VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, right, presents a ceremonial check for $350,000 to the Lee County Industrial Development Authority to help with renovations of the building where England Furniture will locate. Also in the photo, Terry England, President of England Furniture, center, and Greg Edwards, left, Chairman of the Lee County IDA.
JONESVILLE, VA – March 8, 2018 – The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) joined Governor Ralph Northam, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Esther Lee, and other state, local and federal officials today in announcing 79 new jobs for a new manufacturing operation in Lee County.
Governor Northam announced that England Furniture, a manufacturer of quality upholstered furniture, will establish a manufacturing operation in the 32,000 sq. ft. Lee County Industrial Building in Dryden, Va. VCEDA approved up to a $350,000 loan to the Lee County Industrial Development Authority to help renovate the building for the project. A loan closing on this VCEDA loan was held March 8 prior to the announcement event.
“VCEDA congratulates England Furniture on selecting Lee County for this expansion project which will provide much needed job opportunities for the citizens of Lee County and the region,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel.
Co-founded by Charles England and his sons, Eugene and Dwight, England Furniture has been crafting quality upholstered furniture since 1964 with the goal of employing the proud and hardworking people of Appalachia. The company is recognized for its high quality and short build cycle and has operated as an independent division of La-Z-Boy Incorporated since 1995.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education and emerging technologies. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
Governor Ralph Northam came to the Lee County Airport ceremony to announce that England Furniture is locating in Lee County, bringing 79 new manufacturing jobs.