VCEDA Sponsors, Attends VEDA Legislative Reception
VCEDA was pleased to sponsor and take part in the Virginia Economic Developers Association 2023 legislative reception in Richmond, VA. Representing VCEDA at the event were, from left, VCEDA Marketing Coordinator Susan Copeland; and VCEDA Marketing Ambassadors Charlotte Mullins and Diane Thomas. While there, they had the opportunity to speak with other members of the association as well as legislators in attendance.
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VCEDA Attends, Sponsors MCPA Legislative Breakfast
VCEDA was pleased to take part in and to sponsor the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association Legislative Breakfast in January in Richmond, VA. Special guest at the breakfast was Virginia Acting Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles. Among the VCEDA board and staff in attendance, pictured with Voyles and MCPA Chairman Bob Cline, center, were, from left, Andy Hrovatic, Barbara Altizer (who is also MCPA executive director of outreach and education), J.P. Richardson, Voyles, Cline, Charlotte Mullins, Jean Jordan, Diane Thomas and Cathy St. Clair.
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Jodi and Joshua Eaton opened Air Fiber Communications, Inc., seeking to provide residents with the ability to access remote work opportunities, utilize the Internet for school or college training and have access to resources enabling them to participate in the digital economy. Air Fiber Communications, Inc. is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching grant.
Air Fiber Communications, Inc. Approved For Seed Capital Grant
Expanding Internet service to help eliminate the digital divide for those living in rural areas of Russell County, Va., is the primary goal of Air Fiber Communications, Inc. as the new business seeks to provide residents with the ability to access remote work opportunities, utilize the Internet for school or college training and have access to resources enabling them to participate in the digital economy.
Air Fiber Communications, Inc. was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
The business, owned by Jodi Eaton and Joshua Eaton, opened officially last April and owns its own towers and has space on others leased. The Wireless Internet Service Provider — or WISP – and its primary customers are those living in rural regions of Russell County who have limited or no high-speed Internet options.
“One of VCEDA’s seed capital qualifying business sectors is information technology and Air Fiber Communications, Inc., falls into that category as it seeks to provide and grow Internet access to e-Region residents. The business is projecting 12 full-time jobs within five years, according to its application.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Air Fiber Communications., Inc.
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VCEDA Attends Center for Rural Virginia, Council for Rural Virginia Reception in Richmond
VCEDA was pleased to be in attendance last week at the Center for Rural Virginia and the Council for Rural Virginia reception in Richmond, Va. VCEDA was represented at the event by Marketing Ambassador Diane Thomas; Marketing Coordinator Susan Copeland; and Marketing Ambassador Charlotte Mullins. The reception provided an opportunity for state, business and civic leaders to gather and discuss issues affecting the vitality and prosperity of rural Virginia.
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VCEDA Sponsors, Attends SWVA Legislative Reception
VCEDA was pleased to help sponsor and to attend the Southwest Virginia Legislative Reception in Richmond, Va., in January. Among the guests at the reception in addition to the Southwest Virginia legislative delegation were Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares. Among the VCEDA board members and staff in attendance included (front), from left, Tim Stuller, Duane Miller, Barbara Altizer, Jean Jordan, Rhonda Sluss, Diane Thomas; and (back) Jim Baldwin, Scotty Wampler, J.P. Richardson, Andy Hrovatic and Charlotte Mullins.
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Micah McDermott, pictured with his wife, Beverlee, opened Just Melt It to provide customers with a variety of gourmet specialty sandwiches, craft beers and wine, striving to offer high quality, fresh and healthy food. Just Melt It, located in Wise, Va., is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching grant.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Just Melt It
From cheese-stuffed burgers to brisket melts, Philly cheese steaks to club sandwiches and soups, Just Melt It provides its customers with a variety of lunch to early supper dining options prepared at its food truck and served to go, or eat on the spot at the new business’ outdoor seating area, aptly nicknamed the “Mountain View Oasis.”
Just Melt It was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“Just Melt It is a food truck with a twist in the way it is approaching its operation as a stationary truck with seating available outdoors on-site, serving both locals and tourists in the Wise County area. The business is projecting seven full-time jobs within five years as it grows, according to its application.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Just Melt It.
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Pictured, from left, are VCEDA Marketing Ambassadors Cathy St. Clair and Diane Thomas; VCEDA Marketing Coordinator Susan Copeland; VCEDA Marketing Ambassador Charlotte Mullins; 2023 Virginia Chamber Chair Lakshmi Williams; VCEDA board member Barbara Altizer, who is also the executive director of education and outreach for the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association; and Virginia Chamber President and CEO Barry DuVal.
