VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, second from right, gives an update on project activity to members of the VCEDA board during the board’s June 16 meeting. Also pictured with Belcher, from left, are Esther Bolling, Josh Ball and VCEDA Chairman Larry Mosley.
VCEDA Board Hears Update on Project Activity, Outreach Marketing
Members of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) board heard an update on recent activities during a meeting of the board, June 16 at the VCEDA staff office in Lebanon, Va. VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan noted that so far this year, there have been five new projects and expansion/retention projects announced, which are projected to create 173 full-time and 50 part-time jobs, with several additional projects pending announcement.
Belcher spoke briefly about the recent visit to the region by Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick and Virginia Economic Development Partnership representatives and their tour in the region; and updated board members on the Coalfields Expressway Authority work, which VCEDA assists with, including a recent Virginia Department of Transportation meeting in Abingdon at which the need for the Coalfields Expressway to further advance economic development in the region featured prominently in the discussion.
He concluded his executive director’s report by noting that to date this calendar year, including projects approved at Thursday’s meeting, the authority has approved 24 loans and grants amounting to more than $8 million in new funding and that project activity continues to be high, with 60 active projects. He also noted that to date, VCEDA has completed 12 outreach marketing events across the United States, as the effects on in-person travel due to the pandemic progressively improve.
Read more about the VCEDA June meeting.
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New jobs will be coming to Russell County as Polycap LLC completes a planned expansion at its manufacturing facility in Lebanon. The Russell County IDA recently closed on a $100,000 grant from VCEDA’s Coalfield Workforce Development and Training Fund to assist Polycap LLC with training additional new employees.
$100,000 VCEDA Grant to Russell County IDA to Assist with Polycap LLC Expansion
An additional 15 new full-time jobs are projected to be coming to Russell County, Va., through an expansion by Polycap LLC assisted by an up to $100,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Coalfield Workforce Development and Training Fund to the Russell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
The grant, which was closed recently between VCEDA and the Russell County IDA, will be used for workforce development and training to assist with Polycap LLC’s planned expansion. The new jobs are expected to be created within a four-year period and will exceed original job projections made by the company when it first located in Southwest Virginia’s e-Region. Currently, Polycap LLC employs 41. According to the application, 80 full-time employees are expected to be employed there within four years, with an average full-time wage of $46,000. The total employment number is 15 more than originally projected in 2019 and 39 more than the number of employees there now.
“We are pleased to assist Russell County and Polycap LLC in this manufacturing expansion. The company’s expectations of creating even more jobs than initially projected when they first came to Russell County is additional good news.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Polycap LLC Expansion.
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Virginia Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Jason El Koubi, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick; and Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, listen to remarks during one of the roundtable meetings held in May at VCEDA’s offices in Lebanon. The roundtable discussions included those focusing on economic development, education, workforce and the coal industry.
VCEDA Hosts Discussions with Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, VEDP
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick and Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) President & CEO Jason El Koubi took part in a series of regional roundtable discussions related to economic development, education, workforce and the coal industry, hosted by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) in Lebanon in May.
VCEDA also hosted a luncheon in honor of Merrick and El Koubi attended by approximately 100 Southwest Virginia state and local elected officials, economic developers and other Southwest Virginia leaders. The luncheon was held at the Russell County Conference Center where attendees also heard a brief update on the Pure Salmon project now under construction.
“VCEDA works with a whole host of allies in working leads and projects.Our success is made possible because of the outstanding teamwork we enjoy in the region. There is no ‘I’ in team. We must all work together for the region to succeed and prosper.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and VEDP Visit to the e-Region.
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Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority Board Chairman Jay Rife, makes a point about the importance of the Coalfields Expressway project during a six-year road hearing conducted by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Virginia CFX Authority Representatives, Other Regional Leaders Address Need for CFX at VDOT Road Meeting
The importance of the Coalfields Expressway (CFX) as a tool for economic development in the region, as well as a tool for roadway safety was stressed by Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority Chairman Jay Rife, Virginia CFX Authority Executive Director Jonathan Belcher and others in May during a meeting in Abingdon of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to consider the region’s piece of the Commonwealth’s overall $51 billion six-year road plan.
