VCEDA 2022 Annual Report Highlights 50 Projects
Fifty new projects and expansions in all eight Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) localities resulting in a projected 900 new jobs and more than $220 million in planned private investment were announced in the region during 2022, according to details highlighted in the VCEDA 2022 Annual Report filed in early March with Governor Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia General Assembly.
Combined, the projects were projected to create 709 new full-time and 191 new part-time jobs.
Read more about the VCEDA 2022 Annual Report.
. . .
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, second from right, presents a ceremonial check to Wise County IDA Executive Director Brian Falin, second from left, to be used toward renovation of the new Town of Appalachia Visitor Center, pictured in the background. Also pictured are Fred Luntsford, Appalachia Town Manager, left; and Larry Mosley, VCEDA board chairman, right.
Appalachia Visitor Center Project Gets Boost
An up to $30,000 grant to the Industrial Development Authority of Wise County (IDA) to assist the Town of Appalachia with the development of the Appalachia Visitor Center in the town was approved recently by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). The grant was approved last month and was closed recently.
The new visitor center will be located in the downtown Main Street area on property owned by the Town of Appalachia. The town has already acquired a preowned 28’ x 70’ manufactured building to serve as the visitor center. Funding from the grant will be used for site development, building improvements, construction, renovation and other improvements related to the project. The project, according to the IDA’s application, is the focal point of the town’s downtown revitalization efforts and the goal is to provide a central point of information for visitors who may be visiting the area and local attractions including the Powell River Trail and motorsports initiatives such as the “Dragon Slayer” Highway 160 route.
“The Town of Appalachia is in the process of developing a visitor center which would serve not only tourists and locals alike, but which will also become the new home of the Lonesome Pine Model Railroad Club which has an impressive model railroad exhibit which will serve as an added attraction for the visitor center. Helping to promote tourism is an important piece of the economic development puzzle in the e-Region and VCEDA is pleased to be able to assist with this project.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Appalachia Visitor Center.
. . .
Virginia CFX Project Highlighted in Virginia Business Ad
An advertisement highlighting the Virginia Coalfields Expressway project was highlighted in the March 2023 issue of Virginia Business. The proposed roadway is a critical piece to enhance economic development potential in southwest Virginia’s e-Region.
See the advertisement here.
. . .
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, right, presents a ceremonial check for $88,809 to Breaks Interstate Park Superintendent Austin Bradley to be used for improvements at the park, including construction of a wildlife viewing tower.
VCEDA Approves Funds for Breaks Interstate Park
Seven projects, including the construction of a wildlife viewing tower, are among the improvements planned this spring at the Breaks Interstate Park due in part to an up to $88,809 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA).
The wildlife viewing tower, which is projected to be approximately 10 feet tall, will be able to accommodate up to 20 individuals at a time and will be installed in the park’s elk habitat area near the campground.
“VCEDA is pleased to once again assist in the further development of the Breaks Interstate Park and its amenities through this grant. The park continues to be one of the e-Region’s greatest assets.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Breaks Interstate Park.
. . .
The VCEDA Board met in Lebanon February 16, 2023 during which loans and grants totaling more than $1.31 million were approved for five projects in Russell, Tazewell and Wise counties, the Breaks Interstate Park and one regional project.
$1.31 Million Approved for Job Creation, Retention Projects
Loans and grants totaling more than $1.31 million were approved for five projects in Russell, Tazewell and Wise counties, the Breaks Interstate Park and one regional project during a meeting of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Board February 16, 2023 in Lebanon. The projects are expected to help create up to 44 full-time jobs and 20 part-time jobs and to retain 67 existing jobs, according to the project applications.
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher provided a brief overview of calendar year 2022 activities, as well as an update on current project activity.
In calendar year 2022, he noted, there were 43 new projects announced in the region expected to create 365 full-time and 141 part-time jobs and $35.8 million in private investment. There were also seven expansion projects announced during the year which were projected to create 344 full-time jobs and 50 part-time jobs and private investment of $184.47 million.
Read more about the VCEDA Board Meeting.
. . .
Local Economic Developers Meet
VCEDA held a meeting of local economic developers in late February, providing an update on VCEDA activities and upcoming marketing initiatives. The meeting also gave VCEDA staff an opportunity to get their input and insights and to hear from those county officials about projects ongoing in their locales.
. . .
Representing VCEDA at the VEDA Spring Meeting in March were Marketing Ambassadors Diane Thomas, left and Charlotte Mullins; and VCEDA Marketing Coordinator Susan Copeland, right.
