SouthwestVirginia.Biz

Governor McDonnell Leads Economic Development Tour of Virginia’s e-Region

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:04:28 -0000

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2011
Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Governor McDonnell Leads Economic Development Tour of Virginia’s e-Region

RICHMOND – Earlier this week, Governor Bob McDonnell led an economic development tour of Southwest Virginia’s e-Region. The e-Region consists of Lee, Scott, Wise, Russell, Dickenson, Buchanan and Tazewell Counties and the City of Norton. The e-Region designation reflects the area’s focus on electronic information technology, energy, education and emerging technologies. The governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor and Chief Jobs Creation Officer Bill Bolling, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng, Senior Economic Advisor Bob Sledd, Secretary of Technology Jim Duffey and representatives from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority.

The two-day event showcased the region’s economic development assets to key corporate executives and business location decision makers visiting the region. The tour included visits to the Cumberland Plateau Regional Industrial Park, the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center, the CGI Center of Excellence, Lonesome Pine Regional Business and Technology Park, Appalachia America Energy Research Center and NanoQuantics, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Crooked Road Tech Center and Tempur-Pedic.

Speaking about the tour, Governor McDonnell remarked, “This tour of Virginia’s e-Region was meant to showcase Southwest Virginia. This area is ideal for new business development and growth and it is important for business leaders to see that state and regional leadership is committed to a business friendly climate. During the two-day tour we showed prospective businesses first-hand what the e-Region has to offer and told them: if you’re looking for a region that is a great place to do business and features a tremendous quality of life, low taxes, and highly skilled citizens with great work ethics, you ought to think about Southwest Virginia. There’s no better place in the country to do business than Virginia and this tour gave these key decision-makers a look at the assets in this important region. I look forward to continuing to work to bring more jobs and opportunity to Virginia’s e-Region.”

Lieutenant Governor Bolling remarked, “We are committed to doing everything we can to encourage economic growth and investment in Southwest Virginia. This tour gave us a chance to introduce several important business leaders and site selection consultants to Southwest Virginia, and they were very impressed with what they saw. Southwest Virginia has a great story to tell, and many positive assets to draw upon. I am confident that the time we spent will help produce leads and produce jobs in Southwest Virginia, and we stand ready to do anything else we can to assist in that effort.”

Job creation and economic development in Southside and Southwest Virginia has been a priority for the McDonnell administration. Fulfilling a campaign pledge, Governor McDonnell appointed Mary Rae Carter as Virginia’s first Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Development in March of 2010. Governor McDonnell was recently in the Southwest for the grand opening of the Heartwood Artisan Gateway in Abingdon.

Check out what’s happening at The Crooked Road Major Venues!

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:46:32 -0000

Birthplace of Country Music Alliance
http://www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/
416 State Street
Bristol, TN 37620
Phone: 276-645-0111

Blue Ridge Institute and Museum
http://www.blueridgeinstitute.org/
20 Museum Drive
Ferrum, VA 24088
Phone: 540-365-4416

Blue Ridge Music Center
http://www.blueridgemusiccenter.org/
Milepost 213 on The Blue Ridge Parkway
Phone: 276-236-5309

September 20 - 12:00 PM - Mid-Day Mountain Music with Bobby Patterson and Willard Gayheart

September 21 - 12:00 PM - Mid Day Mountain Music with Bill and Maggie Anderson

September 22 - 12:00 PM - Mid-Day Mountain Music with Scott Freeman and Willard Gayheart

September 23 - 1:00 PM - Midday Mountain Music with Jim Marshall and Friends

September 25 - 12:00 PM - Midday Mountain Music with the Fisher Peak Timber Rattlers

September 26 - 12:00 PM - Mid-Day Music with the Buck Mountain Band

September 27 - 12:00 PM - Mid-Day Mountain Music with Bobby Patterson and Willard Gayheart

The Carter Family Fold
http://www.carterfamilyfold.org/
A. P. Carter Highway
P. O. Box 111
Hiltons, VA 24258
Phone: 276-645-0035

September 24 - Larkins Family
Country Cabin
http://www.appalachiantraditionsinc.com/
6034 Kent Junction Road
Norton VA 24273
Phone: 276-679-3541

September 24 – SOUTH MOUNTAIN BOYS - Doors open by 6:30 PM -- Show starts at 7:30 PM! Saturday night admission price is $5.00 for adults (12 years and over) and $1.00 for children (2 through 11 years). OPEN SATURDAY NIGHTS, 7:30 - 10:30 pm.

Rex Theater
http://www.visitgalax.com/rextheater.html
113 E. Grayson Street
Galax, VA 24333

Friday September 23 - Kopper Kanyon
Saturday September 24 - Slate Mountain Ramblers

Old Fiddler’s Convention
http://www.oldfiddlersconvention.com/default.htm
P.O. Box 655
Galax, VA 24333
Phone: 276-236-8541

Ralph Stanley Museum
http://www.ralphstanleymuseum.com/
Clintwood, VA 24228
Phone: 276-926-8550

The Floyd Country Store
http://www.floydcountrystore.com/
206 South Locust St.
Floyd VA 24091
Phone: 540-745-4563

Thursday, September 22
7:00 Sustain Floyd Film Series Presents The Electricity Fairy

Friday, September 23
6:30 The Ferrum Four
7:30 Roscoe P. & Coal Train
9:00 The Clyde Williams Band

Saturday, September 24
12:00 Americana Afternoon with Dollar & Walker
1:30 Americana Open Mic, Sign Up