Secretary of Transportation Sheppard Miller III, VDOT Road Commissioner Stephen C. Brisch, Bristol District Engineer Tabitha Crowder, Commonwealth Transportation Bristol District Board Member Tom Fowlkes and Acting Director of Rail and Public Transportation Jennifer DeBruhl were present for the two-hour meeting held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.
Read More about the VDOT Meeting.
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Wise County IDA Executive Director Brian Falin, left, accepts a $1.2 million ceremonial check from VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher representing funding approved by VCEDA to be used by the Wise County IDA for the purchase of a building and a 4.363-acre site in the Lonesome Pine Regional Business and Technology Park in Wise County.
$1.2 Million Loan to Wise County IDA to Acquire Lonesome Pine Tech Park Building Approved
An up to $1.2 million loan from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to the Wise County Industrial Development Authority to be used for the purchase of an approximately 10,000-square-foot furnished office building and an approximately 4.363-acre site in the Lonesome Pine Regional Business and Technology Park in Wise County was recently closed.
The property, located at 5957 Windswept Boulevard in Wise, was originally sold by the IDA to Southern Coal Corporation which built the office building. The building, later owned by Davis Mining & Manufacturing, Inc., was recently vacated.
“VCEDA is pleased to be working with the Wise County IDA on this project. One of the things we need in the e-Region is an inventory of marketable buildings and sites and the purchase of the building in the technology park by the Wise County IDA will assist in future tenant recruitment.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Lonesome Pine Tech Park Building Acquisition.
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Attending the VEDA meeting for VCEDA were, from left, Susan Copeland, marketing coordinator; Jean Jordan, funds administrator; Charlotte Mullins, marketing ambassador; and Marketta Horton, economic development specialist.
VCEDA Attends VEDA Meeting in Wytheville
VCEDA was a sponsor of the 2022 Summer Membership Meeting of the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) held in Wytheville June 6-7.
The meeting featured speakers on Community Economic Development award-winning projects around the Commonwealth and a panel discussion on two “chip companies” (Frito-Lay and Micron) that located in the state in the 90s. The meeting also featured a panel discussion on site readiness and other economic development topics, moderated by Jason El Koubi, president and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) with four General Assembly members, including Del. Terry Kilgore, Del. Israel O’Quinn, Del. David Reid and Del. Jeffrey Campbell.
Regional economic developers attending included Natalie Chapman, Wise County; John Kilgore, Scott County; Brian Falin, Wise County; and Ashley Harris, Tazewell County.
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VCEDA exhibited at the 7th Annual SWVA Economic Forum. From left are Marketta Horton and Jean Jordan.
7th Annual SWVA Economic Forum Held
VCEDA was pleased to take part in the seventh annual SWVA Economic Forum in late May. The regional economic gathering aimed at collaboration, innovation and growth took place online and in-person at UVA’s David J. Prior Convocation Center in Wise. The theme for this year’s conference was “Building for the Future.” Topics included housing, healthcare, workforce development, childcare and new industries. Twelve panelists shared their expertise and time in the various discussions.
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Seed Capital Grant Approved for Huff Daddy BBQ
Traditional Texas-style barbecue is what customers of Huff Daddy BBQ will find when they visit the walk-up location of the barbecue storefront in Big Stone Gap, Va. Owned by Larry Huff, Huff Daddy BBQ offers carryout barbecue orders, as well as dining options on its front porch.
The business was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“VCEDA was pleased to provide seed capital match funding for Huff Daddy BBQ. Assisting entrepreneurs in growing their new businesses while creating jobs is what the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant program is all about. The business projects four full-time jobs and seven part-time jobs within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Huff Daddy BBQ.
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Debra and Philip Ramsey’s new business, Big Stone’s Gap Golf, Miniature Golf Course, LLC, was a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant. Also pictured with them are Big Stone Gap Mayor Gary Johnson and the course mascot, Golly Gopher.
Big Stone Gap Miniature Golf Course Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Providing affordable family fun and a local entertainment option for the community of Big Stone Gap, Va., and surrounding communities is the goal of Big Stone’s Gap Golf, Miniature Golf Course, LLC.
Owned by Debra Ramsey and Philip Ramsey, “Gap golf,” which opened in mid-May, provides 18 holes of miniature golf, games, a book nook for kids, a place to sit and visit and more for its visitors. The business was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Located in town, close to the park, sports fields and the Big Stone Gap Visitor Center, the new business also has future plans to offer a modular, portable travel set of golf holes for rent to be used at on-site mini-golf events.