VEDA Spring Meeting Held
VCEDA participated in the Virginia Economic Developers Association’s (VEDA) Spring Conference March 15-17 in Newport News, VA. More than 260 members attended the conference where attendees received public policy updates, heard panel discussions on building capacity through a case study of an Eastern Virginia RIFA and utilizing apprenticeships to build a skilled workforce and an update on economic development goals and plans for the Commonwealth from Jason El Koubi, president and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP).
. . .
Pictured are Jessie Fritz, VEDP; Melanie Protti-Lawrence (Lawrence Brothers); Diane Thomas, VCEDA marketing ambassador; Rhonda Holt and Sharon Barbrow (Samuel Pressure Vessel Group).
‘Women in Manufacturing’ Symposium Held
VCEDA was pleased to take part in the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing “Women in Manufacturing Symposium” held recently.
The event celebrated the contributions of women in the field of manufacturing. Approximately 200 were in attendance at the event. A panel, comprised of women at various levels of their careers in manufacturing, spoke about their career paths, overcoming challenges, celebrating their successes, and encouraged women to pursue and develop their careers in manufacturing.
Panelists included Chasity Hearn, production supervisor at Speyside Bourbon Cooperage; Ragan Proffitt; manufacturing engineer at Wolf Hills Fabricators; Frances Pung, quality manager at Strongwell; and Melanie Protti-Lawrence, president of Lawrence Brothers, Inc., who answered questions from the audience during a Q&A about what manufacturing looks like today, how to encourage more women to pursue careers in manufacturing and career opportunities currently available.
. . .
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, left, presents a ceremonial check representing the up to $50,000 VCEDA grant approved for the Napoleon Hill Foundation to Don Green, executive director/CEO of the foundation. The funds will be used for continued entrepreneurial skills training through the Napoleon Hill Foundation to benefit high school students in the region.
$50,000 Grant Approved for Entrepreneurial Skills Training to Be Offered by Napoleon Hill Foundation
An up to a $50,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Coalfield Workforce Development and Training Fund to be used for continued workforce development and training was closed recently for the Napoleon Hill Foundation in Wise, Va.
The funds will be used to assist with the continued development and implementation of a free online interactive course in entrepreneurial skills for high school students in the VCEDA region. A similar grant was approved for the foundation in 2021 and closed in early 2022 which, according to the application resulted in 148 students in the VCEDA region registering to date for the online course, exceeding the initial goal of 100 students.
“With additional registrations anticipated in Spring 2023, more than 200 students total are expected to benefit from the initial VCEDA investment as well as matching funds raised, according to the application. The Napoleon Hill Foundation would like to build upon this success by continuing the initiative and submitted a new application for an additional up to $50,000 grant from the VCEDA Coalfield Workforce Development and Training Fund which the VCEDA board approved. Students from the VCEDA region are eligible to participate in the online program which is also well-aligned with VCEDA’s seed capital program which encourages entrepreneurs in the region to pursue their goals of starting and maintaining small businesses and creating jobs.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Napoleon Hill Foundation.
. . .
Jonathan and Ashley Hurley opened Hurley Remodeling & Custom Designs LLC to provide services to residential customers seeking help in their renovation or remodeling plans. The business is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching grant.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Hurley Remodeling & Custom Designs LLC
Jonathan and Ashley Hurley have long enjoyed home renovation work and ultimately, the couple decided to turn it into a business, opening Hurley Remodeling & Custom Designs LLC in Hurley, Va.
Hurley Remodeling & Custom Designs LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Small jobs and larger ones have found the remodeling help they need through the business which does all types of reno work, from flooring and tilework to bathroom and kitchen remodels and everything in between. As the business grows, the Hurleys hope to be able to add a second crew to lessen wait times and expand their opportunities for work.
“Hurley Remodeling & Custom Designs LLC offers much needed services in the region for homeowners looking for help in renovation, remodeling or construction work. The business projects two full-time and four part-time employees within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Hurley Remodeling & Custom Designs LLC.
. . .
Josh and Courtney Cress opened Kane St. Smokehouse LLC in Gate City, realizing a long-held dream to open their own barbecue restaurant. Pictured, from left, are (front) Maverick Cress, Sarah Lichvar; (middle) Harlee Cress, Kylee Cress, Bailey Leonard and Rylee Pennington; and (back) Josh and Courtney Cress. Kane St. Smokehouse LLC is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching grant.
Kane St. Smokehouse LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Josh Cress is quick to admit he learned a lot about cooking from his grandfather and to him, it seemed natural that when it came to looking at starting a business in Scott County, opening a restaurant was a good choice. He and his wife, Courtney, bought the former service station/garage/flower shop on 744 Kane Street and turned it into the Kane St. Smokehouse LLC.
