Showing posts with label Henrico County Virginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Henrico County Virginia. Show all posts

Friday, September 12, 2014

Commonwealth of Virginia to Receive $39.9 Million Federal Grant for Richmond Bus Rapid Transit System

Port of Virginia's Norfolk International Termi...
Port of Virginia's Norfolk International Terminal (NIT) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced that two projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia will receive a total $39.9 million in funds from the highly competitive TIGER Grant program. More than $9.4 billion in applications were received and evaluated by the United State Department of Transportation, which will award $600 million in funding this year.
“These grants will help build a new Virginia economy by expanding access to the Port of Virginia, and allowing Richmond to build the Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit system, a project that will create new jobs and economic growth across the metro area,” said Governor McAuliffe. “With these grants Virginia has secured one of the largest allocations of TIGER funds in the last four years. I am proud to have worked hard alongside Secretary Foxx, Senator Warner, Senator Kaine, Mayor Jones and all involved to bring these important grants back to Virginia.”
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Greater Richmond Transit Company, the City of Richmond and Henrico County have been awarded a $24.9 million TIGER grant to construct the Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The 7.5 mile, $53.8 million Broad Street BRT system would improve reliability and travel times for transit riders, improve access to employment and health care, and support economic development throughout the Broad Street Corridor. 
“The Richmond BRT project is an excellent example of how improving and expanding our transportation system connects people with businesses and jobs across the region,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne. “The Commonwealth is proud to work in collaboration with the City of Richmond and Henrico County to not only provide a new transportation option, but also to stimulate economic growth along the Broad Street Corridor with the creation of new jobs to support the project.”

The Virginia Port Authority was awarded a $15 million TIGER grant to create a new intermodal gate complex at Norfolk International Terminals. This new $29 million gate will tie-in to the planned I-564 Intermodal Connector and ease the commute for thousands of active duty Navy and civil service personnel, reduce the volume of truck traffic on local roads in the City of Norfolk and increase cargo velocity and efficiency at NIT.

“As proud Virginians, we recognize the critical role that our port plays in the economic vitality of the Commonwealth.  We are thankful that USDOT granted us similar recognition at the federal level,” said John F. Reinhart, executive director and CEO of the Virginia Port Authority.
Additional information regarding the BRT project can be found at www.study.ridegrtc.com



Monday, August 4, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

Map of Virginia highlighting Henrico County
Map of Virginia highlighting Henrico County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will grow Virginia’s economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.


Secretariat of the Commonwealth
Board Appointments

Advisory Board on Physician Assistants

·       Rachel A. Carlson, EdD, MSBS, PA-C* of Winchester, Program Director and Associate Professor for the Division of Physician Assistant Studies at Shenandoah University; clinically practicing PA with Premier Health Resources, Inc. in family medicine
·       Eileen Davis, RN, of Henrico, Nurse, Educator, Henrico County
·       Thomas Parish, DHSc, PA-C* of Virginia Beach, Professor and PA Program Director, Eastern Virginia Medical School Vice-Chair, Physician Assistant Advisory Board
·       James T. Potter, Jr. MD* of Wise, President, Appalachian Healthcare Associates, PC
·       Portia S. Tomlinson, PA-C of Roanoke, Physician Assistant-Neurosurgery, Carilion Neurosurgical Care

Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice

·       Marilyn G. Brown, MSW of Richmond, Director Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home
·       Lorenzo Collins of Glen Allen, President, LR Collins & Associates, Inc.
·       John Dougherty, MSW of Richmond,  Senior Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer, Virginia Home for Boys and Girls
·       Lindsay R. Fisher of Chester, Vice President, Legislative Analyst, Citigroup Management Corporation, Washington, DC
·       Melvin Johnson of Richmond, Student/Athlete, Virginia Commonwealth University;  Major: Criminal Justice; Volunteer, Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice and Shaka Smart Basketball Camps
·       Sarah Lewis of Blacksburg, Student, Virginia Tech; Major: Psychology
·       Regina O’Brien of Stephens City, Executive Director, Youth Development Center, Inc.
·       C. Shane Ringressy of Blacksburg, Student, Virginia Tech; Major: National Security, Legal Studies
·       Debbie Smith of Charles City, Founder/CEO H-E-A-R-T, Inc. (Hope Exists After Rape Trauma)

Family and Children’s Trust Fund

·       Dawn Chillon, PhD(c), NBCC of Rockville, Founder, The Foundation for Family Healing and The Attachment and Trauma Institute

Radford University Board of Visitors

·       Christopher Wade of Fairfax, COO, Aeronomy

*Denotes reappointments

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces $40 million investment in Henrico County