“Big Stone’s Gap Golf, Miniature Golf Course, LLC presented a strong business plan to provide an entertainment option not now available in Big Stone Gap that would appeal to visitors and locals alike, while at the same time creating local jobs. The business projects three full-time jobs and five part-time jobs within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Big Stone’s Gap Golf, Miniature Golf Course, LLC.
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Jennifer and Travis Anderson’s new business, Engine 343 Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza, was recently approved for a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching grant.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Engine 343 Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza
There are food trucks and then there are food trucks with a twist such as Engine 343 Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza. Jennifer and Travis Anderson own and operate the Wise County food truck business which features a fire truck engine, outfitted with a wood-fired pizza oven trailer.
The Andersons’ new business, Engine 343 Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza was recently approved for a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund grant.
The truck sets up at various events, predominantly in the Town of Appalachia. True Italian ingredients comprise the pizzas made from the oven, with pizza names a tip of the hat to firemen. Anderson, who is a career firefighter, noted the 343 in the business name represents the number of firefighters lost on September 11.
“VCEDA was pleased to assist Engine 343 Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza with its unique set-up for a food truck business. The business projects three full-time and three part-time jobs within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Engine 343 Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza.
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Weeping Willow Café & Tap House owner Eric Adams is pictured behind the counter at the new business which was the recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Weeping Willow Café & Tap House Approved for Seed Capital Grant
When Eric Adams opened the Weeping Willow Café & Tap House in Lebanon, Va., it was the realization of his long-held dream to provide a place where people could come to hang out with family and friends. Coffee, bagels, pastries, soups and salads are the current fare, but future plans call for expanded hours and a menu featuring appetizers, dinner, live music, craft beer and wine.
Adams’ new business, Weeping Willow Café & Tap House, located on 56 West Main Street in Lebanon, was recently approved for a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund grant.
“VCEDA was pleased to assist Weeping Willow Café & Tap House with a seed capital matching grant. Quality of life is enhanced in our region when restaurants open in our communities. Providing residents and visitors alike with dining options enhances and revitalizes downtown areas and promotes entrepreneurship and the creation of jobs. The business projects three full-time and three part-time employees.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Weeping Willow Café & Tap House.
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VCEDA Exhibits at MCPA Conference
VCEDA exhibited at the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association (MCPA) conference in Roanoke, WV in May. Conference attendees heard from coal executives who started the MCPA, industry leaders, suppliers and politicians, among others, as met coal’s future outlook, railroads and coal markets were discussed.
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VCEDA Takes Part in Indiana Direct Call Trip
VCEDA Marketing Ambassador Charlotte Mullins, right, was in Indiana in late May with representatives of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for site visits with five companies and meetings with four site selection consultant agencies. Direct call trips are one of the ways VCEDA works to market the e-Region to businesses looking to expand their operations. Also pictured are Meghan Welch from VEDP and Sherry Spring from Gloucester County.
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Seed Capital Grant Approved for Ole No. 3 Restaurant & Bar
As Tom Wimmer watched Pocahontas, Va., continue to grow its tourism industry through the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and the Spearhead and Hatfield McCoy trail systems nearby, he saw the time was right to open a restaurant to meet the needs of residents and tourists alike. As a result, he began planning to open the Ole No. 3 Restaurant & Bar.
Wimmer’s new business, Ole No. 3 Restaurant & Bar was recently approved for a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund grant.
“VCEDA was pleased to assist Ole No. 3 Restaurant & Bar with a seed capital matching grant. It has already paid off as the restaurant recently reported to us that it has already exceeded its employment projections and currently has 13 employees, seven of whom are full-time and six of whom are part-time. Original plans had called for nine within three years to include four full-time and five part-time jobs. Since the seed capital program is all about creating jobs in the region, this was great news to hear.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Ole No. 3 Restaurant & Bar.
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Site Consultant Symposium Attendees Take Part in Reception at Virginia Governor’s Executive Mansion
VCEDA joined four other Virginia economic development regions and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership on May 4 for a Team Virginia Site Consultant Symposium reception at the Governor’s Executive Mansion in Richmond with nine site consultants and other Team Virginia business leaders in attendance. Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin welcomed the group to Virginia and offered to host and meet with prospective clients considering locating their businesses in the Commonwealth.
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