Economic Development 2025: BELCHER, JONATHAN S.

Leader of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority since 2006, Belcher has helped bring new jobs to Southwest Virginia through numerous economic development deals.

In April, VCEDA announced it closed a $1.3 million loan with Lawrence Brothers, a Tazewell County manufacturing company, for an expansion expected to create several dozen new jobs. Last year, VCEDA loaned $3.2 million to the Norton Industrial Development Authority to assist with construction of a new facility for Wrap Technologies at Norton’s Intersection Business and Industry Park anticipated to create 126 jobs.

Belcher also heads up the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority, a political subdivision that advocates for the proposed, long-delayed four-lane highway connecting Southwest Virginia with southern West Virginia.

Belcher has a law degree from William & Mary and a bachelor’s degree in real estate from Morehead State University.

WHAT I DO FOR FUN: Maintaining, restoring and driving classic cars

STREAMING SHOW I’VE ENJOYED: “Jay Leno’s Garage”

WHAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT ME: When I graduated from William & Mary Law School in 1993 at age 21, I was the youngest graduate anyone there could remember.

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