AMR PEMCO President David Graf, center, accepts a ceremonial check for $447,200 representing a low interest loan to AMR PEMCO from VCEDA for the company’s planned expansion. From left are Tazewell County Economic Development Manager Ashley Harris; VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher; Graf; Tazewell County IDA Chairman Kyle Hurt; and Tazewell County Economic Development Director Tim Danielson. They are pictured in front of the new press brake.
AMR PEMCO Expansion Projected to Bring 20 New Jobs to Tazewell County
Twenty new jobs and $575,200 in private investment are projected to be coming to Tazewell County in the next two years as a result of an expansion at AMR PEMCO in Bluefield, Va., made possible in part by an up to $447,200 low-interest loan to the company by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). The loan was closed, December 21, 2022.
The funds will be used to finance the purchase of equipment and machinery and to make building renovations, expansions and improvements to increase production space and to improve production efficiencies at the company’s manufacturing facility at 1960 Valley Dale Street in Bluefield.
The company currently has 88 full-time employees at the Bluefield, Va. facility, but projects that number will increase to 108 within two years.
“Assisting our existing businesses in VCEDA’s e-Region to realize their growth plans is an important component in VCEDA’s approach to economic development. By providing support to our manufacturers in the region, like AMR PEMCO, we continue to grow as a region. AMR PEMCO has been a steady employer in the region for more than 60 years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the AMR PEMCO Expansion.
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Officers and directors of VCEDA include, from left, (seated) Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel; Josh Ball, secretary; Larry Mosley, chairman; Esther Bolling, treasurer; and (back) Tim Stuller, Becky Coleman, Kathy Still, Maggie Asbury, Troy Nichols, Scotty Wampler, Andy Hrovatic, Brian Hess, Barbara Altizer and Carroll Branham. Not pictured is J.P. Richardson, vice chairman; Duane Miller and Rhonda Sluss.
VCEDA Board Hears Update on Year-to-Date Projects, Jobs, Investment
Twenty-six new projects and expansion/retention projects projected to create 621 full-time and 104 part-time jobs and more than $218 million in private investment have been announced in Southwest Virginia’s e-Region so far this calendar year, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher told members of the VCEDA boardin mid-November.
He noted project activity continues to be high, with 53 active projects currently being pursued. VCEDA has also completed 24 outreach marketing events across the United States in the current year.
Year to date, Belcher noted, 28 loans and grants for $8,653,404 in new funding, projected to help create 203 full-time and 94 part-time jobs and $4,230,663 in private investment have been approved. An additional 26 loans and grants involving $871,200 in new funding projected to create 88 full-time and 87 part-time jobs and more than $1.77 million in private investment were added to that after the November meeting.
Read more about the VCEDA Update.
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Local economic development directors met with VCEDA staff in Lebanon where they were briefed on a new Coalfield Jobs Investment program.
Local Developers Briefed on New VCEDA Coalfield Jobs Investment Project
Local economic development directors learned more about a new Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) jobs investment program during a meeting of local developers at the VCEDA office in Lebanon.
The new program, the Coalfield Jobs Investment Project (CJIP), which was recently created by the VCEDA board, will provide a grant to eligible for-profit businesses located or locating in the VCEDA region which create at least one new full-time job in the region within VCEDA’s targeted industry sectors of information technology, manufacturing, energy or creative tourism.
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher briefed the local developers on the new program, noting it is funded by an appropriation of $250,000 the VCEDA board made from the VCEDA Coalfield Workforce Development and Training Fund. The funds will be utilized as pilot funding for the new program for the remainder of FY2023.
“The goal of the Coalfield Jobs Investment Project is to be pro-active in encouraging the creation and development of new full-time jobs in the coalfield region in diversifying industry sectors. Earlier this year, VCEDA worked with Virginia Tech to refine the industry sectors which were deemed to be the best targets for growth and diversification in the region and this new project builds upon that work by providing a way to support those jobs. An additional goal of the project is to support the creation of new telework or remote work positions in the region.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the CJIP Program.
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Russell County IDA Executive Director Ernie McFaddin, left, accepts a ceremonial check for $350,000 from VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher to be used for additional site development on the IDA’s “Russell Place” property.
