Q2 2025 Newsletter
July 7, 2025
Virginia Moves Forward on Advanced Nuclear Deployment in Southwest Virginia
Wise County is taking a major step toward becoming a leader in the next generation of clean energy. Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank and a $97,500 GO Virginia grant, the County—alongside UVA Wise and the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub (VIN Hub)—will lead a coordinated effort to prepare the region for advanced nuclear reactor deployment.
This initiative will produce a strategic roadmap to identify high-potential sites, assess infrastructure needs, estimate job creation and revenue, and build workforce and research partnerships with UVA Wise and beyond. The LENOWISCO Planning District Commission will manage the project on behalf of Wise County, with VIN Hub overseeing technical planning.
Advanced nuclear technology offers 24/7, carbon-free power and enhanced grid reliability. Its deployment in Southwest Virginia supports the region’s long-term economic growth while meeting rising energy demands, especially for power-intensive industries like manufacturing and data centers.
“Wise County continues to demonstrate that we’re ready for investment, ready for innovation, and ready to help lead the next chapter of Virginia’s energy economy,” said Mike Hatfield, Economic Development Director, Wise County. “Projects like this are building a foundation for opportunity that will benefit our communities for decades to come.”
The initiative builds on previous clean energy efforts in the region and reinforces Wise County’s commitment to long-term economic opportunity and resilience.
Read the full release from the Virginia Department of Energy here.
New Signage Coming to Lonesome Pine Regional Business & Technology Park with VCEDA Support
Wise County is pleased to announce that the Wise County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has been awarded up to $50,000 from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to support the installation of gateway signage at the Lonesome Pine Regional Business & Technology Park. This marks a significant milestone in the County’s comprehensive rebranding and marketing initiative.
Established in the 1990s, the Lonesome Pine Tech Park remains one of the region’s most important economic development assets, with nearly 200 acres still available for business investment. The new signage—set to be installed by Fall 2025—will provide a much-needed visual anchor to the park and enhance its visibility to prospective tenants.
The sign is part of a broader effort led by the Wise County IDA and the Office of Economic & Industrial Development to elevate the county’s profile through a new branding logo, refreshed marketing materials, and a dedicated economic development website.
“We appreciate VCEDA’s continued investment in Wise County,” said IDA Executive Director Brian Falin. “This signage will not only improve the marketability of the Tech Park, but it also signals our commitment to welcoming and supporting new and existing industries.”
Norfolk Academy Students Visit Wise County to Explore Community and Economic Development
On June 17, students from the Batten Leadership Program at Norfolk Academy visited Wise County as part of their experiential learning journey across Virginia.
Founded in 1728, Norfolk Academy is Virginia’s oldest independent school and one of the longest-standing in the nation. Drawing students from across the Hampton Roads region and northeastern North Carolina, the school is known for its deep commitment to transformative education and building lasting relationships.
During their time in the region, the group toured the UVA Wise campus and engaged in a meaningful discussion on the role of higher education in community development. They also visited Wrap Technologies, a newly located business in the Lonesome Pine Regional Business and Technology Park, to learn about their cutting-edge public safety products and workforce recruitment considerations in rural areas.
Wise County's Brian Falin and Natalie Chapman from the Office of Economic & Industrial Development were pleased to join the group and share insights into the County's approach to economic development, including collaborative efforts with neighboring counties and the City of Norton.
The students' visit concluded with a hike through Jefferson National Forest and breathtaking views from the High Knob Lookout Tower.
New Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard Now Available
The Virginia Rural Center has launched the Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard, a powerful new online tool designed to equip rural communities with easy access to key data and insights.
Unveiled during the 10th Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum at UVA Wise, the dashboard provides up-to-date information on demographics, housing, broadband, education, business, health care, and more for all 95 counties and 38 cities in Virginia.
Local leaders, nonprofits, business owners, and government officials can use the dashboard to explore trends, download reports, and identify funding opportunities through the integrated Rural Resource Index. Interactive asset maps also help users visualize infrastructure and community resources, making it a valuable tool for planning and investment.
Developed in partnership with Virginia Tech’s Center for Geospatial Information Technology, the platform is updated every six months and is aimed at saving time, bridging data gaps, and empowering rural decision-makers.
To explore the dashboard, visit www.cfrv.org or contact the Virginia Rural Center for more information.
VTC Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program Now Open
Small tourism-related businesses in Wise County are encouraged to apply for the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program, now accepting applications through July 24, 2025. This reimbursable grant offers up to $5,000 to support targeted, research-based marketing efforts aimed at driving tourism to Virginia, with a focus on shoulder season visitation (September–May).
Eligible applicants include small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees—such as boutique shops, restaurants, food trucks, breweries, wineries, attractions, lodging, and events.
Chambers of Commerce and other organizations may also apply if their proposal directly supports microbusinesses and off-season tourism.
For more information or to apply, visit www.vatc.org/grants or email VTCMLPGrant@virginia.org.
Chamber Lunch & Learn: "How AI Can Help Your Business"
The Wise County/City of Norton Chamber of Commerce invites local business owners to its next Lunch & Learn event on Thursday, July 17, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Mountain Empire Community College’s Cantrell Hall (Kline Board Room) in Big Stone Gap.
Valerie Lee, Chief Information Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer at MECC, will lead the session titled “How AI Can Help Your Business.” She’ll discuss how AI is being used in HR to create skills-based job descriptions and job postings, and provide insight into the practical tools—both promising and problematic—shaping the AI landscape today.
MECC President Dr. Kris Westover will open the event with a welcome, and MECC Foundation Director Dr. Amy Greear will share information about the Promise Program.
This is a great opportunity for local business owners and professionals to explore how AI can enhance operations and workforce development. Parking is available in Lot D—enter through Building #3, Dalton Cantrell Hall.
Register to attend by July 14th here.