Kane St. Smokehouse 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 developed with an eye toward assisting local entrepreneurs in creating jobs and new business in the seven coalfield counties, one-city area that comprises Southwest Virginia’s e-Region. Kane St. Smokehouse LLC fits the bill in the creative tourism sector, providing another dining option for not only tourists, but also for local residents to enjoy. The business projects four full-time and 10 part-time employees within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Kane St. Smokehouse LLC.
. . .
Nick and Erin Keene, along with daughter, Bailee, will open Bee Noodle’d, a pasta concepts restaurant in downtown Tazewell later this spring. The business is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching grant.
Bee Noodle’d Approved for VCEDA Seed Capital Grant
Erin and Nick Keene began their foray into the restaurant business first thinking they might operate a food truck, but as they developed the concept, the food truck idea turned into brick and mortar restaurant on 171 Main Street in Tazewell, Va. Later this year, the couple, along with daughter, Bailee, will open Bee Noodle’d, a pasta concept restaurant that will deliver quick entrees in a casual setting, using fresh local ingredients, honey and quality poultry and other meat products. Their vision is to serve quality recipes with exceptional service.
Bee Noodle’d, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“Creative tourism is one of our target sectors for the seed capital grant program and restaurants, such as Bee Noodle’d, which offer different dining experiences and utilize homegrown products, appealing to tourists and locals alike, fit the bill for that. The business projects eight full-time and three part-time employees within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Bee Noodle’d.
. . .
Rebecca and Joe Baird recently opened The Shack at Lonesome Pine, LLC, a new restaurant located in Big Stone Gap at Lonesome Pine Country Club. The business is a recent recipient of a VCEDA seed capital matching grant.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for The Shack at Lonesome Pine, LLC
What started as a food truck nicknamed “The Shack,” as a nod to the appearance of the food truck as it was brought home to be renovated, has since sparked an interest in the community and in Rebecca and Joe Baird that led them down a path to develop a full-service restaurant with a bar.
The Shack at Lonesome Pine, LLC, located at 2706 Country Club Road in Big Stone Gap, officially opened earlier this month and began providing guests with a dining experience and a place to hold catered events in space leased at Lonesome Pine Country Club.
The Shack at Lonesome Pine, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“While the Bairds have previously operated a food truck in the region, their decision to open a second business, an entirely new restaurant facility, will serve the local community and tourists alike.The business originally projected one full-time and four part-time employees within five years, but has already adjusted those projections to be two full time and five part-time in that period.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about The Shack at Lonesome Pine, LLC.
. . .
Absolute Fitness, a 24/7 gym in Wise County was a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant. Pictured at the gym, from left, are owners Jamie and Brandi Cox; Robbie Chappell; and Laura Belcher, gym manager.
Absolute Fitness Approved for Seed Capital Grant
With physical fitness continuing to be a priority for many and industry trends projecting that to remain far into the future, the timing was right for Jamie and Brandi Cox to open Absolute Fitness in Wise County. The 24/7 gym, located on 309 Church Street in Wise, recently celebrated its first anniversary and in that time has seen its membership grow to some 561 members.
Absolute Fitness was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“Absolute Fitness presented a solid business plan for growth that was detailed and illustrated how the 24/7 gym would serve the fitness needs of the Wise County area. Their business plan projected two full-time and two part-time employees, but it has already exceeded that projection with one full-time, three part-time and six contract employees now in place.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Absolute Fitness.
. . .
Kayla Warren, center, cut the ribbon marking the opening of her small business, Boutique 276 in Duffield, Va., last year. Her business was recently named as a recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
Boutique 276 Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Kayla Warren said she has always appreciated a good deal and that’s one of the reasons she opened Boutique 276 in Duffield, Va. The business, located at 463 Duff Patt Highway in Duffield is a ladies clothing, shoes and accessories boutique.
Boutique 276 was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
In opening the business, Warren said she hoped to help grow her town and the community while at the same time providing job opportunities and strengthening the local economy.
“Boutique 276 offers sales through both a brick and mortar location and online. The business projects one full-time and two part-time employees within five years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Boutique 276.
. . .
Renee Perkins opened the Tazewell Test Center to facilitate and proctor exam sessions to clients in a controlled environment for a variety of organizations and professions which require exams as a part of their certification or hiring process. The Tazewell Test Center, located in Tazewell, is a recent recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching grant.
Tazewell Test Center Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Making it easier for those who need to take a test to earn a particular certification without having to travel far from home to do it is the primary reason Renee Perkins opened the Tazewell Tester Center to provide proctoring services for a variety of professions and employers requiring pre-employment exams or certifications.
Tazewell Test Center was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.
“The Tazewell Test Center offers a unique service in our area by facilitating testing for a variety of professions and certifications which oftentimes residents need in order to secure employment. The business projects one full-time and one part-time job within two years.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Tazewell Test Center.
. . .