$350,000 Loan to Russell County IDA Will Be Used For ‘Russell Place’ Property Site Development
An up to $350,000 loan from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to the Russell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to be used for additional site development needs at the IDA’s Russell Place property was closed recently.
The funds will be used to finance site development, building demolition, building construction, building improvements and other improvements in the continued development of the IDA’s Russell Place property located at 122 Haber Drive in Lebanon.
With the assistance of a $900,000 loan from VCEDA last year, the IDA purchased and partially renovated the “Russell Place,” a vacant industrial building and its approximately 12 acres. As part of the renovations, demolition work on some older sections of the building which were in poor condition were started.
“With the need for additional industrial buildings in the region, the IDA has decided it would best to plan how to further develop the Russell Place property. These funds will help the IDA make additional improvements to prepare the property for future development and will add to the property’s marketability to prospective job-creating tenants.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Russell Place Property Site Development.
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Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, center, celebrated a ribbon cutting marking Coronado Coal’s Buchanan Mine expansion with local and company officials in mid-December. From left are Tazewell County officials; Youngkin; VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher; and Virginia Senator Travis Hackworth.
VCEDA Attends Coronado Coal Expansion Ribbon Cutting
VCEDA was pleased to be in attendance in mid-December at Coronado Coal’s Buchanan Mine for the celebration and ribbon cutting of Coronado’s planned $169 million expansion.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick and Deputy Secretary Chelsea Jenkins were in attendance to take part in the celebration and a ribbon cutting held underground at the mine. Also in attendance were Congressman Morgan Griffith, Virginia Sen. Travis Hackworth, Delegate Israel O’Quinn, county officials from both Buchanan and Tazewell counties, representatives of Virginia Energy and Invest SWVA.
Company officials, including COO Jeff Bitzer and CEO Jerry Spindler spoke about the project and the opportunity the company has to continue to grow the Buchanan Mine, the largest producer of metallurgical coal in the state. An additional 181 jobs are projected to be added as a result of the expansion which puts the mine in a position to be able to double its extraction capacity.
VCEDA was pleased to host a meeting with the secretary of commerce and trade, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Coronado officials and the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association at its offices in May.
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Breaks Interstate Park Superintendent Austin Bradley, right, accepts a ceremonial check for $80,000 from VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. The funds wil be used for improvements at the park.
$80,000 Grant Will Fund Improvements at Breaks Park
An $80,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to be used for improvements at the Breaks Interstate Park was closed recently.
The grant will be used to develop infrastructure and improvements at the park, specifically to replace the roof and gutters at the park’s Visitor Center. The project will consist of replacing existing shingles with metal panels, replacing any wood that is rotten and installing new gutters on the building.
“VCEDA is pleased to be able to continue to support Breaks Interstate Park projects as the park is an important economic driver for the area. The park’s Visitor Center is a critical facility for the park as it is used not only as an information station, but also as its museum and as a retail space selling outdoor gear.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Breaks Interstate Park Grant.
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VCEDA Attends Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade
VCEDA Marketing Ambassador Diane Thomas represented VCEDA at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce 13th Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade which was held in Richmond, Va., December 2. The conference focus was on “ensuring Virginia competes to win in the national and global economy.” VCEDA is a long-time member of the state chamber of commerce.
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The ribbon was cut celebrating the announcement that Blackstone Data Services, LLC, will locate in the Bluestone Business and Technology Park shell building, bringing with it five new jobs and private investment of $18 million. Representatives from the company, Tazewell County, the Tazewell County IDA and VCEDA, along with Ninth District Congressman Morgan Griffith and Virginia Sen. Travis Hackworth, were on hand for the announcement. Behind them are two of the data pods utilized in the mining of cryptocurrency.
Blackstone Data Services, LLC to Locate Data Center in Bluestone Park in Tazewell County
Five new jobs and a projected private capital investment of $18 million will be coming to Tazewell County as Blackstone Data Services, LLC, opens its doors at the Bluestone Business and Technology Park shell building.
