Showing posts with label Southwest Virginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Southwest Virginia. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces 51 New Jobs in Carroll County

English: 15 foot replica of a Holstein Cow rep...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Andrews Farming Inc. and ANDCO Logistics, Inc. to invest more than $5.6 million to expand operation ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Andrews Farming Inc. and its sister company, ANDCO Logistics, Inc., will invest more than $5.6 million to expand their agricultural production, warehousing and distribution operation in Carroll County. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project, which will create 51 new jobs paying above the average prevailing wage.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Andrews Farming is a homegrown, family-operated company that was established in 1975 by Mr. Keith Andrews, who operated out of an old International pickup. From that point, the business has grown in Southwest Virginia for the past 40 years to serve a multi-state market. Carroll County offers Andrews Farming and ANDCO Logistics a strong grouping of agricultural entities that can work together to grow this important sector in the region. The available facility in the Carroll County Industrial Park and close proximity to the Southwest Virginia Farmers’ Market, along with a deep-rooted history in agriculture, makes Carroll County an ideal location for the corporate move. Virginia’s agriculture industry has a tremendous economic impact, and Andrews Farming is an important contributor. ANDCO Logistics will handle long-haul shipping of agricultural products, and we look forward to the far-reaching benefits of this expanded operation in Carroll County.”

“It is always cause for celebration when a strong, established Virginia company chooses to expand within the Commonwealth,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade and member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “Carroll County is a great fit for Andrews Farming and ANDCO Logistics, offering an agricultural industry cluster and the natural resources and infrastructure on which Andrews Farming has come to depend over the last decades. The new facility will also allow the company to meet increased production demand and provide fresh produce to its customers up and down the East Coast, simultaneously benefitting local farmers in Southwest Virginia.”

Andrews Farming’s team has been built around three principles—honesty, quality and dedication. Every member of management and employees strive to make sure the best product possible is shipped daily. These principles were the seeds planted by Keith Andrews’ grandfather, Mr. Bob Branscome, who farmed and sold produce for a living since 1914. The principles instilled in Keith by his grandfather are still present in the ongoing growth of Andrews Farming, and will be the cornerstone of ANDCO Logistics.

            “Andrews Farming and ANDCO Logistics appreciate what Carroll County has done to land our operation. The Tobacco Commission, Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, the aCorridor, Virginia Jobs Investment Program, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership have stepped up to the plate and assisted in overcoming obstacles at every turn,” said Mr. Keith Andrews, President/ CEO of both Andrews Farming Inc. and its sister company, ANDCO Logistics, Inc. “Carroll County is investing in the agricultural industry as a community, and we see this non-traditional philosophy as a major magnet for us and other food-related operations in the future. It is extremely impressive to know that Carroll County has the first STEM Lab dedicated to agriculture in the nation, and, in reality, this investment provided the tipping point for us to grow our business in Carroll County, along with access to I-77, the Southwest Virginia Farmers Market and proximity to the new Wildwood Commerce Park.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Carroll County, the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, and Virginia’s aCorridor to help secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $225,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

David Hutchins, Chairman of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors, said, “We are elated to have Andrews Farming and ANDCO join in a partnership with Carroll County to grow our economy. The new operation in Carroll County will add to our current agriculture sector focus and assist in many untold ways. This is also a day of celebration because the Carroll County Industrial Park and Exit 14 quadrant is now 100% full. Today is a monumental day in Carroll County as we move our full focus toward the Wildwood Commerce Park.” 

Barry Hicks, Chairman of the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), said, “The announcement today is a wonderful example of Carroll County investing in the strong sector of agriculture and having an almost immediate return on the investment. The STEM Lab for Agriculture is assisting in gaining jobs today while preparing students for the workforce needs of the future. It is great to see the school system providing a direct connection to economic development and the attraction of business to Carroll County. We are certainly blessed today with these announcements as we see the economic skies opening up in Carroll because of the dedicated work of many individuals, groups and organizations.”


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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces More Than 200 New Jobs for Carroll County

English: A chair in it's bare nature waiting t...
English: A chair in it's bare nature waiting to be upholstered. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~Vanguard Furniture to establish first Virginia household furniture upholstery production operation~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Vanguard Furniture, a high-end upholstery producer, will invest $550,000 to establish its first Virginia household furniture upholstery production operation in Carroll County. The project will create more than 200 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “We welcome Vanguard Furniture to the roster of impressive companies that have expanded into Virginia. Vanguard is able to take advantage of an available facility that will allow a quick start-up to production, and Southwest Virginia offers an abundant workforce with a skill set in the furniture industry. Carroll County has gone to great lengths to meet the company’s needs and ensure that the Carroll County Industrial Park site will be home to Vanguard’s first Virginia operation. We look forward to the company’s future success in the Commonwealth.”
“Carroll County is a great fit for Vanguard Furniture’s first Virginia household furniture upholstery production operation,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Southwest Virginia has a rich history in the furniture industry, and the addition of over 200 new jobs paying above the average prevailing wage is significant news for a region that continues to rebound economically.”

