Governor McAuliffe Announces 155 New Jobs for Henry County

English: The state seal of Virginia.. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~Kilgour Industries Ltd to invest $27.3 million in first U.S. operation ~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Kilgour Industries Ltd, a United Kingdom-based supplier of aircraft airframe and engine machined products will invest $27.3 million in its first U.S. operation in Henry County and create 155 new jobs. Kilgour specializes in computerized numerical control (CNC) machining, wet chemical surface treatments and sub-assemblies of aerospace components. Virginia successfully competed against Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina for the project.

            Speaking about today’s announcement in Martinsville, Governor McAuliffe said, “Securing an investment of this magnitude and 155 new jobs for a region that is continuing to rebound economically is a tremendous win for Virginia and a major step towards growing and diversifying our economy. This competitive project is another illustration of the Commonwealth’s leadership in the aerospace industry. We are thrilled that Henry County will be home to Kilgour Industries’ first U.S. operation, which will enable the company to meet increased demands and expand its customer base.”

            “More than 236 aerospace firms call Virginia home, and today we celebrate the addition of Kilgour Industries to the roster,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This high-tech manufacturing company is an excellent fit for Henry County to continue to diversify its economy, and we look forward to Kilgour’s future success in the Commonwealth.”

            Kilgour Industries, a family-owned company established in 1966 in the United Kingdom, supplies aircraft airframe and engine machined products in aluminum, steel and titanium to the major aerospace original equipment manufacturers. Kilgour’s mission is to be the market leader in precision engineering and treatments for the aerospace industry.

            “On my initial visit to Martinsville-Henry County, I was pleasantly surprised by the manner in which business was conducted,” said Chief Executive Officer Ray Kilgour. “From the existing industry we met, the educational and training programs in the area, and the responsiveness of the economic development officials, we knew Martinsville-Henry County was a community that supports advanced manufacturing and a community in which we would be welcomed.”

            The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation and the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project.The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $1.15 million in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Additionally, 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 retraining activities.

            “This is a tremendous day for the citizens of Henry County and Martinsville,” said H.G. Vaughn, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. “Today’s announcement with Kilgour allows us to expand our international presence, bring in a partner in a growing industry sector, and provide 21^st Century job opportunities for our citizens. We are thrilled.”

            “The Virginia Tobacco Commission’s goal is to help bring jobs and prosperity to the Commission's footprint,” said Delegate Danny Marshall, a Commissioner of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “We are very excited to be a part of helping to bring Kilgour Industries to Henry County. The addition of 155 new high paying jobs and a $27.3 million investment is why the Tobacco Commission invested $1.15 million to help with this project. Thank you to the management of Kilgour Industries for choosing Henry County.” 

“The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing is extremely pleased to welcome Kilgour Industries to Virginia, which is leading the way in the region’s technology research and development,” said Armand F. Lauzon, Jr., Chairman. “Kilgour will benefit from Virginia’s elected leadership and economic leaders, all of whom understand the needs of business today. The CCAM member companies, which operate in aerospace, defense, electronics, and many other industries, celebrate Kilgour as an important new member of Virginia’s business community.” 

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Governor McDonnell Announces $45 million investment in Henrico County

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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Governor McDonnell Announces 55 New Jobs in Carroll County

English: Bumpersticker on the campaign trail (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Classic Creations to invest $1.4 million in new commercial screen printing operation

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Classic Creations, LLC will invest $1.4 million to establish a new commercial screen printing operation to provide retail products to the sports industry. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project, which will create 55 new jobs.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Classic Creations was established to fulfill a niche, and today we celebrate that the company chose Virginia and Carroll County as home to its retail products operation for the sports and motorsports industries. This project is a great fit for the recreation interests of the region, and the capital investment and new job creation is outstanding for Carroll County. We welcome Classic Creations to the Commonwealth and remain ready to do what we can to facilitate the company’s success.”

            “We commend the hard work and dedication of all involved to show Classic Creations that Carroll County is the best location for their new operation,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “An available facility that meets the company’s needs and allows quick start-up to production, and a workforce trained and available are major factors that put Virginia ahead of the competition. We are confident that Classic Creations will find success supplying products for the motorsports industry that is strong and thriving in Virginia.”

Classic Creations will provide high-tech screen printing, embroidery, art, packaging, warehousing, and fulfillment services to the nationwide imprinted apparel market. Classic Creations is a state of-the-art company that will provide contract and full package programs to major retailers, manufacturers, licensing companies, and promotional product distributors. Classic Creations CEO Keith Sanders has over 30 years experience in all phases of the apparel industry. Greg Crowder is a Classic Creations partner and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, marketing, wholesaling and distributing products for NASCAR and other related entities.

