Yorktown consulting firm sues SCHEV over VMI probe contract
A Yorktown-based consultancy is suing the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the firm conducting an investigation into Virginia Military Institute’s racial attitudes and practices, a contract the plaintiff unsuccessfully bid on last year. In a civil suit filed Feb. 11 in Richmond Circuit Court, the Center f[...]
Startup PPE manufacturer settles in Harrisonburg
Startup manufacturing company Valley Guard Supply LLC will invest $1 million to establish a personal protective equipment manufacturing facility in Harrisonburg, creating 45 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday. The service-disabled, veteran-owned company produces three-ply disposable masks and plans to produce other safety and security gear, according to Northam’s statement. “Domestic manufacturers of personal protective [&[...]
Northam named Appalachian Regional Commission states’ co-chair
The Appalachian Regional Commission announced Wednesday its 13 governors have elected Gov. Ralph Northam to serve as ARC’s states’ co-chair for 2021. As co-chair, Northam will work with the federal co-chair to invest in economic growth and development across the 13-state Appalachian region. In fiscal year 2020, ARC, a fede[...]
Rockingham County gets a little sweeter
Smiley’s Ice Cream will invest more than $1.15 million to build a new ice cream manufacturing facility and retail store in Rockingham County, creating eight jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday. The homemade-style ice cream producer will source an additional 18,000 gallons of Virginia-produced dairy and 2,500 pounds of Virginia-grown fruits during the next three […]
Shenandoah eyes old rail line as trail to prosperity
Woodstock Mayor Jeremy McCleary has a vision. On a vacated railroad line that runs nearly 50 miles, from just outside Front Royal through Shenandoah County and down to the Rockingham County town of Broadway, McCleary envisions creating a trail for bicyclists, walkers and runners. The trail’s planned pathway wanders through Civ[...]
Shenandoah County distillery faces environmental violation charges
Maurertown-based Filibuster Distillery LLC and its co-founder, Sid Dilawri, have been indicted on 115 counts of violating State Water Control laws by allegedly dumping more than 40,000 gallons of industrial waste into a Shenandoah County stream, according to the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. The Shenandoah County dist[...]
Help wanted
Meat, coffee creamer, frozen fruits and chocolate. These commodities represent some of the bread and butter business lines, literally, of Devon Anders’ mega storage and supply chain logistics company, which is based in Mount Crawford and has other state locations. The success of InterChange Group Inc. rises and falls on the he[...]
Shenandoah pushes forward with broadband expansion
Even while getting his teeth cleaned, Michael Keyser can’t escape the topic of broadband expansion. “It’s the only thing they’ll talk about,” the CEO of BARC Electric Cooperative says, recounting a recent discussion with a dental hygienist excited about receiving broadband service. BARC, a member-owned electric utility[...]
Industrial hemp company to locate in Rockingham
Using the trade name Pure Shenandoah, Elkton-based Shenandoah Valley Hemp LLC will invest nearly $3.3 million to establish an industrial hemp fiber processing and cannabidiol (CBD) oil extraction facility in Rockingham County, creating 24 jobs. The company has committed to purchasing 100% of its industrial hemp from Virginia gro[...]
$90K in business grants go to Buena Vista, Blackstone
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that $90,000 in Community Business Launch (CBL) grants, which provide business plan competition funding, will go to the town of Blackstone in Nottoway County and the city of Buena Vista. CBL funding also offers training for entrepreneurs focused on regional economic development. “This pub[...]
Unmanned aircraft company creating 249 jobs in Warren County
Silent Falcon UAS, an unmanned aircraft systems service provider and equipment manufacturer, will invest $6 million to locate its new East Coast headquarters for research development and manufacturing at the Front Royal-Warren County Airport, creating 249 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday. Founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Silent Falcon UAS manufactures patent-pending unmanned aircraft systems […][...]
Shenandoah University announces partnership with esports league
Shenandoah University announced Monday that it has entered into a partnership with the Washington Justice, a professional Overwatch League, for internships and learning opportunities for students. This marks the first partnership between a university and a professional Overwatch League team (esports). The Washington Justice re[...]