Vanguard Furniture, a family held company, employs 500 associates and is currently operating out of five manufacturing buildings in Conover, North Carolina, and a 40,000-square-foot showroom in High Point, North Carolina. The company offers a broad selection of high-end upholstery and case goods.

Andy Bray, President of Vanguard Furniture, said, "Our company has experienced unprecedented growth over the last few years, and we feel the need to expand our operations.  The communities surrounding our new facility in Carroll County, like Galax and Mt. Airy, North Carolina, have proud traditions of manufacturing quality upholstered furniture. We anticipate our new facility will attract some of the finest craftsmen in this area.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Carroll County, the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, and Virginia’s aCorridor to help secure the project for Virginia. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Carroll County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Hutchins said, “Today is a great day in Carroll County to have secured more than 200 new jobs for our citizens in an economic sector that is a natural fit. This project would not have been carried out without the coordination and assistance of many groups and individuals, such as the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, which is under the very capable leadership of Mr. Richard Slate.  Vanguard Furniture is a forward-thinking company with exceptional benefits that will certainly add to Carroll County and the region as a whole.”

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Signs Legislation Helping Bristol Move Forward on Economic Development Project

A sign welcomes visitors to the twin cities of...
A sign welcomes visitors to the twin cities of Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
New law is McAuliffe’s first introduced legislation

Governor Terry McAuliffe today signed the first bill he introduced as Governor, Senate Bill 673, legislation that allows the City of Bristol to use sales tax revenues to help finance qualifying projects.  Without this important legislation, The Falls development in Bristol, Virginia, and its associated jobs, local investment, and planned regional impact would be in jeopardy.

“This legislation will help keep an important retail economic development project on track that could bring thousands of jobs to Bristol and Southwest Virginia,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Virginians send leaders to Richmond to work together and get things done, and this legislation is proof that we are capable of doing just that. I want to thank Senator Philip Puckett for his leadership on this important bill to help generate new economic activity in a region that truly needs it.”

Today Governor McAuliffe also signed House Bill 628, introduced by Delegate Terry Kilgore, gives counties the powers create hospital authorities.  In the wake of the devastating closing of Lee Regional Hospital, this legislation will allow Lee County to form a hospital authority.
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Saturday, December 7, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces $2.2 Million in Appalachian Regional Commission Grants

Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell speaking at...
Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell speaking at CPAC. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Grants leverage cultural, natural, community, structural and economic assets in Southwest Virginia

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced $2.2 million in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants for 10 projects in the ARC region, which encompasses 25 counties and eight independent cities in Southwest Virginia.

“ARC funds are part of an economic development strategy to spur growth in the Appalachian region,” said Governor McDonnell. “We are encouraging development in communities that are poised for future growth by funding projects such as infrastructure, education, tourism and entrepreneurship support.”

Established in 1965, the general goal of the ARC program is to assist the region in achieving economic prosperity that more completely reflects the nation’s overall prosperity. ARC funds are broadly aimed at providing economic development in the Appalachian Region by funding projects such as infrastructure, entrepreneurship support and workforce development.  The grants support the goal of building a strong and sustainable asset-based economy by bringing jobs and prosperity to Appalachian communities while preserving their character.

2013 Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission Program Grants:
Applicant
Project Name
ARC Award
New College Foundation
New College Center of Excellence
$   200,000
The Highland Center
Attracting New Residents to Highland County
$   50,000
Emory and Henry College
Creation of classrooms with lab facilities for Emory and Henry College School of Health Sciences
$   500,000
People Incorporated Financial Services
People Incorporated Financial Services Small Business Boot Camp
$   75,513

The Crooked Road
Crooked Road Economic Impact Assessment
$   10,000
Mountain Empire Community College
Mountain Empire College Access Initiative
$   99,612
Town of Big Stone Gap
Big Stone Gap Visitors Center
$   51,294
Wise County Public Service Authority
Roda, Osaka and Stonega Sewer Project – Phase I
$   500,000
St. Paul IDA
Willis Building Renovation
$   500,000
Town of Haysi
Haysi Trails Center Development Project
$   288,564

Total
$   2,272,938

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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces $4.75 Million Investment in City of Bristol

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Shearer’s Foods will create between 20 and 25 new jobs

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Shearer’s Foods, one of the largest producers of private label salty snacks in North America, will invest $4.75 million to expand its operation in the City of Bristol, Virginia. The expansion will add a tortilla chip line to better serve the needs of customers in the Southeast U.S. Virginia successfully competed against Tennessee for the project, which will create approximately 20-25 new jobs.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This snack food manufacturing operation has served the region for more than 40 years, and employs more than 200 in the City of Bristol. Shearer’s Foods’ multi-million dollar investment to expand and add an additional manufacturing line further solidifies the company’s future as a long-term corporate citizen as it grows and expands its markets. Bristol is a great fit for Shearer’s Foods, and we look forward to the company’s new jobs and continued success in Southwest Virginia.”

