Sign In
Free Newsletter
Virginia to spend $700M on universal broadband by 2024
Ahead of the General Assembly’s August special session, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday he wants to spend $700 million of Virginia’s federal relief funding on expanding broadband access to all of Virginia. Virginia received $4.3 billion in federal funds through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan passed in March. Joi[...]
Region hopes for jolt from batteries, electrification
Adam Wells is charged up about a plan to create a “battery and electrification economy” in Southwest Virginia. “This is the most exciting thing that I’m working on,” says Wells, Appalachian Voices’ Norton-based regional director of community and economic development. The environmental nonprofit led the effort that pe[...]
People Inc. names next president and CEO
Bryan Phipps has been named the next president and CEO of Abingdon-based nonprofit People Inc., the organization announced in a news release. The 17-year veteran of the community action agency will serve as senior vice president until current President and CEO Robert G. Goldsmith retires at the end of December. Phipp has more than 21 […]
Wytheville’s Two-Way Radio acquired by S.C. company
Two-Way Radio Inc., a Wytheville-based provider of communications systems and devices for public safety and industrial clients, has been acquired by Spartanburg, South Carolina-based Mobile Communications America Inc. (MCA). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Both companies are Motorola dealers. Founded in 1948, Two-Way serves clients in Southwest Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North […][...]
Dickenson IDA gets $1.1M loan to purchase former mill site
The Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority received a loan of up to $1.175 million from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority to purchase the former Mountain Forest Products mill site, a 433-acre property in Dickenson and Wise counties, for future economic development. The site, which is adjacent to th[...]
(Solar) powering the economy
A 700-acre solar farm on a former surface mine outside of Hurley will be more than it appears, according to Adam Edelen. “Buchanan County and the entire region of Southwestern Virginia intends to benefit from the digital economy rather than be a victim of it,” says Edelen, CEO of Edelen Renewables. Based in Lexington, Kentu[...]
SunCoke to invest $50M in Buchanan County plant
SunCoke Energy Inc., the largest independent producer of high-quality coke for blast furnace steel production in the Americas, plans to invest $50 million in its Buchanan County manufacturing operation, Gov. Ralph Northam said in a news release Tuesday. Calling the project “a much-needed boost” for Southwest Virginia, Northam said the project will retain approximately 100 […]
Wytheville apartments, storage facility sells for $4.2M
The Birchwood Apartments and AAA Self Storage properties in Wytheville have sold for $4.2 million, Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer’s Capital Market Groups announced last week. The May 14 transaction includes 60 apartments, 139 self-storage units and an 1,800-square-foot office building on adjoining parcels at 125-195 B[...]
Regional leaders wish upon Starlink
After a pilot program successfully connected 45 Wise County households with SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed satellite internet, regional efforts are underway to broaden access to the service spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk. Scott Kiser, director of technology for Wise County Public Schools, helped shepherd the pilot for fami[...]
Traeger Grills plans $3M facility in Wythe County
Traeger Grills, manufacturer of the world’s top-selling wood pellet grill and signature hardwood pellets product, plans to build a $3 million manufacturing operation in Wythe County, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday. The company plans to purchase wood products exclusively sourced from Virginia and create 15 jobs in Wythe, the governor’s office said. Salt Lake City, […]
Tazewell metal manufacturer to create 40 jobs in expansion
No comment yet from Ozzy Osbourne or AC/DC, but Tazewell County-based heavy metal manufacturer Lawrence Brothers Inc. is set to expand, creating 40 jobs with a $3.2 million investment, the governor’s office announced Thursday. The family-owned company plans to upgrade and modernize its equipment at the Lawrence Road facili[...]
German auto parts maker to build $38M Wythe County factory
German auto parts manufacturer STS Group AG will invest $39 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Wythe County’s Progress Park industrial park, creating 120 jobs, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday. Located near Wytheville, the new facility, operating as a subsidiary of STS Group North America, will supply Volvo Trucks in Pulaski […]
