Susan Copeland, VCEDA marketing coordinator; and John Kilgore, Scott County economic development director, chat with a visitor at the VCEDA booth at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. Not pictured is VCEDA Marketing Ambassador Cathy St. Clair, who also attended and assisted in manning the VCEDA booth at the event.
VCEDA Takes Part in SelectUSA Investment Summit
VCEDA took part in the 2019 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. in mid-June. Delegations of global investors were in attendance at the event learning more about opportunities to do business in the United States. In addition to hearing from notable speakers including U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry, The White House Office of Economic Initiatives Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump and a host of state governors and business and industry leaders, attendees also had the opportunity to visit the hundreds of booths set up throughout the exhibit hall.
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, center, presents a ceremonial check to Lost Pearl Gallery owners representing the seed capital matching grant funding for which the gallery was approved. From left are Maggie Asbury, Tazewell County Board of Supervisors and VCEDA board member; Betty Armentrout, Nancy Brooks, Pawnee Jewell, Lost Pearl Gallery; Pam Warden, Tazewell County Economic Development manager; and Sarah Lowe, Lost Pearl Gallery.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Lost Pearl Gallery
From paintings to hand-crafted jewelry and glass work to basket weaving and more, the Lost Pearl Gallery in North Tazewell has a little something for everyone. The gallery, a for-profit limited liability company formed in Virginia in November 2018 and located at 587 Freedom Avenue, officially opened its doors in December 2018 as an artists’ collaborative venture. It moved to its new location earlier this spring, celebrating a grand reopening in April with plans to continue to grow both as a tourist destination, as well as a place local residents visit to see – and to purchase – the variety of items the gallery has on display and offers for sale. The Lost Pearl Gallery, LLC was recently approved for a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant which its five owner/artists all agreed assisted in getting the new space set up for the gallery, which specializes in providing fine art collectibles and quality handmade products and services related to the arts.
“VCEDA was pleased to approve the seed capital grant funding for the Lost Pearl Gallery. The gallery provides an opportunity for local residents and tourists alike to grow in their appreciation of the arts and provides employment, not only through the operation and staffing of the gallery, but as a venue for local artists to display and sell their works, thereby providing additional opportunities for them to grow their own art businesses.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about the Lost Pearl Gallery.
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, center, presents a ceremonial check to Wayne Johnson and Tracey Johnson, owners of Curklin’s Restaurant, representing the seed capital matching grant recently awarded to their new business. Also on hand for the presentation were, left, Tim Blankenbecler, of the Small Business Development Center at Mountain Empire Community College; and Wise County Economic Development Director Carl Snodgrass, second from left.
Curklin’s Restaurant Approved for Seed Capital Grant
The historic Mutual Pharmacy building in Big Stone Gap will soon have new life as Curklin’s, a full-service casual dining restaurant, prepares to open its doors in early fall. Wayne and Tracey Jordan are co-owners of the new business venture which was recently approved for a $10,000 Seed Capital Matching Grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority. Curklin’s projects 10 full-time and 30-45 part-time jobs within five years.
“VCEDA is pleased to assist Curklin’s through the Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund. The new restaurant will add employment numbers to the region and play an important role in the town of Big Stone Gap’s redevelopment efforts.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Curklin’s Restaurant.
Ribbon Cut for Roberts Mill Suites
The ribbon was cut in late May for Roberts Mill Suites in downtown Gate City, as the Scott County business celebrated its grand opening. Roberts Mill Suites was the recipient of a VCEDA Seed Capital grant in late 2017, which owners Vickie and Allan “Cotton” Roberts used to help renovate the building which now houses one and two-bedroom rental lodging for out-of-town guests and tourists.
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher presents a ceremonial check to Amber Cox, of Better Living Home Care LLC, representing the seed capital matching grant recently awarded to her new business. Also on hand for the presentation were Tim Blankenbecler, second from right, of the Small Business Development Center at Mountain Empire Community College; and Lee County Economic Development Director Aaron Fee, right.
Better Living Home Care LLC Approved for Seed Grant
When Amber Cox, of Jonesville, decided she wanted to open her own business, it didn’t take long for her to determine what that new business would be. She looked around and saw a need in the senior population for home care needs to be provided and as a result, she opened the doors to Better Living Home Care LLC. Her new business was approved for a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant which Cox said has helped her to get her new business off the ground. “What we provide is an affordable solution for the elderly throughout our community who prefer to stay at home where the quality of life is enhanced without the stress and hardship of interrupted routines and changes in daily habits,” Cox said. “Part-time, full-time and around-the-clock service alternatives are designed for people who choose to live independently, but who require non-medical services.” Better Living Home Care projects 22 full-time jobs within three years.
“Assisting start-up businesses like Better Living Home Care to get off the ground is what the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant fund is all about. Better Living Home Care is providing a service in the community that will not only provide new jobs, but that will also help to enhance the quality of life of those taking advantage of the services offered.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Better Living Home Care LLC.
VCEDA Marketing Ambassador Charlotte Mullins and Scott County Economic Development Director John Kilgore attended the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit meeting.
VCEDA Attends TVC National Summit
VCEDA region representatives attended the 2019 Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga last week. The TVC encompasses portions of five states, including, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Virginia. The Summit theme was “Chattanooga and the TVC: American Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Its Best.”