Classic Creation products will be distributed nationwide for NASCAR, NFL, MLB, and NHL, catalog mail order, Cracker Barrel, College / University, corporate, private label apparel brands, and major retailers. All sales, administration, manufacturing, finishing, shipping, and distribution will be performed out of the facility in Carroll County, located at 358 Industrial Park Drive in Hillsville.    

Classic Creations CEO Keith Sanders said, “Classic Creations came to Carroll County for several reasons. The main reason being the high quality of the workforce, an available facility that fit Classic Creations requirements of square footage and curb appeal, lower startup cost, logistics (excellent transportation routes), and lower monthly operation cost. Also, a main reason was the hard work put forward by the Carroll County Administrator, The Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, The Carroll County Board of Supervisors, The Virginia Tobacco Commission, the SBDC (Blue Ridge Crossroads), Virginia’s aCorridor, and the cooperation of the Town of Hillsville administration. All of these entities partnered to provide incentives and assistance to open the operation in Carroll County.”       

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Carroll County and Virginia’s aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $175,000 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.

            Carroll County Board of Supervisor Member Dr. Tom Littrell said, “The addition of Classic Creations to our community will not only provide jobs and investment, it will also provide commercial services for other areas. Classic Creations will have customers visiting Carroll County on a regular basis from all across the United States. Keith and Classic Creations will be doing work for folks such as the NFL, NHL, MLB, and NASCAR. We are exceptionally pleased that we can utilize our textile talents in other arenas and bring these 55 jobs to Carroll County.”

Mr. Richard Slate, Chairman of the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), said, “With the support of the Board of Supervisors, the IDA has been working hard to fill vacant buildings in our Industrial Park with jobs. We are much more competitive as a community now that we have natural gas. This project in particular could not have landed here if the IDA had not installed the new natural gas system. It is really nice to see the fruits of our labor bring prosperity to the community I love.”

            “We are excited to assist Classic Creations in establishing its new operation in Carroll County,” said Delegate Terry Kilgore, Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “The addition of 55 new jobs is great news for the region, and we are confident they will be a great asset and corporate partner.”

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Forbes.com Names Virginia America’s “Best State for Business”

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Commonwealth Ranked 2^nd in 2010, 2011, 2012 ~

Virginia Only State to Rank in Top Five in Four of Study’s Six Categories

Forbes.com: “The U.S. economy continues to sputter along with an outlook that is cloudy….. But pockets of the U.S. are primed for growth thanks to pro-business regulatory environments, educated workforces and reasonable business costs. Leading the way is Virginia….”

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Forbes.com has named Virginia America’s “Best State for Business.” The Commonwealth reclaims the title after being awarded the No. 2 ranking from 2010-2012.  Virginia finished in the top five in four of the study’s six categories, the only state with such a strong across-the-board showing.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Virginia is the best state in America for business. Our desirable business climate continues to be recognized by prestigious, independent third parties like Forbes.com, and we are thrilled to regain the No. 1 spot as “Best State for Business.” This award is a great testament to the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure, education system, skilled workforce, regulatory environment and excellent quality of life, all of which lead to strong economic growth.  Since taking office we have worked across party lines to bring people together to put in place policies that spur private-sector job creation. We have invested wisely in the core functions of government most essential to Virginia’s future, from our world class colleges and universities to our K-12 system; from our economic development programs to our transportation infrastructure. Today, unemployment is down and more Virginians are working. This announcement is a further demonstration that Virginia is leading the nation forward in this economic recovery. We are demonstrating how we can work together in government to provide the infrastructure and resources the private-sector needs to grow and create the great paying jobs Virginians deserve.”

North Dakota was ranked second by Forbes.com, followed by Utah, North Carolina, and Colorado. Nebraska, Texas, Minnesota, Washington and Georgia rounded out the top 10 list.

The Forbes.com ranking considers states’ business costs (cost of labor, energy, and taxes), labor supply (educational attainment, net migration, and projected population growth), regulatory environment (regulatory and tort environment, incentives, and bond ratings), economic climate (job, income, and gross state product growth, as well as unemployment and corporate headquarter relocations), growth prospects (projected job, income, and gross state product growth, as well as announced business openings and closings), and quality of life (index of schools, health, crime, cost of living, and poverty rates).

            Virginia placed first in regulatory environment; second in labor supply; fourth in quality of life; fifth in economic climate; 17^th in growth prospects; and 22^nd in business costs.

According to Forbes.com, “A diverse economy, strong workforce and pro-business regulatory climate propels the Old Dominion state to the No. 1 ranking. Virginia ranks first among the states in the regulatory category because of its business-friendly government policies and strong incentive offerings. The tort system is one of the best in the country for businesses, according to the Mercatus Center’s “Freedom in the 50 States.”

