Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

byline: Jessica Sabbath

Discovery Inc. creating 240 jobs in Loudoun County

Discovery Inc., the media company behind the Discovery Channel and the Food Network, announced Thursday a $16 million expansion in Loudoun County that’s expected to create 240 jobs. 

The company delivers more than 8,000 hours of programming each year in 220 countries and territories. Its brands include HGTV, TLC and the Travel Channel.

“Virginia’s strong technology infrastructure, workforce and attractive business climate provide the ideal location for our global technology and operations hub, and we are excited to expand our footprint in the state,” David Zaslav, Discovery Inc.’s president and CEO said in a statement.

Gov. Ralph Northam approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund for the project. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors also will vote on a $500,000 match of the grant at a future business meeting. Funding to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Three GO Virginia grants to launch new training programs at community colleges

New GO Virginia grants will create training programs for careers in the welding, cybersecurity and the growing adult beverage industry.

GO Virginia, or the Growth and Opportunity for Virginia program, is a state initiative to encourage regional economic development.

The three grants include:

  • $130,000 to establish a welding training facility at Rappahannock Community College. The college’s evening courses in welding at the Northern Neck Technical Center are at capacity. GO Virginia funds will be used to establish a day-time program at a satellite facility.
  • $200,000 to implement a new cybersecurity workforce development program at Blue Ridge Community College. The project will aim to spur regional growth in the cybersecurity industry by implementing a self-paced, non-credit training course. It will produce new industry credentials – CompTIA Security+ — that currently are not offered in the region.
  • $249,472 to create a program through Piedmont and Germanna community colleges to train candidates in wine and cider making, craft brewing and distilling. The funds will be used to establish two new training facilities and to develop the curriculum.

Accenture names managing director

Accenture announced the appointment of industry veteran and cybersecurity expert Anup Ghosh as managing director of Accenture Security.

Most recently, Ghosh was founder and CEO at Invincea Inc., a Virginia-based machine learning cybersecurity company, until Invincea was acquired by Sophos in March 2017. Prior to founding Invincea, he was a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he created and managed an extensive portfolio of cybersecurity programs.

Earlier in his career, Ghosh held roles as chief scientist in the Center for Secure Information Systems at George Mason University and as vice president of research at Cigital Inc. He has served as a member of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and the Naval Studies Board, informing the future of American cyber defenses.

Arlington-based Accenture is a global professional services company whose clients include more than three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500.

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ to film in Alexandria this summer

“Wonder Woman 1984,” the follow-up film to Warner Bros.’ “Wonder Woman,” will film for several weeks in Alexandria this summer.

The film will bring back director Patty Jenkins and will once again star Gal Gadot in the lead role, alongside Kristin Wiig and Pedro Pascal. The movie is scheduled for release on Nov. 1, 2019. The movie recently has been filming in Washington, D.C.
 
Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office said in a statement: “Bringing in a project with this scope and international reach translates to an incredible economic win for the commonwealth, both during production and beyond, bringing immeasurable exposure and opportunities for film tourism for years to come. We are delighted to welcome this talented team to our great state and grateful for the opportunity to put Virginia in such a monumental spotlight.”

The project is eligible to receive a financial Virginia film incentive after expenditures have occurred. The exact amount will be based on the number of Virginia workers hired, Virginia goods and services purchased, and deliverables, including Virginia tourism promotions.

The Virginia Film Office is part of the Virginia Tourism Corp., the state agency charged with marketing the state of Virginia. According to the governor’s office, the film production industry has a total annual economic impact of nearly $697 million. Additionally, the film industry supported nearly 4,300 full-time jobs and provided more than $27 million in state and local taxes in 2016.

Port of Virginia reports dip in cargo as it reduces empty containers

The Port of Virginia reported a dip in cargo in May as it reduced empty containers moving across its terminals while its two largest facilities undergo major expansion projects.

The port handled 236,893 TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent units, in May, a decline of 4 percent from May 2017.

