Q1 2025 Newsletter
April 1, 2025
Wise County Economic Development Unveils New Branding
The Wise County Office of Economic & Industrial Development and the Wise County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) are proud to unveil a new logo to represent the organizations' joint mission of sustainable economic growth in Wise County. Featuring a bold "W" and mountain peaks symbolizing upward movement, the design conveys positive momentum and progress underway in our region. Stay tuned for more exciting developments - including a fresh economic development website - as we continue elevate Wise County!
Elam Farm Site Is Open for Business!
Development efforts on the Elam Farm site, located in the Lonesome Pine Regional Business & Technology Park in Wise, have officially concluded. After a more than year long effort, a 65-acre shovel-ready site has been established to serve new economic development and business prospects.
Phase I of the project included water, sewer, electric, and natural gas utility extensions and installations, as well as construction of an access road to the site. Phase II accomplished final grubbing, clearing, grading and additional earthwork and marked the project's substantial completion in March 2025.
Grant funds for the Elam Farm Industrial Site Development Project were provided from a combination of state and federal sources, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's Business Ready Sites Program (BRSP), the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Department of Energy's AMLER Program, and the congressionally-directed Economic Development Initiative - Community Project Funding provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Start, Manage & Grow a Business!
New Resources for Local Entrepreneurs
The Wise County Office of Economic & Industrial Development is excited to announce the expansion of our Small Biz Basics course with new materials and video content—plus the launch of our Growing a Business course in partnership with Santa Clara University’s My Own Business Institute (MOBI)!
These free, online, and self-paced courses are designed to help entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey:
- Small Biz Basics covers essential topics like business planning, financing, marketing, ecommerce, hiring, and more.
- Growing a Business is perfect for those ready to scale, with lessons on franchising, buying a business, family succession planning, and beyond.
Each course takes just 30-45 minutes per section, and participants who pass the final exam will earn a Certificate of Completion. Take the next step in your business journey—enroll on our website today!
Mineral Gap Solar Energy Project Showcased at NACo's Coal Communities Innovation Fair
In February, the Wise County Economic Development team proudly represented the Mineral Gap Solar Array at the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Coal Communities Innovation Fair in Washington, D.C.
This 20-acre, 3.46-megawatt solar project—built on reclaimed mine land within the Lonesome Pine Regional Business & Technology Park—demonstrates how former coal sites can be repurposed for renewable energy and economic growth. By providing power to the nearby Mineral Gap Data Center, the project highlights Wise County’s commitment to innovation and resilience in transitioning and diversifying our economy.
The Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities Forum accompanied the Innovation Fair and allowed the Wise County team an opportunity to connect with leaders from energy communities nationwide, share insights on sustainable development, and showcase how Wise County is pioneering new opportunities on reclaimed land.
Wise County is excited to continue leading the way in renewable energy and economic transformation!
Forward Wise County Leadership Program
The Forward Wise County Leadership Development Program, sponsored by the Wise County/City of Norton Chamber of Commerce, is equipping local leaders with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in our communities. Participants explore key topics such as economic development, leadership skills, local government, education, public relations, community trusteeship, and more.
The Wise County Office of Economic & Industrial Development is honored to lead a session on local economic development and engagement, helping participants understand the region’s economic landscape and opportunities for growth.
This program plays a vital role in building strong, informed leaders who are ready to shape the future of Wise County. We look forward to seeing how this year’s participants apply their knowledge to drive positive change!
10th Annual SWVA Economic Forum Announced
Mark your calendars! The 10th Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum is set for May 22, 2025, at the David J. Prior Convocation Center at UVA Wise. This year’s theme, “Meeting the Moment, Shaping the Future,” will celebrate regional successes while focusing on new opportunities to drive Southwest Virginia forward.
The forum brings together business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders for engaging discussions, expert insights, and networking opportunities. Featured speakers include Christine Chmura, Ph.D., an esteemed economist providing a State of the Region economic outlook, and Hamilton Lombard, a demographics expert analyzing regional trends.
Afternoon breakout sessions will cover key topics such as downtown revitalization, energy, tourism, agriculture, and more.
New this year, the Virginia Rural Center will debut its Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard, and the day will conclude with a Regional Housing Symposium (3:00–5:00 p.m.), which will tackle housing challenges and solutions.
Join us in shaping Southwest Virginia’s future! Register today or contact Kelly Moody (kmoody@uvawise.edu) for more details.