VCEDA Attends Chamber Day at the Capitol, Old Dominion Legislative Reception
VCEDA was pleased to be in attendance in mid-January at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Old Dominion reception in Richmond, Va. Among the attendees at the reception in addition to state legislators was Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Earlier in the day, VCEDA representatives also attended the Chamber Day at the Capitol event, hearing from speakers including Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears; Attorney General Jason Miyares; Speaker of the House Todd Gilbert; House Minority Leader Don Scott Jr.; Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment Jr.; and Senator Monty Mason.
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VCEDA Takes Part in Lyric Theater Ribbon Cutting
VCEDA was pleased to take part in the ribbon cutting marking the official opening of the Lyric Theater in St. Paul in January. VCEDA has been involved in helping to fund the restoration of the theater. An up to $100,000 grant to the Town of St. Paul Industrial Development Authority was approved in 2020 for building construction, rehabilitation and improvements as well as the purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment. VCEDA also assisted the St. Paul IDA with Phase I of the project, approving a $40,000 grant in 2018 to help pay for the new marquee.
The Town of St. Paul and the Town of St. Paul IDA previously identified the restoration of the historic Lyric Theater as a key part of their revitalization and economic development plans. One full-time job and four part-time jobs are projected to be created within a three-year period.
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Rodney Hammill, owner of Hammilltime Construction, LLC, opened his new business to provide quality and affordable renovation and repairs. Hammilltime Construction, LLC is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Hammilltime Construction, LLC
With a range of needs by home and business owners, no job is too small for Hammilltime Construction, LLC, according to Rodney Hammill, who opened the new business in Clintwood, Va., to provide quality and affordable home improvements and repairs.
Hammilltime Construction, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Various construction-related work, carpentry, remodels and repairs are among the services offered.
“For both homeowners and business owners, finding a local contractor to assist with various renovations or repairs always seems to be a need and according to Hammilltime Construction, LLC’s business plan they plan to help fill that need. The business projects two full-time and four part-time jobs within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Hammilltime Construction, LLC.
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A ceremonial check representing funding in the amount of $50,000 to the Dickenson County IDA to be used finance a feasibility study on two pieces of property in Dickenson County to assist in the marketing and economic development of the properties was awarded by VCEDA to the IDA in late December 2022. On hand for the presentation were, from left, Dickenson Board of Supervisors/VCEDA Board Member Rhonda Sluss; VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher; Dickenson County IDA Chairman Larry Yates; and Dickenson County IDA Executive Director Dana Cronkhite.
$50,000 Grant Will Fund Dickenson Property Use Feasibility Study
An up to $50,000 grant to be used to finance a feasibility study on two pieces of property in Dickenson County to assist in the marketing and economic development of the properties was awarded by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) in late December 2022.
The funds will be used to hire an engineering firm to complete a feasibility study for the “Green Lot,” located in Clintwood; and the “Haysi High School Lot,” located in Haysi.
“The IDA has indicated the feasibility study is needed to determine what type of structure and/or business would be the most practical based upon location and size and lay out of the properties. When completed, it will serve as another tool to assist in the marketing of the properties to prospective businesses and industry.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Dickenson Feasibility Study.
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Gary Williams opened B’s Wigs, Extensions and Beauty Supply, LLC in Norton, seeking to cater not only to those who are looking for a change in hairstyle, but also to those who have suffered hair loss as the result of a medical condition, aging or cancer treatments. B’s Wigs, Extensions and Beauty Supply, LLC is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for B’s Wigs, Extensions and Beauty Supply, LLC
Helping others to feel good about themselves is something Gary Williams and his wife, Rebecca, hoped they could do as they opened B’s Wigs, Extensions and Beauty Supply, LLC in Norton, Va., which caters not only to those who are looking for a change in hairstyle, but also to those who have suffered hair loss as the result of a medical condition, aging or cancer treatments.
B’s Wigs, Extensions and Beauty Supply, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“B’s Wigs, Extensions and Beauty Supply, LLC offers a unique service, especially in the way it seeks to cater to the needs of those who need its services as a result of medical conditions or cancer treatments.The business currently has one full-time and two part-time employees and within five years, is projecting five full-time and two part-time jobs, according to their application.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about B’s Wigs, Extensions and Beauty Supply, LLC.
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Valerie Mullins, owner of Delightfully Designed, LLC, is pictured with the laser engraving/etching machine she uses to cut and engrave wood, acrylic, leather and other materials, turning them into unique personalized items – from pictures to jewelry – for her customers. Delightfully Designed, LLC is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Delightfully Designed, LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
With the popularity of customized laser engraved/etched items continuing to grow, Valerie Mullins made the decision to jump into the field, creating different and unique products from pictures to jewelry when she opened Delightfully Designed, LLC in Clintwood, Va.