English: Nilla Wafers by Nabisco.
English: Nilla Wafers by Nabisco. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ MondelÄ“z International to expand Nabisco biscuit manufacturing operation in Virginia~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that MondelÄ“z Global LLC, the U.S. operating company of MondelÄ“z International, Inc., will invest more than $40 million to expand its biscuit bakery in Henrico County. The facility manufactures a variety of Nabisco crackers and cookies, including Ritz, Wheat Thins and Premium crackers, Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, andNilla wafers. This investment will enable the addition of a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing line forRitz crackers and add 38,000 square feet to its existing bakery in Henrico County.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “This new investment in theNabisco bakery in Henrico County is a reflection of the outstanding climate that Virginia offers businesses seeking to start or expand their operations and stay on the cutting edge of high-tech manufacturing.  The Nabisco biscuit bakery was opened in 1973 and currently employs nearly 500, representing one of the largest employers in Henrico County. The addition of a high-tech manufacturing line will provide MondelÄ“z International with the opportunity to expand Ritzproduction and further support the company’s North American business. MondelÄ“z International is a fantastic corporate partner for the Commonwealth and a great example of the type of business that I am working to bring to Virginia to grow and create jobs here.”
“With this tremendous project, MondelÄ“z International is really investing in the future of its Henrico County operation,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This investment and the addition of 38,000 square feet will bring the facility to nearly one million square feet and 10 total manufacturing lines. MondelÄ“z International’s bakery in Henrico County has been in operation for more than 40 years, and this significant investment is a great testament to the confidence the company has in Virginia’s business climate. ”
MondelÄ“z International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDLZ) is a global snacking powerhouse with 2013 revenue of $35 billion. Creating delicious moments of joy in 165 countries, Mondelez International is a world leader in biscuits, chocolate, gum, candy, coffee and powdered beverages, with billion-dollar brands such as OreoLU and Nabisco biscuits; CadburyCadbury Dairy Milk and Milkachocolate; Trident gum; Jacobs coffee and Tang powdered beverages. Mondelez International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor's 500, NASDAQ 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index.  For more information, visit www.mondelezinternational.com.
“We’re excited about this investment in our U.S. biscuit network and the opportunity to reaffirm and enhance the role of the Henrico County bakery within our MondelÄ“z International manufacturing footprint for North America,” said Cindy Waggoner, Vice President, North America Integrated Supply Chain, Biscuits. “The bakery in Henrico County is geographically well-situated to support our East Coast business, and this investment is a part of our commitment to create a best-in-class integrated supply chain to support our business,” added Waggoner.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Henrico County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $100,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. The company may be eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity will provide funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities.

“I am pleased that MondelÄ“z International continues to show confidence in Henrico County and in their facility here,” states Patricia O’Bannon, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors. “Because of the plant’s consistent efficiency, it has been rewarded with this expansion in new technology and investment. Henrico is proud to be a partner with MondelÄ“z International as they continue to make some of the world’s favorite snacks.”
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Friday, April 25, 2014

City of Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia Request Federal Grant

turn_ins_02
turn_ins_02 (Photo credit: james4765)
RICHMOND – Today Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC), the City of Richmond and Henrico County are collaborating on a TIGER grant application for funding to construct the Broad Street Bus-Rapid Transit system. The 7.5 mile Broad Street BRT system would improve reliability and travel times for transit riders, and support economic development throughout the Broad Street Corridor. 
 “Improving and expanding Virginia’s transportation system in order to grow our economy is one of my highest priorities,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Richmond BRT is exactly the type of project that we should be advancing to improve the lives of the Virginians we serve. It will be affordable, provide Richmond residents with more transportation choices and help link people with businesses and jobs across the region.” 

The Richmond BRT route would travel along Broad Street from Willow Lawn through the heart of the capital region, connecting VCU campuses, providing access to employment and businesses, making healthcare facilities accessible, and offering convenient transportation to tourist attractions within the region.  The project would provide a one-time local benefit of $41.5 million, while also creating 406 jobs for the area.  The annual economic benefit is anticipated to be $7 million. 

“Transportation is an essential part of daily life,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones.  “Linking the regional economy together through a better transportation network is something we’ve been working toward for the employment and economic development needs of our city, and the Richmond BRT project is a critical and important step in that regard.”

The Richmond BRT project has been in development since 2009 and is expected to be ready for design in the near future.  The design phase of the project will cost $4 million, and is planned to be funded with a mix of state-controlled federal funding, state funding, and local funds coming from the City of Richmond.  The total cost of final design and construction will be $49.8 million.  GRTC, as the project sponsor, is working with DRPT, the City of Richmond and Henrico County to submit an application for funding through the TIGER Discretionary Grant program. 