In addition to Blackstone Data Services Founder and CEO Seth White, Ninth District Congressman Morgan Griffith, Virginia Senator Travis Hackworth, a host of Tazewell County officials, federal officials and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) were in attendance.
Blackstone is a data center hosting services and cryptocurrency mining business. The new company will provide data center hosting; server and node maintenance; cryptocurrency mining container asset manufacturing to benefit a three-state area.
“Today, we welcome Blackstone Data Services, LLC, as a Bluestone tenant. We congratulate the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority for its hard work in bringing the project to the Bluestone. In support of the project, the VCEDA Board approved a request from the Tazewell County IDA to consent to the lease of the building to Blackstone Data Services, as well as a performance-based incentive payback on the IDA’s loan from VCEDA based upon the company achieving its jobs and investment targets. Data centers have been one of VCEDA’s business targets for the region for nearly two decades and we have been promoting the region as the e-Region for 15 years. Blackstone Data Services becomes the fourth data center to locate in the e-Region and VCEDA assisted in some way on all four.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Blackstone Data Services, LLC project.
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The Virginia CFX Authority Board met recently in Lebanon with several guests in attendance. From left, (front) are John Schoolcraft; J.H. Rivers, vice chairman; Virginia Sen. Travis Hackworth; Jay Rife, chairman; Jonathan Belcher, Virginia CFX Authority executive director; and (back) Laura Blevins, representing Sen. Tim Kaine; Scott Mullins; Peggy Kiser; Melanie Salyer; James Keen; Keith Viers; Philip Cook; and Cody Mumpower, representing Congressman Morgan Griffith.
Virginia CFX Authority Board Hears Project Updates
A letter asking Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to consider including $500,000 annually in the state budget for the Virginia Coalfields Expressway (CFX) Authority to help advance the Coalfields Expressway in Virginia has been sent to the governor by Virginia CFX Authority Executive Director Jonathan Belcher.
Belcher told authority members at the December 9 authority board meeting in Lebanon that the letter was sent to the governor in mid-October and in it, he had stressed the need for the roadway.
“I am of the opinion that the Coalfields Expressway may offer the only real solution to the economic plight of many areas of the coalfields. Without this necessary infrastructure, these areas will continue to struggle economically and that is not even mentioning the tremendous health care and educational opportunities and other benefits the road will provide.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Virginia CFX Authority Meeting.
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VCEDA Attends PLMA Trade Show with VEDP
VCEDA attended the PLMA Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago, Ill., as part of the state team with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership November 13-15, 2022. The show had nearly 1,400 exhibitors and 2,300 booths filled with suppliers and high quality store brand products from around the world. The team met with various companies while at the show.
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VEDP Tours Southwest Virginia’s e-Region
VCEDA hosted a group Virginia Economic Development Partnership staff members on a tour of Southwest Virginia’s e-Region Oct. 25-27, 2022. The group visited Breaks Interstate Park, toured some businesses and available buildings and sites and heard presentations on higher education and workforce training opportunities from the Workforce Development Board, UVA Wise and Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges. The group also visited the VCEDA office, toured UVA Wise, The Sitel Group-Intuit and Tempur+Sealy and visited the Dickenson County Technology Park and Red Onion sites in Dickenson County, Project Intersection in Norton and the Crooked Road Tech Center in Scott County.
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Joshua and Heather Wright are working toward an early 2023 opening for Wright Way Repair, LLC, in Clinchco. Wright Way Repair, LLC is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Wright Way Repair, LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
High quality, experienced automotive service at an economical price will soon be available in the Clinchco area as Wright Way Repair, LLC prepares to open in early 2023, according to Heather Wright, who co-owns the new business with her husband, Joshua.
Wright Way Repair, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
A building at 141 Road Branch in Clinchco has been purchased and will be renovated to house the new business and offer storage space for rent as well.
“Wright Way Repair, LLC will offer automotive repair services in Dickenson County, primarily serving residents in Clinchco, Haysi and Clintwood and those traveling through the area, according to their business plan. The new business projects three full-time employees within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Wright Way Repair, LLC.