            “Since 1968, this plant in the City of Bristol has been producing snacks, and Shearer’s Foods continues to expand the markets it serves,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The expansion of a thriving operation and new jobs is tremendous news for Southwest Virginia, and we are confident that a new product line and additional warehousing space will ensure success in the decades to come.”

            Founded in 1974 in Brewster, Ohio, and headquartered in Massillon, Ohio, Shearer’s Foods is a family-owned manufacturer and distributor of Shearer's award-winning snacks, one of the largest producers of private label salty snacks in North America. The company currently employs 2,000 people in five different states. The Bristol location presently has 275 employees and produces a variety of tortilla and potato chip products. This site has been making snack foods since 1968 and was purchased by Shearer’s in 2010.        

            “The Shearer’s facility located in Bristol, Virginia was selected as the ideal site to expand operations partially based on the economic incentives provided by the City of Bristol and the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, we were attracted to the great skilled workforce available in the Bristol area,” said Mark Schwerdtfeger, Vice President at Shearer’s Foods. 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Bristol and Virginia’s a Corridor to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $75,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Bristol with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $245,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

            “The City of Bristol, Virginia is proud to be a central part of the Shearer’s Foods family,” said Bristol Mayor Guy Odum. “Shearer’s Foods is a great corporate citizen. To be selected as the site for this expansion is an expression of their trust in our workforce and our partnership.  The City enjoys strong relationships with the Commonwealth, from the Governor’s Office to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to the VEDP, the aCorridor, the VDBA, and the Tobacco Commission. We even have support from the Tennessee Valley Authority as our energy provider through Bristol Virginia Utilities. These strong, collaborative partnerships are what establish Virginia as the best state for doing business, and the City of Bristol shares in that success. We look forward to even more growth from this fantastic company.”   

            “For the third time in a week, Southwest Virginia can celebrate new employment opportunities for our citizens,” said Senator Charles W. Carrico, member, the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “The success and expansion of Shearer's Foods is a victory for the people of this region and is a credit to the leaders and organizations who worked together to make this possible.  I am encouraged by this announcement and others, and I look forward to working with companies like Shearer's Foods to make sure Southwest Virginia continues to move toward an economic resurgence.”
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Saturday, August 24, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces 50 New Jobs in Russell County

Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell speaking at...
Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell speaking at CPAC. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~Steel Fab to invest $1.5 million in steel manufacturing operation~

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Steel Fab, a division of Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd., the largest family-owned metals processor and distributor in North Americawill invest $1.5 million to establish a pressure tank production operation in the Town of Lebanon in Russell County. The project will create 50 new jobs and save 240 jobs for Virginia.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Steel Fab’s establishment of an operation in Russell County allows the company to continue to grow, bringing 50 additional jobs to Southwest Virginia. Russell offered an available facility that will accommodate all processes under one roof, with room for expansion. Steel Fab is experiencing significant growth due to the marked increase in business generated from oil and gas extraction activities in North America, and the new facility will enable the company to meet increasing demands.

            “We are grateful to retain an important corporate citizen and employer in Southwest Virginia,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This great project will allow Steel Fab to meet its production needs and also provide room for potential continued growth in the Commonwealth.

            Steel Fab is a division of the Samuel Pressure Vessel Group of Wisconsin, part of the parent companySamuel, Son & Co., Limited of Mississauga, OntarioSamuel offers end-to-end solutions in the distribution, transportation, processing and manufacturing of metals and industrial products. The company was founded in 1855 and currently is the largest family owned metals processor and distributor in North America. Samuel proudly operates Service Center and Manufacturing networks, supplying products and parts coast-to-coast.

 

“By choosing the Russell County, Virginia location, the new facility will enable Steel Fab to properly organize and optimize its production in one facility,” said a spokesman for Steel Fab. “It will allow Steel Fab to expand its product line into larger pressure vessel tanks. The financial package presented by the local and state governments made it very attractive, along with the excellent quality and available workforce.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Russell County Industrial Development Authority, the Town of Lebanon, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, and the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. Governor McDonnell approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Russell County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission also approved $160,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment, training and retraining activities.

“The expansion of Steel Fab into Russell County has many advantages for us,” said Harry Rutherford, Chairman, Russell County Industrial Development Authority. “More jobs for our citizens, more sales for our local businesses, increased tax base and a great moral booster, just to name a few.”

            “I am very excited and pleased with the Steel Fab decision to locate in Russell County,” said Delegate Joe Johnson, a member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “The 50 new jobs will help in replacing the loss of jobs in the coal mining industry. I am delighted that the Tobacco Commission was able to help convince Steel Fab to settle in Russell County.”
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