Members of the Medentum Team include, from left, (seated) Jessie Tiller, Dr. Vivek Shinde Patil and David Owens; and back (standing) Shawn Tiller, Grayson Martin, Nicholas Cox, Chris Owens and Dr. Starla Kiser.
VCEDA Approves Funds for Medical Device Manufacturing Feasibility Study
An up to $170,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) was recently closed for the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to be used to finance a medical device manufacturing feasibility study.
The IDA is partnering with Medentum Innovations Inc. on the study to foster economic diversification into new sectors surrounding medical devices and information technology (IT). According to the application, the study will emphasize supply chain resiliency by bringing critical healthcare infrastructure production back to the U.S. and create new production partnership opportunities locally, setting the stage for Dickenson County and Southwest Virginia to be a pioneer in testing health system, IT and manufacturing innovations that could be disseminated to rural areas across the country.
Medentum Innovations Inc. is a Virginia corporation formed by Dickenson County native Dr. Starla Kiser and Dr. Vivek Shinde Patil. Chris Owens, David Owens, Grayson Martin and Nicholas Cox are co-founders of Medentum. Headquartered in Dickenson County, the company seeks to do all its design, R&D, testing and product assembly in Dickenson County. The concept was developed in Dickenson County and one of the things that makes the project unique is the involvement of students and teachers at Ridgeview High School in the development of Medentum’s signature ‘Diagnostick’ medical testing technology.
“The Medentum project is an innovative one which proposes to couple technology and diagnostic medical testing in a unique manner. One of the things that makes it unique is the work between students, educators, a physician and biotech business professionals aimed at developing a product to enhance the delivery of medical services especially in rural, underserved areas.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Medentum Project.
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The Tazewell Dance Center LLC was a recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant. Owner, Emily Hinkle, is pictured with the dance studio sign.
Tazewell Dance Center LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
The lack of a dance studio in Tazewell was something that spurred Emily Hinkle, of Cedar Bluff, to open the Tazewell Dance Center LLC in the Four-Way Shopping Center in North Tazewell. The dance center is the recipient of a recent $9,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital matching grant.
From classical ballet, jazz and hip-hop to tap, modern, lyrical and contemporary, to pointe, improv, pom and tumbling, the studio has something to offer to students of all ages – children and adults. Classes are also taught in yoga and UltraBarre.
“Helping entrepreneurs to create jobs in the region is one of the primary goals of VCEDA’s seed capital matching grant fund. Oftentimes, the assistance provided through seed funding can make a real difference in a business starting out and getting off the ground. The Tazewell Dance Center LLC projects one full-time and one part-time employee.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Tazewell Dance Center LLC.
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Propel Counseling Group LLC in Clintwood, VA, is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital grant. From left are owners, Heather Lynch and Kimberly Carroll, licensed professional counselors.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Propel Counseling Group LLC
Outpatient counseling, substance abuse counseling and trauma-focused counseling are among the treatment options available through Propel Counseling Group LLC. The company recently received a $9,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital grant.
Operated in Clintwood, Va., by licensed professional counselors Kimberly Carroll and Heather Lynch, Propel Counseling Group opened in October 2020. Carroll and Lynch bring a combined 21 years of work in the mental health field and in addition to seeing clients at their clinic location, they also make house calls.
“VCEDA was pleased to approve a seed capital matching grant for Propel Counseling Group LLC. Helping entrepreneurs to start and grow their business ventures is the primary reason the seed capital matching grant program exists. Propel Counseling Group LLC has plans to do just that and projects 10 full time and two part-time employees.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Propel Counseling Group.
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Paul’s Fan Company Announces Launch of BEAST Company; Projects 15 New Jobs
An additional use for the Paul’s Fan Company Southern Gap location was announced in late March by Todd Elswick, president of Paul’s Fan Company, who announced the launch of BEAST — Best Equipment and Sport Trailers – a new company focused on the manufacture of custom aluminum sport and utility trailers that will work out of the Paul’s Fan Company location.
Elswick is founder and CEO of BEAST.
The products made by BEAST will be manufactured at the Paul’s Fan Company’s Southern Gap location and as the new company grows, 15 new jobs are projected. The new company will support the region’s increased interest in UTV and outdoor sports activities.