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Ethics Hair Care, LLC Owner Kim Ross noted her new business in Tazewell County will provide specialized care for clientele with wavy, curly hair. The new salon, which is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant, is also focused on providing and developing its own formulations of chemical-free natural hair care products.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Ethics Hair Care, LLC
In addition to providing specialized care for clientele with wavy, curly hair, Ethics Hair Care, LLC owner Kim Ross said her new salon opening soon in Bluefield is focused on providing and developing its own formulations of chemical-free natural hair care products.
Ethics Hair Care, LLC was a recent recipient of a $9,303.90 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant, the amount requested in the application to VCEDA.
“Ethics Hair Care is focused on offering unique services and in the future, manufacturing of its own product lines. The new business projects six full-time employees within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Ethics Hair Care, LLC.
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Jasmine Adams opened Elite Motion Dance Company, Inc., in Lebanon with a goal of expanding opportunities for area students to learn to dance. Elite Motion Dance Company, Inc., was a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Elite Motion Dance Company, Inc. Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Expanding opportunities for students from six months and older to learn to dance or to dance competitively is the goal of Elite Motion Dance Company, Inc., in Lebanon, according to owner Jasmine Adams.
Elite Motion Dance Company, Inc., was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“Elite Motion Dance Company, Inc., provides many opportunities for Southwest Virginia families to explore the field of dance and fitness, while at the same time creating jobs. The new business projects three full-time employees and five part-time employees within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Elite Motion Dance Company, Inc.
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The Happy Goat LLC was a recent recipient of a seed capital matching grant from VCEDA. Owners Vince and Lucie D’Amato, left, are pictured with their son, Joe, right and Antonio Villa, second from right. The new deli and hiking gear shop will open later this year.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for The Happy Goat LLC
In 2021, Vincent and Lucie D’Amato decided it was time to leave Virginia Beach where they had lived for more than 30 years to move to Tazewell County to the farm where Lucie grew up. The decision to open a small business followed based on the idea of supporting the county in which they now live full time. They decided to purchase and renovate a circa 1889 building on Main Street to open their new business, a deli and hiking gear shop, The Happy Goat LLC.
The Happy Goat LLC, which will open later this year, was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“The Happy Goat will offer another dining option as well as a place to purchase hiking gear in Tazewell that will appeal to both tourists and locals. In so doing, it will create new jobs in the community which is what the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant program strives to do. The new business projects two full-time employees and five part-time employees within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about The Happy Goat LLC
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Renee Adair opened Adair Behavioral Services, LLC in North Tazewell to provide a safe and nurturing therapy environment for children with Autism, developmental delays and other special needs. Adair Behavioral Services, LLC was a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Adair Behavioral Services, LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Providing a safe and nurturing environment for children with Autism, developmental delays and other special needs is what Adair Behavioral Services, LLC focuses on as its therapists work with families whose children need the specialized care the North Tazewell clinic offers.
Adair Behavioral Services, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“Adair Behavioral Services, LLC is providing specialized services which not only help the families and the children they serve, but which also create jobs at the same time. The new business, which projected eight full-time employees and three part-time employees within five years has already exceeded its total employment goals in part-time employment with nine currently hired and is well on its way to achieving its five-year projection, with five full-time employees now employed.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Adair Behavioral Services, LLC
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Tina Shipley opened Grain Bin Market, LLC, earlier this year. The business is located in an old grain bin shipped in from Kentucky and put together on site. Grain Bin Market, LLC was a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant. Shipley, second from left, is pictured with her sons, Dalton and Ethan; and husband, Eddie.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Grain Bin Market, LLC
When the Grain Bin Market, LLC opened earlier this year in Scott County, Va., Tina Shipley, owner, wanted the new business to have a certain look to make it unique. As the pieces to a grain bin were shipped in from Kentucky and put together, she achieved just that.
The 3290 Wadlow Gap Road location offers home décor items.
Grain Bin Market, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“The Grain Bin Market, LLC had a unique twist to opening a store and market to attract both locals and tourists in its decision to reconstruct an old grain bin on site and use it as the store location. The new business projects two full-time employees and five part-time employees within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Grain Bin Market, LLC.
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