Making a federal case
Two business colleagues sharing thoughts over breakfast and a pot of hot coffee — that was the setting for the light bulb moment that led to George Mason University launching the nation’s first academic center focused on government contracting. “The idea for the center actually started in 2013 in a booth at the Silver Dine[...]
New IALR lab to feature ‘automagic’ manufacturing tech
Butch Kendrick once worked in a factory making plywood suitcase components. Each time he ran a strip of plywood through a planer, he heard a loud, screeching whine. “I would hear that noise in my head until I went to sleep,” Kendrick says. “And I’ve never forgot that. Anyone who works in manufacturing, if I […]
Virginia 500 spotlight: WILLIAM G. “BILL” CRUTCHFIELD JR.
PERSONAL MOTTO: Believing that a glass is half-full MOST VALUED POSSESSION: My family HOW I UNWIND FROM WORK: I rarely do. That’s a problem. HOW I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH: I followed my passions — entrepreneurship and consumer electronics. HOBBY/PASSION: Flying airplanes, operating my boat, repairing my classic cars, installing[...]
FOR THE RECORD November 2023
Central Virginia Bon Secours announced Sept. 29 it had reached an agreement with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, which the health system sued in August, alleging the insurer owed Bon Secours $93 million in unpaid claims. Although details were not released due to confidentiality agreements between the two parties, Bon Secours said […]
Dixie Theater renovation means show will go on in Staunton
Teens got their first jobs and couples experienced their first kisses at the former Dixie Theater in downtown Staunton. Now the vacant building, which opened in 1913 at 125 E. Beverley St., is a step closer to becoming a community cultural center, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the state Industrial Revitalization Fund, whic[...]
Eastern Shore poultry plants under child labor probe
The U.S. Department of Labor is investigating allegations of child labor violations at the Tyson Foods and Perdue Farms poultry plants in Accomack County, after The New York Times recounted the story of a 14-year-old Guatemalan boy who was gravely injured while cleaning a Perdue slaughterhouse. Marcos Cux, whose arm was permanen[...]
King George exploring second industrial park
King George County officials are negotiating with two landowners where the county wants to build a new industrial and technology park as it looks for a spot to lure more businesses. The existing 149-acre King George County Industrial Park is full, and there’s nothing to offer economic development prospects there. During the pa[...]
Fix-it shop
Since becoming Arlington County’s economic development director in November 2022, Ryan Touhill’s most pressing challenge has been sharply delineated: The county’s office vacancy rate has hit 23.7%, nearly twice the national rate of 13.1%, a record high itself, according to the National Association of Realtors. Like other l[...]
November 2023 Top Five
The top five most-read daily news stories on VirginiaBusiness.com from Sept. 15 to Oct. 13 included news about plans for a second Virginia Buc-ee’s mega-convenience center, this time in Rockingham County. 1 | 44 Virginia schools make U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 list The University of Virginia ranked No. 24 among national universities and […]
Out & About November 2023
1. Scott Wheeler, founder and CEO of Bay Power Solutions, received the Virginia Maritime Association’s Distinguished Service Award at its Oct. 5 Maritime Banquet. Photo courtesy VMA. 2. L to R: Nathaniel L. Bishop, senior associate dean for diversity, inclusion and student vitality at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and chief diversity, equity […]
Framatome revamps nuclear training pipeline
A French nuclear power company with its United States headquarters in Lynchburg is ramping up hiring to meet a growing global need for clean, low-carbon energy. Framatome North America is recruiting for 200 positions in the U.S, about 125 of which are in Lynchburg, and it anticipates a “significant” number of additional open[...]
It’s alive — with possibilities
Just a word of friendly warning: Our November cover story is one of the strangest tales ever told. I think it will thrill you. It may shock you. It might even horrify you. So, if any of you feel you do not wish to subject your nerves to such a strain, now’s your chance to […]