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Dominion, Appalachian Power team up to expand energy storage
Virginia electric utility giants Appalachian Power and Dominion Energy Inc. announced Tuesday a public-private partnership with InvestSWVA that aims to expand renewable energy storage technology and attract industry prospects in Southwest Virginia. “With the greater proliferation of renewables, energy storage expansion will be a vital component in providing stability to our grid and support our […][...]
A large data center could have $50M annual impact on SWVA, study finds
Southwest Virginia is well-positioned for data centers and a large data center could result in more than 2,000 jobs and $50 million in annual economic activity, according to the Project Oasis study conducted by OnPoint Development Strategies and released Monday by InvestSWVA. Due to its land availability, geothermal cooling opportunities and workforce readiness and development, […]
Coal country sets its focus on absentee landowners
When farmers notice one of their cows has made a run for it, their first step will often be to alert the neighbors. That can be hard to do with an out-of-town owner, though. “If the farmer can knock on a door, that’s one thing,” explains Phil Meeks, Wise County’s agriculture and natural resources extension [&hell[...]
Hitachi AAB Power Grids expanding in Bland County
Hitachi ABB Power Grids will invest $6.2 million to upgrade equipment and increase manufacturing capacity at its operations in Bland County, where it is the county’s largest private-sector employer. The expansion will add 40 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday. “Hitachi ABB Power Grids has made tremendous contributions to Southwest Virginia and the commonwealth for […]
Four Va. localities earn Main Street designation
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that the towns of Cape Charles, Onancock, Tappahannock and Tazewell have joined the Virginia Main Street Program, which, through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), provides services to strengthen downtown communities. Designated towns must participate in an application process to receive services including market analysis, marketplace development, capacity […][...]
Emory & Henry names dean for upcoming business school
Emory & Henry College announced Monday that Emmett Tracy has been appointed as dean of its new School of Business, which will be built on the former site of Carriger Hall at the college in Washington County. Until the business school opens at an unannounced date, McGlothlin Street Hall will be home for the business […[...]
Partnership brings computer education to Bristol, Wise students
A new partnership is preparing Southwest Virginia middle and high school students for tomorrow’s tech jobs. As part of the United Way of Southwest Virginia’s Ignite Technology Talent Development program funded through GO Virginia Region 1, middle and high school students in Bristol and Wise County will learn about ca[...]
Wythe County lumber company announces $2.4M expansion
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that Wythe County-based Musser Lumber Co. Inc. will invest $2.4 million to expand its operations and increase 12 jobs — which, during the next three years, will lead to more than $8.5 million in forest product purchases. “Musser Lumber’s continued growth and success in Wythe County is a testament to […]
COVID-19 cases surpass 100,000 in Virginia
Virginia has now recorded more than 100,000 cases of COVID-19 since it started tracking the coronavirus in February, the Virginia Department of Health recorded Monday. The state has 100,749 confirmed and probable cases, up 7,643 from Aug. 3. Virginia’s number of deaths went up by 109 last week to 2,327, and the statewide positivity rate […]
Va. Main Street Merit Award winners announced
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) on Thursday announced the 2020 Virginia Main Street Merit Award winners, with businesses and projects in the Shenandoah Valley and Northern, Southern and Southwest Virginia recognized. Below are the 2020 award recipients: Best Downtown Public Improvement Project: town of St. Paul for the Downtown Comprehensive Infrastructure […][...]
Pandemic delays Virginia Business College opening
The new Virginia Business College in Bristol won’t open as planned for its first semester this August due to the coronavirus crisis. VBC President Gene Couch issued a statement June 25 announcing the nonprofit private college’s plans to “defer the initial [academic] offerings until a later date” due to the pandem[...]
Virginia Tech chooses School of Education director
Virginia Tech announced Tuesday it has hired Kristin Gehsmann as the director of the School of Education, effective Aug. 1. She will also serve as an education professor. Gehsmann was most recently a professor and chair of the department of literacy studies, English education and history education at East Carolina University. Du[...]
