development Center at Southwest Virginia Community College.

VCEDA Awards Seed Capital Grant to Dismal River Trucking LLC

Tyler Justus grew up around trucks as his father owned a trucking business when he was growing up. Owning his own trucking business just seemed to be a natural next step and last summer, he took it, opening Dismal River Trucking LLC, in Buchanan County, Va.  He bought his first truck – a Mack — and hired a driver to run it while he continues to teach at Hurley Elementary-Middle School. Dismal River Trucking LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital matching grant.

“Assisting entrepreneurs like Tyler to grow their businesses is the reason the VCEDA seed capital matching grant program exists. In opening up a trucking company, Tyler examined current markets, but also looked at additional haul markets which would add stability to the company, while also providing it with avenues for future growth. His business plan calls for two full-time employees within two years.”

Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel

Read more about Dismal River Trucking LLC.

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VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, second from right, presents a ceremonial check representing the $10,000 seed capital matching grant recently awarded to Viers Medical Clinic PLLC to Henry Viers and his wife, Natasha Viers, left, co-owners of the clinic. Also pictured is Mitzi Sykes, right, Dickenson County economic development director.

Viers Medical Clinic PLLC Awarded Seed Capital Grant 

When you’re sick, it doesn’t always happen between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. which is why Henry Viers and his wife, Natasha Viers, decided to open Viers Medical Clinic PLLC – a family practice clinic currently offering unique “after hours” availability in Dickenson County, Va., designed to meet the medical care needs of area residents. The clinic is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital matching grant.

“Viers Medical Clinic was an excellent seed capital matching grant candidate. Not only did their business plan detail a path for growth and employment, but it also looked at the market and found a niche in terms of after hours care, thereby providing an additional service to the residents of Dickenson and surrounding counties.”

 Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel

Read more about Viers Medical Clinic PLLC.

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VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, left, presents a ceremonial check representing the $10,000 seed capital matching grant recently awarded to Frost Bite LLC. Accepting the check on behalf of the business owned by Neil Mack Fleming, is his wife, Melanie; and daughter, Tori. Also pictured is Mitzi Sykes, Dickenson County economic development director.

Frost Bite LLC Awarded VCEDA Seed Capital Grant

While their mobile food truck is in storage for the winter, Neil Mack Fleming; his wife, Melanie; and daughter, Tori, are making plans for the spring when Frost Bite LLC, based out of Clintwood, will once again hit the festival circuit providing shaved ice dessert options for those looking to add a sweet treat to their day. Frost Bite LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital matching grant. Owning their own business has long been a dream the family has had, according to Melanie Fleming, who said the seed capital matching grant is allowing the family to continue to realize and grow that dream.

“VCEDA was pleased to assist Frost Bite LLC in growing its new business which is exactly what the seed capital matching grant program is designed to do. Frost Bite’s business plan projects employment of two full-time and eight part-time employees within five years.”

Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel

Read more about Frost Bite LLC.

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