The TIGER grant program is a highly competitive federal grant program investing in road, rail, transit and port projects across the nation that deliver five long-term outcomes: safety, economic competitiveness, state of good repair, livability and environmental sustainability.  There is $600 million in available funding for this year’s program, and the Richmond BRT project is seeking $24.9 million of this funding, which is 50% of the cost of the project.  The remaining construction costs would be split among DRPT, the City of Richmond and Henrico County. 

The Commonwealth should know by the fall whether the Richmond BRT project will be awarded any TIGER Grant funding, and all parties involved remain positive that the project will continue to be competitive and will obtain funding to see it through to fruition.  A round of public meetings is scheduled for May 20th and 21st in Richmond to provide the public an opportunity to comment.  Additional information regarding the BRT project can be found at www.study.ridegrtc.com
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces 500 New Jobs for Henrico County

Ejecutivos de Teleperformance
 Teleperformance (Photo credit: PresidenciaRD)
~Teleperformance to invest $3.5 million in customer service center~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Teleperformance, the global leader in outsourced multichannel customer experience management, will establish a new customer service center in Henrico County, bringing 500 new jobs to the region.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “The addition of 500 new jobs in Henrico County is tremendous news for the region. Teleperformance is a leading international company with a presence in Virginia, and this new customer service center represents its second operation in the state. The company’s growth in the Commonwealth is a great testament to Virginia’s business climate and resources that businesses require in order to succeed in today’s competitive environment. We are honored to have Teleperformance as a corporate partner and look forward to its continued success.”
            “As Teleperformance expands its footprint in Virginia, we welcome significant new job opportunities and investment in Henrico County,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This project is a win-win, as Teleperformance will benefit from the abundance of qualified employees in Central Virginia, and residents in the region will have career opportunities with a global, growing company.”

            Teleperformance, the worldwide leader in outsourced multichannel customer experience management, serves companies around the world with customer care, technical support, customer acquisition and debt collection programs. The company employs more than 149,000 people across 46 countries. In the U.S., Teleperformance operates 25 site locations and has approximately 20,000 employees, approximately 700 of which will be employed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“Having enjoyed great success in Virginia over the past 10 years, this was an easy decision for us,” said Miranda Collard, President of Operational Delivery, Teleperformance U.S.A.  “At Teleperformance, we live by our core values and are fortunate to work with talented, passionate employees in Virginia, who share this same goal of providing world-class customer service for our clients.  We are grateful for the support we have received from the Commonwealth of Virginia and its people.  We are excited to bring more employment opportunities to the area and to build a long-term partnership with the local community.”

            The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Henrico County Economic Development Authority and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia.Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity will provide funding and services to support the company’s training activities.

“Henrico County’s international business community has always been a stable part of our local and regional economy,” said Patricia S. O’Bannon, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors. “So when Teleperformance selected us as the location for their multichannel customer contact center, I was very excited. This continues Henrico’s tradition, dating back to 1611, of being a center of commerce.”
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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Governor McDonnell Announces Lumber Liquidators to Expand Presence in Virginia

Map of Virginia highlighting Henrico County
Map of Virginia highlighting Henrico County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Company intends to invest over $60 million as a result of business enhancements

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Lumber Liquidators (NYSE:LL), the largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring in North America, intends to invest over $60 million in connection with the expansion of its presence in Virginia.  Among other things, the company is looking to create approximately 250 new jobs in Virginia over the next three years through the augmentation of its corporate and manufacturing operations, led by the expansion of its flagship Bellawood hardwood flooring finishing. The company is also consolidating its East Coast distribution operations in Henrico County, which will allow for the retention of 500 jobs in Virginia.  These enhancements are designed to support Lumber Liquidators’ value proposition and the growth and development of its business.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Lumber Liquidators is a shining example of why the Commonwealth consistently ranks as the best state for business in the U.S. Since relocating its headquarters to Virginia in 1999, the company has become one of the fastest growing companies in America, and today’s announcement ensures that the Commonwealth will remain home. Lumber Liquidators is a great testament to how all of Virginia’s assets, from our natural resources used to manufacture their products to our ports that ship them around the continent and globe, create a formula for success and continued growth.”

“This tremendous expansion and consolidation project further solidifies Lumber Liquidators’ roots in Virginia,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “We commend the company’s success that requires the need to expand manufacturing capacity and workforce in the Commonwealth as it continues to expand in North America. Virginia is proud to boast Lumber Liquidators on its corporate roster, and welcomes the addition of 250 new jobs and the retention of 500 jobs.”

With more than 315 locations, Lumber Liquidators is North America’s largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring. The Company features more than 340 first quality flooring varieties, including solid and engineered hardwood, bamboo, cork, laminate and resilient vinyl. Additionally, Lumber Liquidators provides a wide selection of flooring enhancements and accessories to complement, install and maintain your new floor. Every location is staffed with flooring experts who can provide advice and useful information about Lumber Liquidators' low priced product, much of which is in stock and ready for delivery.