The BEAST brand was developed as part of the 2019 expansion of Paul’s Fan Company to Southern Gap in Buchanan County and Lee County, Virginia in partnership with the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) and the Buchanan County and Lee County industrial development/ economic development authorities.
“We congratulate BEAST as it begins to produce sport and utility trailers in the region. It is always great news to share when existing manufacturers in the region find additional ways to grow their businesses with new businesses and add even more jobs to the local economy.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about BEAST Company.
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Kyle Hurt, chairman of the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority, center, accepts a ceremonial check from VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher to assist in the location of Bruneaux Bait in the Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Park, making Bruneaux Bait the first tenant to locate in The Bluestone. At Belcher’s right is Dr. Stephen Munsey, owner of Bruneaux Bait. Others pictured, from left, (front) are Travis Hackworth and Maggie Asbury, Tazewell County; Hurt, Belcher, Munsey; and Todd Munsey, Bruneaux Bait; and (back) Denise Harmon, Eric Young, Darrell Addison, Pam Warden and Mike Hymes, Tazewell County; and Joe Gillespie, Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
Bruneaux Bait to Become First Tenant in Bluestone Park
The Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Park in Tazewell County will be getting its first tenant later this year when locally owned Bruneaux Bait, a manufacturer of eco-friendly crawfish and crab bait used in traps mainly in Louisiana, becomes the first business to locate there, bringing with it 12 full-time jobs.
An up to $400,000 loan from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) was closed recently to be used to finance site development, site grading, building construction, the installation and extension of utilities and other improvements to assist with the expansion of Bruneaux Bait and its location to the Bluestone.
“The Tazewell County IDA has been working for several years with Dr. Stephen Munsey, who is currently the sole proprietor of Bruneaux Bait, on planning for the expansion. The project brings with it a projected $100,000 in private investment by the company and a projection of up to 12 full-time jobs within five years. VCEDA is pleased to assist in the project and is further pleased to see the Bluestone get its first tenant.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Bruneaux Bait.
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Jessica Ernspiker is looking forward to opening The Marion Kitchen LLC this spring. Her new business was a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
The Marion Kitchen LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Family and friend recipes passed down through generations will be among the food fare offered to patrons of The Marion Kitchen LLC, a mobile food truck business in Lee County, when it officially opens later this spring. The Marion Kitchen LLC was a recent recipient of a $9,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital matching grant.
Jessica Ernspiker, of Big Stone Gap, owns the business, which she named using her maiden name, Marion. Opening the business and creating the foods enjoyed by her family for generations, Ernspiker said, has been a dream of hers and her father’s for many years.
“Assisting entrepreneurs in the region to get their businesses up and running enabling them to create jobs, is the primary goal of VCEDA’s seed capital matching grant program. The Marion Kitchen projects one full time and one part-time position.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about The Marion Kitchen LLC.
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Dr. Allison Sparks and her husband, Jason Sparks, recently opened Valley Animal Clinic, PLLC in Cedar Bluff. The business was a recipient of a VCEDA $9,000 seed capital matching grant.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Valley Animal Clinic, PLLC
Small animal wellness checks, vaccinations, surgery, dentistry, hospitalization and in-house laboratory and radiology services are among the services offered at Valley Animal Clinic, PLLC. The Cedar Bluff, Va., clinic was a recent recipient of a Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) $9,000 seed capital matching grant.
The clinic is operated by Dr. Allison M. Sparks, of Cedar Bluff, a 2005 graduate of Virginia Tech, who finished her veterinary education at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and then returned to the area to open the clinic located at 1058 Cedar Valley Drive in Cedar Bluff in the former veterinary clinic space operated by the late Dr. Roy Wright. Sparks’ husband, Jason, assists with the business which officially opened in January, as its manager of operations.
“VCEDA was pleased to assist Valley Animal Clinic, PLLC in getting its new business up and running. The business has utilized its seed capital funds to purchase equipment and supplies. It projects five full-time and two part-time employees as it continues to grow.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Valley Animal Clinic, PLLC.
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Tempur Sealy Expands in Scott County
Congratulations to Tempur Sealy on its recent expansion announcement in Scott County. Since locating in the region two decades ago, Tempur Sealy has been an asset for the entire region. We look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.
“Since locating in the region two decades ago, this operation has been a tremendous asset for the entire region, providing excellent employment opportunities for the citizens of Scott County and Southwest Virginia.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Tempur Sealy expansion.
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