Cargo volumes at Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT) and Virginia Inland Port (VIP) and were up 46 percent and 2 percent, respectively; barge volume was up 3 percent and rail was up 2 percent.

“Our May volumes dipped when compared with last year, but the drop was somewhat by design as we are asking our customers to limit the movement of empty containers to ensure that our effort during expansion is focused on loaded export and import boxes,” John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said in a statement.

“Another factor is that last April, when the alliances went into service, there was an influx of volume moving across Virginia on the big ships that were taking advantage of our deep water and making first-in and last-out calls here,” he said. “Now, as expected, the alliances have spread-out that volume across the East Coast.

During the port’s fiscal-year, which ends June 30, volumes continue to track ahead of last year: total TEUs are up 3 percent; Virginia Inland Port volume is up 3.6 percent; Richmond Marine Terminal is up nearly 20 percent; total barge traffic up 5.2 percent; truck volume up 5 percent; vehicle units up nearly 3 percent; breakbulk tonnage up is up 5.1 percent; and rail volume is off 0.5 percent.

The port continues to introduce new capacity at its Virginia International Gateway marine terminal in Portsmouth with three new container stacks set to come online in the middle of this month. The first stacks went to work the week of May 14, in conjunction with the successful launch of a new terminal operating system, Navis N4, at VIG.

The port’s largest terminal, Norfolk International Terminals, also is undergoing a major expansion project.

The port this month is also anticipating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ final report on deepening the Norfolk Harbor’s commercial shipping channels to 55 feet and widening them in certain areas. The report, called the Chief’s Report, is expected to be released near the end of the month end and provide the necessary authorization to move ahead.

In early June, the Virginia General Assembly approved $350 million for the project that will make The Port of Virginia the deepest port on the U.S. East Coast.

May Cargo Snapshot
•  Loaded export TEUs – 85,159, down 0.8 percent
•  Loaded import TEUs – 108,592, up 8 percent
•  Containers – 134,803, down 4.5 percent
•  Virginia Inland Port Containers – 3,207, up 1.9 percent
•  Rail Containers – 47,678, up 1.8 percent
•  Truck Containers – 82,905, down 8.2 percent
•  Total Barge Containers – 4,220 up 3.3 percent
•  Richmond Barge Containers – 2,466, up 46.4 percent
•  Vehicle Units – 3,782, up 352.4 percent

Virginia Business seeks assistant editor

Assistant editor


Virginia Business is looking for an assistant editor to help bring the monthly magazine and its website to the next level. The assistant editor will be an integral part of the magazine’s four-member editorial team, helping create and edit content for the magazine, its website and supplemental publications. The assistant editor also will assist with growing the magazine’s digital audience and revenue.

General job duties:

• Edit and create content for Virginia Business and its supplemental publications
• Fact checking
• Writing brief, daily online stories
• Assisting with digital marketing
• Promoting content through social media
• Conducting research for magazine projects
• Helping compile special projects 


The ideal candidate:

• Has one year experience in professional journalism, or professional internships
• Is proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Microsoft Excel
• Has some experience working on the backend of websites, including basic HTML and CMS
• Knows AP Style
• Is extremely detail-oriented
• Is familiar with existing social media platforms
• Is a creative and detail-oriented writer who can craft a solid business story
• Has interest in business
• Adheres to deadlines
• Works well both independently and in a group
• Has an interest in digital publishing and developing strategies to improve digital publications
• Has earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism


To apply:

Email cover letter, resume, and three published writing samples to both:

Robert Powell
Editor
Virginia business
[email protected]
804-225-8859

Jessica Sabbath
Senior Editor
Virginia Business
[email protected]
804-225-0443

DEADLINE: July 20, 2018
Virginia Business is the only publication dedicated to covering economic activity in every sector and every region of the state. Since its creation in 1986, the magazine has attracted loyal readers and established a reputation as a “must read” for anybody who wants to stay abreast of economic events in the commonwealth. The publication has received more than 20 national journalism awards since 2010.
Virginia Business is located in the Shockoe Slip Historic District in downtown Richmond, 1207 E. Main St., #100.