With quality brands including Bellawood Prefinished Hardwood and Morning Star Bamboo, Lumber Liquidators' flooring is often featured on popular television shows such as HGTV's Dream Home.

Robert Lynch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lumber Liquidators commented, “Virginia has been a wonderful home for Lumber Liquidators, and we are so excited about reconfirming our commitment to this great state.  Virginia just has the perfect mix of what is needed for a growth company – a talented workforce, a strategic location and a pro-business climate, all of which has allowed our company to flourish here and will drive continued growth.”

As one of the largest hardwood flooring and home improvement retailers in the United States, Lumber Liquidators is expected to boost its use of Virginia’s ports to import and export wood products for domestic and international markets.  In addition, the Company has undertaken a pilot project to increase the use of Virginia-grown wood in its product mix.

“It is great to see a company which has built its reputation on quality products embracing expanded use of Virginia’s forest resources,” said Virginia Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Todd Haymore. “As one of the largest industries in the Commonwealth, forestry provides important jobs and economic benefits to Virginia's residents. As the McDonnell Administration closes its final days, this announcement is just the latest example of how the Governor's decision to fully integrate agriculture and forestry into his economic development and jobs creation agenda has resulted in tremendous results for the Commonwealth. We look forward to assisting Lumber Liquidators supply Virginia grown products to consumers around the world.”

“The Port of Virginia is pleased that Lumber Liquidators has made the choice to continue to invest and create jobs in Virginia,” said Rodney W. Oliver, Interim Executive Director, Port of Virginia. “As a valued customer, the port looks forward to continued partnership with Lumber Liquidators to provide the import and export services necessary for Lumber Liquidators to be successful. Thanks to Governor McDonnell and the General Assembly, the port was able to assist the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in keeping a top shipper in Virginia through the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant and Virginia Port Tax Credit programs.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Lumber Liquidators to help secure a $2 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies and approved by Governor McDonnell. 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 Company considered focusing its resources on other locations around the country before deciding to maintain and expand its presence in Virginia.

“James City County is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Lumber Liquidators as part of the company’s continued growth and expansion,” said Mary Jones, Chairman, James City County Board of Supervisors. “The County has been fortunate to have them as part of our local business community for nearly a decade and we look forward to their continued success.”
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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces $45 million investment in Henrico 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)
Dominion Packaging to establish second manufacturing operation and create 113 new jobs

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Dominion Packaging will invest $45 million to establish a manufacturing operation in Henrico County. The company, which produces high-quality packaging solutions for major customers in the tobacco, quick service restaurant, and consumer markets, will also move its headquarters to Henrico. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project, which will create 113 new jobs.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This major investment from a thriving Virginia company will enable Dominion Packaging to increase its presence and manufacturing capacity, and upgrade equipment to the latest state-of-the-art technologies available in the industry. The company continues to grow, and this expansion will allow Dominion to maintain a competitive position in its selected markets, and ensure long-term viability in the Commonwealth for years to come.”

            “We commend Dominion Packaging on continued success in Virginia, as evidenced by this significant expansion to Henrico County,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Dominion is an award-winning company that supplies packaging solutions to major customers and household names, and will build on its reputation of quality and excellence with an upgrade to the latest equipment available. We thank the company for this investment and the creation of more than 100 new jobs for Virginians.”

            Dominion Packaging was established to fulfill a specific need within the packaging industry for a company that can provide innovative solutions and personal customer service. Dominion delivers superior quality products as well as extensive face-to-face communication. What sets Dominion apart from the competition is its ability to utilize experienced personal involvement at all stages of the manufacturing process. The company has a proven track record in supplying innovative solutions for complex problems that face its customers in the tobacco, quick service restaurant, and consumer markets.

            “As we sought out the ideal location for our second operation, we determined that the location next to the airport would provide a strategic base to support our local customers as well as provide excellent options for the transport of raw materials and finished goods to the east coast and mid-west,” said Brett Hawkins, President –CEO, Dominion Packaging. “With the Port of Richmond located a few miles south of the plant, this allows us to import raw materials from all over the world as we continue to develop packaging solutions driven by innovation and the competitive cost of our primary materials. Our partnership with the Henrico County Economic Development Authority and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will enable Dominion to reach our business plans for the new plant but also assure future growth to support our local economy. Dominion is very grateful for our employees, customers, and the local and state government to assist in our success.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Henrico County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $300,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. The company is also eligible to receive a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. 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.

            “We are delighted to have Dominion Packaging join our corporate community,” said David A. Kaechele, Chairman, Henrico County Board of Supervisors. “They are a proven leader in the packaging industry and have offered innovative solutions to major companies throughout the United States.  We look forward to helping Dominion grow and prosper in Henrico.”
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