The full rankings can be found HERE.

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The Virginia Company of London, 1606 to 1624

The Virginia Company of London 1606-1624 from Chuck Thompson

To understand American History, it helps to know the history behind American history and here it is.  The Virginia Company of London, 1606 to 1624.  American history is a melting pot of European history and these days a melting pot of world history.  The primary history of America is in it's original 13 colonies.  The Virginia company having started all of that on a grand scale.  Virginia was once from North Carolina to Maine on today's maps.   Florida on up was in the control of Spain at the time.  Spain was in America first, however, British history has taken the center stage throughout the years since it was the British that we fought and won our independence from.

  To read the above book online in full screen mode, left click the icon on the far bottom right side of the slideshare container.  To exit full screen mode, hit the escape key on your keyboard.  Free copies are available from our slideshare site.  You will need to sign in with a Facebook account or a LinkedIn account.  You can also create a free user account to get the download as well.  We may be porting this book into Scribd as well and will have free downloads from that site as well.

The seal of the Virginia Company of London (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Governor McDonnell Announces 60 New Jobs in Southampton County

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~Hampton Farms to invest $5.5 million in new peanut butter production plant ~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Hampton Farms, the leading roaster of in-shell peanuts in the United States, will invest $5.5 million to establish a peanut butter production plant in Southampton County. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project, which will create 60 new jobs.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “We are thrilled that, as part of its regional corporate growth, Hampton Farms chose Virginia. Southampton County is the perfect fit for the company’s needs, offering an existing building that allows great speed to market, and abundant natural resources for its product. It is gratifying that a region that is recovering economically will gain 60 new jobs, and a strong Virginia agriculture sector will be utilized. We welcome Hampton Farms to the Commonwealth.”

            “It is always a pleasure to gain a new corporate partner to Virginia, and Hampton Farms is a great addition to the Commonwealth’s burgeoning food and beverage industry,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Southampton County will benefit from new jobs and investment, and the company is able to take advantage of the infrastructure in place that put Virginia ahead of the competition.”

            Hampton Farms has become the #1 brand of In-Shell peanuts in the country (Source: IRI 2011), and operates four strategically located roasting and productions facilities. The company remains family-owned and committed to producing the finest peanut snacks available.

            “Hampton Farms and Severn Peanut Company of Severn, N.C. are pleased to become a part of Southampton County and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said G. Dallas Barnes, President & CEO of Hampton Farms. “We believe the relocation to Southampton/Franklin will be a great fit for Hampton Farms, and affords Hampton the benefit of immediate and long term expansion. Ms. Amanda Jarratt with Franklin Southampton Economic Development and Mike Johnson with Southampton County Administration have been instrumental in handling all of the many details. Their quick follow-up and willingness to work with Hampton was obvious.”

            The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Southampton County, Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc., and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Southampton County with the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The company will be eligible for a sales tax exemption on eligible equipment as a result of legislation passed in 2009 by the General Assembly. 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.

            Dallas O. Jones, Chairman of the Southampton County Board of Supervisor indicated, “Southampton County is delighted to play a part in Hampton Farms’ and Severn Peanut Company’s continued growth and development. For more than 60 years, we’ve admired their growth from a small, local peanut sheller to the leading roaster and number one brand of in-shell peanuts in the country. They’ve built their business the right way, with a strong reputation for honesty and integrity, and we are honored to partner with them on this latest expansion.  We appreciate the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and the dedication of the Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc. (FSEDI) staff in working to bring this project to Southampton County.”

Secret Service Arrests Charlotte Man For Twitter Death Threats Against Barack Obama

SEPTEMBER 6--A North Carolina man was arrested yesterday for threatening to kill President Barack Obama in a series of Twitter messages, one of which warned that, “Ima hit president Obama with that Lee Harvey Oswald swag,” The Smoking Gun has learned.

Donte Jamar Sims, 21, is charged in a felony criminal complaint accusing him of threatening the president’s life in five tweets published September 3. Sims, pictured in the adjacent mug shot, is locked up in advance of a federal detention hearing scheduled for next Tuesday.

In an interview with Secret Service agents yesterday at his Charlotte home, Sims admitted to posting the threats because “he hated President Obama,” according to a U.S. District Court filing. While Sims “asserted he was high on marijuana when he made the threats,” he acknowledged that he “understood what he was doing and that it was wrong,” investigators reported.

Sims’s tweets, which were discovered by a Secret Service intelligence specialist, were published over a 15-minute period early Monday morning. One post warned that, “Well Ima Assassinate president Obama this evening !...Gotta get this monkey off my chest while he's in town -_-.” Another message claimed that the Secret Service “is gonna be defenseless once I aim the Assault Rifle at Barack’s Forehead… F* the #DNC.”

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