Delta Pure Filtration to expand in Hanover

Delta Pure Filtration LLC said Thursday it plans to invest $2 million to expand in Hanover County. The project is expected to add 18 jobs.

Hanover County-based Delta Pure Filtration makes products to remove impurities from water and other liquids. The company’s filters and systems are used in various applications from drinking water to corrosive chemicals.

The company, founded in 1983, will expand its existing building to make room for more production equipment. It also will construct an additional facility on its current site for research and development, administrative services and warehouse space.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support Delta Pure Filtration’s job creation through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP provides consulting and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change to support employee training.
Virginia competed against North Carolina for the project.

Homestead Building Systems to expand Orange operations

Homestead Building Systems Inc. announced Tuesday plans to expand its production operation in Orange County, creating 60 new jobs.

The $2.45 million investment will allow the company to serve increased demand for its custom-engineered lumber products.

As part of this project, Homestead Building Systems will increase its annual purchase of Virginia forestry products by more than 30 percent over the next three years.

Demand for Homestead Building Systems’ quality engineered lumber products has continued to grow since its 1996 opening in Bristow. The company made its first major expansion in 2013, with the addition of its operation in Orange.

Homestead Building Systems is a manufacturer of wall panels and roof and open web floor trusses, and it also offers loose lumber and comprehensive carpentry services.

As part of the investment, the company has purchased and installed a new linear saw, according to Homestead Building Systems President and CEO Dave Baird. Shop automation equipment is being added next week, and the company will erect a lumber storage building in the fall and winter during off peak production.

Gov. Ralph Northam approved a $78,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund. Orange will match the grant with local funds. The company employs about 60 people right now at its operations in Orange and will begin hiring for the additional 60 immediately.