Delightfully Designed, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“VCEDA’s seed capital matching grant program was created to assist local entrepreneurs in the creation of jobs. Delightfully Designed has already created one full-time job and is looking at the possibility of adding another part-time assistant, according to Ms. Mullins, its owner.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Delightfully Designed, LLC.
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Virginia CFX Authority Files Annual Report with Governor, General Assembly
The 2022 annual report of the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority (CFX) was filed in early January with the governor’s office and General Assembly.
The Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority was formed by the General Assembly in 2017 to improve the transportation into, from, within, and through Southwest Virginia, assist in regional economic development, and generally enhance highway safety in the affected localities of Southwest Virginia. The Authority has a 12-member board and is staffed by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA).
“2022 was a productive year for the Virginia CFX Authority and on behalf of the CFX Authority Board we would like to acknowledge the Governor’s Office, state and federal legislators, VDOT, local officials, the planning districts, the VCEDA Board and everyone else involved for their assistance and support in working on the expressway project in the past year. The Coalfields Expressway remains a vitally important project for the future of the coalfield region of Southwest Virginia.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the CFX Authority Annual Report.
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Micah Nida and Greg Kiser opened their food truck, Cluck Truck, LLC, promising chicken with a little dose of Southern hospitality. Cluck Truck, LLC is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching grant.
Cluck Truck, LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
If it’s chicken you’re looking for with a little dose of Southern hospitality, you’ll find it at Cluck Truck, LLC, a new mobile food truck primarily serving customers in the Big Stone Gap, Norton and Wise areas during the week and branching out to the Tri-Cities area and seasonally to fairs and festivals on the weekends.
Cluck Truck, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Micah Nida and Greg Kiser officially opened the new business this past July and through the business, they seek to cater to consumers from all walks of life offering everything from down home chicken biscuits to chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets and a variety of sauces — from Nashville Hot and Honey Hot to Blue Ridge. Regular fries and garlic-parmesan fries round out the sandwich combos available. Fried pickles have also been added to the mix.
“VCEDA’s seed capital grant program has continued to grow in popularity and in so doing has been a part of additional job creation within the region since the program was first started. Cluck Truck, LLC is one of the businesses recently approved for funding. The business projects one full-time and two part-time jobs within two years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Cluck Truck, LLC.
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A ceremonial check representing funding in the amount of $144,000 to the Dickenson County IDA to be used to finance the provision of low earth orbit space-based broadband to unserved and/or underserved children in Dickenson County was presented to the IDA in late December. On hand for the presentation were, from left, Dickenson County Administrator Larry Barton; Dickenson Board of Supervisors/VCEDA Board Member Rhonda Sluss; VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher; Dickenson County IDA Chairman Larry Yates; Dickenson County Board of Supervisors 2022 Chairwoman Peggy Kiser; Dickenson County IDA Executive Director Dana Cronkhite; and Dickenson County Board of Supervisors 2022 Vice Chairman/Willis District Supervisor Josh Evans.
$144,000 VCEDA Grant Will Help Expand Internet Access in Dickenson County
High speed Internet access gained a boost in late December in Dickenson County as an up to $144,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Education and Telehealth Access Fund was awarded to the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to be used to finance the provision of unserved and/or underserved children in Dickenson County with low earth orbit space-based broadband.
The project will bring access to high-speed Internet to an additional 60 households, to include 97 school-aged children. Potential benefits of the project include enhanced educational opportunities for students, health treatment expansion and enhanced workforce education and remote worker opportunities.
“The grant will be used to take care of the expenses of hardware, wiring and two-year subscriptions for each household served, according to the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority application. In the end, the grant serves to expand education and telehealth access in Dickenson County.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Dickenson County IDA Internet Access Project.
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$7 Million Federal Allocation Will Benefit CFX Project in Virginia
The Virginia Coalfields Expressway project took a step forward to begin 2023 as $7 million to assist the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in the design and construction stages of a project to widen a 2.21-mile section of U.S. 121/U.S. 460 in Buchanan County – the Coalfields Expressway – to a four-lane highway in order to better promote economic development was included in the federal budget bill signed by the president.
Working in conjunction with the region’s federal legislators, the funding was requested by the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority, which was formed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2017 to improve the transportation into, from, within and through Southwest Virginia; to assist in regional economic development; and to generally enhance highway safety in the affected localities of Southwest Virginia.
“The area in which these funds will be used currently lacks any direct access to a four-lane highway. Having access to a four-lane highway will be a significant boost to the marketability of Southern Gap and is critical to its success and further economic development. We thank Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner and Congressman Morgan Griffith for working with the authority at the federal level to secure these funds for the Coalfields Expressway project.”
Jonathan Belcher, Virginia CFX Authority Executive Director/ VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the CFX Project.
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