VCEDA Exhibits, Meets with IT Companies at ITEXPO
VCEDA attended and exhibited at ITEXPO in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in mid- February. While there, VCEDA manned an exhibit booth and met with a number of IT companies in pre-set appointments to promote the e-Region as a business location. ITEXPO attracts companies of all sizes and those representing all sectors of the communications and technology industries, offering attendees an in-depth look at communications and technology solutions and trends shaping the future. From left are VCEDA Marketing Coordinator Susan Copeland; VCEDA Marketing Ambassador Charlotte Mullins; and Wise County Assistant Economic Development Director Brian Falin.
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VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, right, presents a ceremonial check to Calvin Mitchell, center, owner of TP’s Auto Repair, representing the VCEDA seed capital matching grant recently awarded to Mitchell’s business. Also pictured at left, is Sharon Ausborne.
VCEDA Approves Seed Capital Grant for TP’s Auto Repair
Providing quality automotive repair and maintenance services at an affordable price is Calvin Mitchell’s goal as he opens TP’s Auto Repair, also known as TP’s Home Remodeling Small Engine Repair LLC, in North Tazewell, Va. Mitchell’s business was the recent recipient of a $10,000 Seed Capital Matching grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). The new business provides engine repair, brake repair, preventative maintenance, truck repair, exhaust system replacement and repair, wheel alignment, oil changes, battery checks and radiator repair. In addition to working on trucks and cars, Mitchell also works on ATVs and UTVs and will make trail calls.
“Assisting entrepreneurs like Calvin Mitchell open their new businesses and grow employment in the region is the primary reason VCEDA established the Seed Capital Matching Grant program. TP’s Auto Repair projects three full-time and two part-time jobs within four years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about TP’s Auto Repair.
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VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, center, presents a ceremonial check representing the seed capital matching grant recently approved for Dickenson Shooting Sports to Mike Yates, owner. At right is Mitzi Sykes, Dickenson County economic development director.
Dickenson Shooting Sports Awarded VCEDA Seed Capital Grant
Mike Yates grew up with a shotgun and a rifle, hunting and participating in shooting matches when he was in high school. That love of the sport of shooting is what prompted him to open Dickenson Shooting Sports in Clintwood. The business is a recent recipient of a $10,000 seed capital grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). “Shooting is big business,” Yates said of the sport. One full-time job is projected in the application.
“Outdoor recreation and the jobs it creates is an area VCEDA has delved into in recent years. The burgeoning tourism economy in Southwest Virginia is an area we are continuing to see job growth in and the seed capital matching grant program has helped to provide funding for a number of new tourism-related small businesses aimed at providing activities for visitors to the region and those who reside here, while at the same time creating jobs.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Dickenson Shooting Sports.
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Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel, left, presents a ceremonial seed capital matching grant check to Gabby Range, an owner of The Local Mercantile LLC in Lebanon. At right is Ernie McFaddin, Russell County Industrial Development Authority chairman.
The Local Mercantile LLC Awarded VCEDA Seed Capital Grant
Gabby Range has always loved the business of coffee and has always been interested in starting and operating her own business. When the opportunity presented itself to combine the two, she and partner, Lindsey Kegley, of Cleveland, Va., opened The Local Mercantile LLC, — known as The Local — a coffee shop and store selling local arts, crafts, food and more. The Local Mercantile LLC is a recent recipient of a Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) $10,000 seed capital matching grant. Currently, the business employs one full-time and three part-time employees. Within three years, it is projected another full-time job will be added.
“The Local Mercantile LLC is really like two businesses in one. With the coffee house as one part and the mercantile as the other, both have opportunities to grow and uniquely to share customers in one location. Because the business also provides other opportunities for regional artisans and craftspeople to sell their merchandise, it also helps to support job growth in the community. The Local’s business model is one very well-suited to the seed capital grant program.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about The Local Mercantile LLC.
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Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel, right, presents a ceremonial seed capital matching grant check to Matthew Owens, left; and Jordan Owens, center, owners of Black Diamond Gym & Spa, LLC in Haysi.
Black Diamond Gym & Spa LLC Awarded VCEDA Seed Capital Grant
Helping the community to get healthier is one of the primary goals of Black Diamond Gym & Spa LLC as the new fitness gym and health and wellness facility plans to open in mid-March in downtown Haysi, Va. The new business is a recent recipient of a Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching grant of up to $10,000. Located at 200 Main Street in Haysi, the facility is owned by Matthew Owens and his wife, Jordan, and will be open 24/7 Monday through Sunday. An electronic entry system will allow members around the clock access.
“VCEDA is pleased to be able to assist Black Diamond Gym & Spa LLC in opening its new business. According to their application, there is a need for such a facility in that area, which along with its 24/7 operation schedule will make it convenient for those who utilize the facility. The application projects two full-time jobs within four years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Black Diamond Gym & Spa LLC.
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Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel, second from right, presents a ceremonial seed capital matching grant check to Blake Ray, Coaltown Taps, LLC owner, left; and Bobbie Ray, Coaltown Taps, LLC manager, second from left. At right is Pam Warden, Tazewell County economic development manager.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Coaltown Taps, LLC
When Blake Ray talks about his new business, Coaltown Taps, LLC in downtown Richlands, he envisions a place where people can come together to talk about the events of the day or the week and enjoy a craft brew and a gourmet burger. The new business when it opens in late spring 2020 will offer lunch and dinner from a mobile food truck parked in the courtyard area, a lounge area with couches and armchairs, tables and craft beers from across Virginia. Coaltown Taps, LLC, is a recent recipient of a Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) $10,000 Seed Capital Matching Grant. Located at 108 Fairfax Avenue in Richlands, Coaltown Taps LLC is housed in a 100-year-old home that once served Richlands as the location of the Agatha Inn. It also housed the National Sportsman’s Shop at one time and was the property owned by the president of the Clinch Valley Coal and Iron Company.
“Assisting the start-up of new businesses in creating jobs in our coalfield area counties is what the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant program is set up to do. Coaltown Taps projects creating four full-time jobs and five part-time jobs within two years of the new business opening.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Coaltown Taps, LLC.
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VCEDA Markets e-Region at Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
VCEDA was in attendance in late January at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with representatives of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. VCEDA Marketing Ambassador Charlotte Mullins is pictured here with VEDP’s Michaela Martin. While there, they met with 16 different companies to provide information on the benefits of expanding their businesses to Virginia. Mullins also spoke to them about the specific benefits of locating in Virginia’s e-Region. The International Builders Show was going on nearby and while there, they were also able to visit many of the companies participating in that show.
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