Grants by community foundations

Donor Location Donation recipient Donation amount
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Inova Health Foundation $1,000,000
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond City of Hope 1,000,000
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond Medical College of Virginia Foundation 746,777
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg 745,753
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond Richmond Symphony 729,038
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation 710,181
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond Richmond Area Arc 678,565
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk Reinvent Hampton Roads    671,000
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk Virginia Symphony 667,363
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond Greater Richmond Chamber Foundation 636,099
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk Business Consortium for Arts Support 580,000
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk Old Dominion University Educational Foundation 574,628
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk ForKids Inc. 548,000
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk Virginia Opera 544,607
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond CARITAS 518,381
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond YMCA of Greater Richmond 510,225
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond Steward School 455,000
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond Sweet Briar Institute 428,996
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond Richmond SPCA 420,386
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk Virginia Zoological Society 416,500
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond St. Catherine's School Foundation 402,763
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk Norfolk Academy 396,676
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk E3: Elevate Early Education 394,150
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Norfolk Eastern Virginia Medical School Foundation 392,813
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia Richmond Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation 389,492
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton George Mason University Foundation  250,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation 200,000
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Leesburg All Ages Read Together 173,444
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Leesburg A Place to Be Music Therapy 114,338
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Capital Area Food Bank 107,000
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Leesburg Loudoun Education Foundation 105,013
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Upperville Colt and Horse Show 100,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Living Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church 100,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Code of Support Foundation 90,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton The Americans in Wartime Museum 79,000
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region Danville United Way of Danville Pittsylvania County 77,500
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Westminster Presbyterian Church of America 72,650
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley 70,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties 61,687
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Mountainside Montessori School 61,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Adat Reyim 50,000
Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation Onley Eastern Shore Community College 50,000
Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation Onley Occohanock on the Bay 50,000
Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation Onley Tasley Fire Company 50,000
Peninsula Community Foundation of Virginia (Impact 100 charitable fund) Hampton Transitions Family Violence Services 50,000
Peninsula Community Foundation of Virginia (Impact 100 charitable fund) Hampton Literacy for Life 50,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Roanoke Symphony Orchestra 50,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Alzheimer's Association, Central and Western Virginia 50,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Addy Grace Foundation 50,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke YMCA of Virginia's Blue Ridge 50,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Family Service of Roanoke Valley 48,730
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region Danville City of Danville – Neighbors Helping Neighbors 48,000
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region Danville The Free Clinic of Danville 46,000
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Leesburg Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter (LAWS) 45,688
Williamsburg Community Foundation Williambsurg Walsingham Academy 45,000
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Leesburg HealthWorks for Northern Virginia 44,417
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Mill Mountain Theatre 41,410
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Local Office on Aging 40,793
The Community Foundation Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Christian School 40,256
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region Danville Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association 40,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Taubman Museum of Art 40,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Immanuel Presbyterian Church  35,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Northern Virginia Family Service 35,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley Inc. 35,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Job's Daughters International 30,000
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Leesburg George C. Marshall International Center 26,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke New Vision 26,000
The Community Foundation Fredericksburg Holy Cross Academy 25,576
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Leesburg Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers 25,476
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia, David and Christine Cottrell Family Fund Richmond Science Museum of Virginia 25,000
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia, Barbara Thalhimer Fund Richmond Science Museum of Virginia 25,000
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia, Bobby and Marilyn Thalhimer Family Fund Richmond Science Museum of Virginia 25,000
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region Danville Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation 25,000
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region Danville Danville Speech and Hearing Center 25,000
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region Danville Blairs Fire and Rescue 25,000
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region Danville Averett University 25,000
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region Danville Danville Community College Educational Foundation 25,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Inova Kellar Center 25,000
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Oakton Communities in Schools of Northern Virginia 25,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Mental Health America – Roanoke Valley Chapter 25,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Angels of Assisi 25,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke Goodwill Industries of the Valleys Inc. 25,000
Foundation for Roanoke Valley Roanoke The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia 25,000
The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation Warrenton Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic 25,000

Source: Community foundations, websites

Bills that mean business

An impasse over Medicaid expansion held the state budget hostage for months.

In fact, as this issue went to press, the House of Delegates and state Senate still had not come to an agreement on its biennium budget.

But while many major business initiatives such as health care, workforce investment and economic development marketing are wrapped up in the massive spending bill, many business-related initiatives already had been signed into law by mid-May.

For example, several bills attempt to address critical workforce shortages. “What we found through polling last year for our Blueprint Virginia was that workforce readiness was the No. 1 issue of concern for the business community across every region in the commonwealth and across every industry,” says Barry DuVal, president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “The availability of a well-trained workforce remains our top priority.”

Other new laws are designed to help streamline licensure to address a statewide teacher shortage. Another law aims to standardize the transfer of college credits from community colleges to four-year institutions. Transferring credits from the commonwealth’s community colleges to four-year institutions  is too complex, according to a report last year from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC).

Virginia also is putting a major emphasis on improving the economy in its rural regions. New legislation will provide tax incentives to encourage companies to make major capital investments in rural and distressed regions.

“This is designed to improve the economy in parts of the state that are economically distressed by providing tax breaks to companies for seven years,” says Keith Martin, executive vice president, public policy and general counsel of the Virginia Chamber.

Legislation also permanently expands a moratorium preventing localities from passing their own regulations on unmanned aircraft vehicles, or drones.  “That’s a new component of Virginia trying to distinguish itself as a real leader in drone governance and drone regulation and trying to help build our drone industry,” says Josh Levi, vice president of policy at the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

After the budget bill passes, Virginia Business will provide an online update of items affecting Virginia businesses. The following are some examples of new laws affecting the business community.

