Moving in
Southern Virginia is laying out the welcome mat for a growing number of companies seeking to locate in areas with lower taxes, better proximity to supply chains, a skilled workforce and improved quality of life. During 2022, a variety of businesses, ranging from an automotive education and entertainment firm to a moving and transit company, […]
Democrats call out Youngkin on Ford plant decision
Democratic state delegates excoriated Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday for taking Virginia out of the running for a $3.5 billion Ford Motor Co. battery manufacturing plant that would have created at least 2,500 jobs in Southern Virginia. The governor said last week that although Virginia was a finalist for the economic development project, he […]
FyberX to invest $17.5M in Mecklenburg HQ
FyberX Holdings, a regenerative agriculture company, will invest $17.5 million to establish its U.S. headquarters and production operations in Mecklenburg County, creating 45 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday. The company will be located in the formerly vacant Kinderton Distribution Center in Clarksville, where it will process hemp and other agricultural products and produce fibers [&h[...]
Hitachi Energy plans $37M expansion in Halifax County
Hitachi Energy Ltd. will invest $37 million to expand its operation in Halifax County, creating 165 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday. The technology company will add 26,000 square feet to its existing facility in the county to make space for a new production line of large transformers to support the utility and renewable energy […]
Charlotte County approves Va.’s largest solar farm
The largest solar project in Charlotte County — and Virginia, according to Dominion Energy Inc. — was approved by the county’s Board of Supervisors in July. Reston-based utility-scale solar developer SolUnesco LLC received a conditional-use permit to build the $800 million to $1.6 billion Randolph Solar project in the southern part of the county. SolUnesco […]
Prosperity drives formation of regional group
Interim Pittsylvania County Administrator Clarence Monday knows what’s better than two localities working together: a whole region working to support them in a joint effort. “The partnership between Danville and Pittsylvania County is unusually strong, so it makes sense that Pittsylvania County is a partner in the economic and community success of this region. We’re […]
Growth industry
When manufacturers thinking about setting up shop in Southern Virginia visit Pittsylvania County, the county’s economic development director, Matt Rowe, doesn’t just show off expansive, shovel-ready industrial sites. He also touts the region’s workforce, which includes many workers with advanced manufacturing skill sets. Eighteen percent of Southern Virginia’s labor force w[...]
FOR THE RECORD
Central Virginia The state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget, approved June 1, contains funding that will benefit future redevelopment of the Central Virginia Training Center site in Madison Heights. Republican Sen. Steve Newman requested $25 million in state money to annul outstanding bonds associated with CVTC, a former state facility for people with intellectual disabilities that closed […[...]
South Hill grant aims to boost business district
South Hill merchants figured out ways to keep business going during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing Facebook Live videos from downtown stores that helped people shop from home, then pick up their treasures curbside. Sometimes featuring a rescue dog named Duncan, the videos have continued even as restrictions are rolled back. Now, the […]
Telly Tucker named IALR’s first president
Telly Tucker, Arlington County’s economic development director since 2020, will become the first president of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) on May 31, the Danville-based institute announced Tuesday. Tucker’s return to Danville is a return to his past. The Lynchburg native served as the city’s economic development director before heading to Arlington [&he[...]
Davenport Energy promotes Harold Thornton to president
Chatham-based Davenport Energy Inc. has promoted Harold E. “Hal” Thornton Jr. to president, the company announced Tuesday. Thornton has been with Davenport, a provider of gas, diesel fuel propane and petroleum products, for 27 years. He was initially hired as human resources director in 1995, rising through the ranks to supervisory and management positions. Most […]
Danville Pittsylvania Chamber names next CEO
A familiar face will take the helm of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce in April. Anne Moore-Sparks will serve as the chamber’s next president and CEO, the chamber announced Monday. “Anne is well known in the community and will bring her connections and strong interpersonal skills to the Chamber,” John Settle, chair of the […]