Virginia organizations get federal grants to boost manufacturing

Two Virginia organizations are among groups nationwide sharing in $7 million in federal grants aimed at reinvigorating manufacturing in the U.S.

The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) in Prince George County and Heathsville-based Hickory Grounds Solutions are among the winners in the first phase of Investing in the Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP).

CCAM will receive $280,000 to develop the Advanced Manufacturing Apprentice Academy, a regional training center that would provide workers in Virginia’s tobacco region for careers in advanced manufacturing.

Hickory Ground Solutions  will receive $167,242 to work with Southside Virginia Planning District Commission to create economic opportunities for small businesses in Mecklenburg, Halifax and Brunswick counties.

Hickory Ground Solutions also will receive grants of $167,969 and $188,561 to assist businesses in East Tennessee and Central Oklahoma, respectively.

The 44 IMCP grants annonced nationwide are intended to help communities with:

•         Workforce training
•         Specialized research
•         Strengthened supply chains
•         Improved transportation and energy infrastructure
•         Export promotion
•         Better access to capital

In 2014, the Obama Administration will designate stand-out  manufacturing communities and give them an advantage in securing grants and investments through programs offered by 10 federal departments and agencies across the government.