Promoting career and technical education (HB 1530)
Directs the Virginia Board of Education to make recommendations by Nov. 1 on strategies to try to eliminate any stigma associated with high-school career and technical education. The board also is directed to consider the consolidation of the current standard and advanced diplomas offered in K-12 education, instead offering endorsements that recognize student competencies and achievements in specific subject matter.

Teacher shortage
Several new laws attempt to address the teacher shortage in Virginia by streamlining the licensure process. HB 1125/SB 349 allows reciprocity for teachers with out-of-state licenses to receive Virginia credentials without requiring additional skills assessments. HB2/SB103 allows for reciprocity for any spouse of an active-duty military member of the armed forces.

Strategic workforce dashboard (HB1006)
Requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development to develop a strategic workforce dashboard providing information on state and regional labor market conditions, the supply and demand for workers, workforce program outcomes and the projected employment growth or decline in various industries. It also stipulates the Virginia Employment Commission should publish a list of jobs and trades for which a high demand exists or is projected.

Career exploration in middle school (HB632) 
Requires the Board of Education to establish content standards and curriculum guidelines for career investigation and the development of resources about career and technical education. The bill requires middle-school students to take at least one course or program in career investigation.

Virginia Community College System (VCCS) credits (HB919/SB631) 
Aims to streamline the transfer of credits from community colleges to four-year public schools. The law will require VCCS to develop a one-semester Passport Program and a one-year Uniform Certificate of General Studies Program. These would be offered at all community colleges for credits that are transferable to Virginia’s higher education institutions and would satisfy general education requirements. The law also requires each of Virginia’s public four-year institutions to develop pathway maps that clearly identify courses a community college student should complete before transferring. The legislation is designed to help students take applicable courses and finish their degrees more quickly, saving time and money. Last year, a report from a JLARC study found that many community college students either didn’t complete their degrees or took too long to do so.

Reducing regulations (HB883/SB20)
Directs the Department of Planning and Budget to implement a three-year regulatory reduction pilot program. The goal is to reduce by 25 percent the regulations and regulatory requirements of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and the Department of Criminal Justice Services by July 1, 2021. The bill also directs executive branch agencies to develop a baseline regulatory catalog for the Department of Planning and Budget, which will track and review regulations every four years.

Remedying businesses’ real and personal property valuation disputes. (HJ 98)
This legislation directs the Department of Taxation to study and make recommendations by Dec. 1, 2019, on the appeals process for the valuation of businesses’ real and personal property. The Virginia Manufacturers Association says that nine jurisdictions have forced businesses to use Circuit Courts or the Virginia Supreme Court to remedy disputes over real and personal property valuation. “This costs millions of wasted private and public dollars. There should be an administrative appeals process within the Virginia Department of Taxation or an alternative that would expedite cooperation among all parties,” according to a statement from the association.

Encouraging economic development in rural areas (HB222/SB883)
Creates an income-tax modification for companies investing in rural areas or “distressed” localities. Eligible companies must make a new capital investment of at least $5 million and create at least 10 jobs that pay at least 150 percent of the minimum wage in that locality or create at least 50 jobs that pay 150 percent of the minimum wage. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will certify that companies receiving the benefit are making a positive fiscal impact on Virginia. The modifications can last six years after a company first receives the benefit. Applicable companies also are eligible for grants and loans of up to $2,000 per job per year from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund.


Local regulation of unmanned aircraft systems. (HB638/SB526)
Extends and makes permanent the three-year moratorium on local government regulation of unmanned aerial systems in Virginia. The law also establishes criminal penalties for people who misuse the technology, such as invading privacy.

Chief data officer (SB580)
Creates a chief data officer to promote open data in state government and sharing among state, regional and local entities and higher-education institutions. The idea is to improve delivery of services to taxpayers and find efficiencies. For example, better data sharing could help Virginia address the opioid addiction crisis, says Levi of the Northern Virginia Technology Council. “If you can start to better track information related to prescriptions, related to hospitalization, this could help demonstrate ways to tackle the crisis.” Funding for the position was included in both House and Senate bills but must be included in the final budget.