Q4 2024 Newsletter
October 4, 2024
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 as we continue to move Wise County forward!
Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources for Businesses
VDEM Property Damage Reporting Portal
Wise County residents and business owners impacted by Hurricane Helene are urged to report any property damage through a newly launched portal from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). Even if you’ve completed previous damage surveys, submitting this new form is essential to help local and state emergency management teams accurately assess the situation and create a recovery plan for Wise County.
- The VDEM portal will collect your insurance information and allow you to upload photos of property damage.
- This data will assist assessment teams in validating losses and ensuring Wise County receives the necessary support.
- Submit your damage report here: VDEM Property Damage Reporting Portal.
Timely reporting is crucial for Wise County to secure appropriate disaster recovery resources.
VSBFA Microloan Program for Disaster Recovery
In response to challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) is offering microloans to businesses in Wise County and surrounding Southwest Virginia counties that have been recognized as federal natural disaster areas.
Loan Program Details:
Loans of up to $25,000 at a reduced interest rate of 3% (1.5% for active or veteran business owners).
No application fees for businesses located in Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe, and the City of Galax.
Available to small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene in these areas.
To apply, email Linda Tackett for a confidential discussion: linda.tackett@sbsd.virginia.gov.
Elam Farm Site Nears Completion
Development continues on the Elam Farm site located in the Lonesome Pine Regional Business & Technology Park in Wise. Phase I of the project, which includes water, sewer, electric, and natural gas utility extensions and installations, as well as construction of an access road to the site, will be complete in October. Phase II will achieve grubbing, clearing, grading and additional earthwork by December 2024.
The development will deliver 65 acres of the 200-acre site to a shovel-ready status for economic development prospects.
Governor Celebrates Tate with Ribbon Cutting in St. Paul
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on September 13th in St. Paul, VA, for Tate’s new facility, attended by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Delegates Terry Kilgore and Israel O'Quinn, along with Tate officials and employees. Tate, a global leader in next-generation raised access floors, airflow management, and infrastructure solutions, is investing $14.9 million in the facility, which will manufacture data center components and containment products, creating 170 new jobs in neighboring Russell County. Congratulations to Tate and the St. Paul community!
VFP Announces Expansion in Duffield
On September 23rd, Governor Youngkin announced that VFP Inc., a manufacturer of custom-designed enclosures for critical infrastructure, is expanding its Duffield facility with a $5 million investment, creating 50 new jobs in Scott County. The expansion will enhance VFP's ability to serve the growing data center market. Virginia successfully competed with Louisiana and Missouri for the project. VFP, headquartered in Roanoke County, has been in Scott County for over 25 years and specializes in building solutions for telecommunications, data centers, utilities, and public safety. Congratulations to VFP and our neighbors in the Duffield community! See the Governor's full release here.
Governor Celebrates Earthlink with Ribbon Cutting in Norton
EarthLink has officially opened a new state-of-the-art call center in Norton, Virginia, as part of its U.S. sales and customer support expansion. In August, Governor Youngkin and other state and local officials cut the ribbon on a 30,000-square-foot facility at the Intersection Business Park that will bring 285 new jobs to the region, contributing to local economic growth. This expansion highlights EarthLink's commitment to excellent customer service and leveraging Southwest Virginia's skilled workforce. The project was made possible through collaboration with local stakeholders, including Senator Todd Pillion, Delegate Terry Kilgore, the LENOWISCO Planning District and the Lonesome Pine RIFA. Congratulations to Earthlink and the Norton community! See the Governor's full release here.
Jones-Hurst Designs, LLC Awarded VCEDA Seed Capital Grant
Jones-Hurst Designs, LLC in Big Stone Gap, VA, has received a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant to grow a custom clothing business. Jones-Hurst Designs, founded by Adam Patterson, specializes in personalized, handcrafted garments for men and women, with plans to expand to children's clothing in the future. Patterson, who previously worked in design in Atlanta, aims to establish a full-time brick-and-mortar store to design, manufacture, and sell his unique clothing line. The business plans to add two full-time and two part-time employees within five years, contributing to local economic development in Southwest Virginia. See the full release from VCEDA here.