Sunday, September 25
2:00 – 5:00 Traditional Mountain Music Jam

County Sales
http://www.countysales.com/
PO Box 191
Floyd, VA 24091
Phone: 540-745-2001

MeadWestvaco Corporation to Invest $285 Million in Covington Plant

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:16:59 -0000

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2011

Office of the Governor
Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne West
Phone: (804) 545-5806
E-mail: Swest@yesvirginia.org

MWV
Contact: Scott Openshaw
Phone: (804) 444-7721
E-mail: mediainquiries@meadwestvaco.com

Governor McDonnell Announces MeadWestvaco Corporation to Invest $285 Million in Covington Plant

~ Company will construct state-of-the-art biomass boiler and upgrade power infrastructure~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that MeadWestvaco Corporation (NYSE: MWV), a global leader in the packaging industry headquartered in Richmond, will invest $285 million to construct a new, state-of-the-art biomass boiler and upgrade associated power infrastructure at its facility in the City of Covington. The project allows the plant to become self-sufficient in energy production and significantly reduces ongoing operating and maintenance costs. The new boiler and related systems will replace two older and less cost-efficient fossil fuel units, and will primarily burn renewable biomass such as tree bark, wood residues often left behind from logging operations, and water treatment plant residuals.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “MWV is a Virginia- headquartered company and has a significant presence across the Commonwealth, employing more than 2,200 citizens. This tremendous investment in its Covington plant will allow the mill to become self-sufficient in energy production, while positioning the facility for profitable growth and job creation in the years ahead. Renewable energy is an increasing priority today, and MWV’s new biomass boiler will use renewable resources as fuel, providing reliable, efficient and lower-cost sources to produce steam and electricity for the mill.”

“With this project, MWV is really investing in the future of its Covington mill,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The plant is the world’s largest solid bleached sulfate mill, and this caliber upgrade will only increase the mill’s efficiency and output.”

Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, MeadWestvaco Corporation provides packaging solutions to many of the world’s most-admired brands in the healthcare, beauty and personal care, food, beverage, home and garden, and tobacco industries. The company's businesses also include Consumer & Office Products, Specialty Chemicals, and the Community Development and Land Management Group, which sustainably manages the company’s land holdings to support its operations, and to provide for conservation, recreation and development opportunities. With 17,500 employees worldwide, MWV operates in 30 countries and serves customers in more than 100 nations. MWV manages all of its forestlands in accordance with internationally recognized forest certification standards, and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the seventh consecutive year.

“Virginia is not only our corporate home, it is a major base of operations and gateway for our business around the world,” said John A. Luke, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of MWV. “We are making an investment to improve the competitiveness of our Covington mill so that it will continue to be a strong economic engine for our company and for the Commonwealth.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Covington and the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $1 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies.

“MeadWestvaco has been providing quality employment opportunities in Covington since 1899,” said Covington Mayor Robert K. Bennett, II. “Covington City Council is most appreciative of the company’s continuing commitment to our community.”

Governor McDonnell Announces 100 New Jobs in Pulaski

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:17:37 -0000

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2011

Office of the Governor
Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne West
Phone: (804) 545-5806
E-mail: swest@yesvirginia.org

Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC
Contact: Violeta Longino/ Sandra Nino
Phone: (954) 241-0023
E-mail: violeta.longino@grupophoenix.com/ Sandra.nino@grupophoenix.com

Governor McDonnell Announces 100 New Jobs in Pulaski County

Phoenix Packaging Operations to invest $17.5 million in expansion

Virginia successfully competed against Arizona, California and Nevada for project

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of Grupo Phoenix, will invest $17.5 million to expand its operation in Pulaski County. The company manufactures thermoformed rigid plastic packaging for customers in the U.S. The project will create 100 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed against Arizona, California and Nevada for the project.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Less than one year ago, Grupo Phoenix announced plans to establish its first U.S. operations and its North American headquarters in Pulaski County. This significant investment and expansion is testament to the company’s rapid success in Virginia. It is gratifying to see quality manufacturing jobs come back to America. This is also very welcome positive news for the Pulaski community which is struggling in the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes that hit the area this weekend. I have directed state agencies to make available every possible resource to the citizens of the county as they recover from the storms, and we are working in close coordination with our federal and local partners who are also assisting in the clean up and recovery effort. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who were impacted. ”

“With this expansion in place, Phoenix Packaging Operations will have created a total of 340 jobs for Pulaski County in two years,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “In a challenging economy, it speaks volumes that the company has successfully served its U.S. clients from this new operation, while also continuing to grow and build its customer base.”

Grupo Phoenix, a privately owned company, has been one of the leading manufacturers of injection-molded plastic packaging, thermoformed products, foil lidding and extruded barrier packaging in Latin America for the last 30 years. With 10 locations in Latin America and the United States, the company employs more than 4,000 people in four countries and exports to 30 countries worldwide. Grupo Phoenix manufactures packaging solutions for major companies and household names in the dairy, dessert, sauces and coffee market.

“For Governor Bob McDonnell every job counts—he is seriously committed to helping new companies set up manufacturing facilities and bring high-paying jobs to the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Alberto Peisach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Phoenix. “Once we had his support, the local and state agencies fell in line and honestly speaking, Virginia was the place for Phoenix Packaging Operations. From the standpoint of geographical location, logistics, qualified workforce, energy costs, and rail service, Pulaski was the right County. We are very pleased to be part of the community.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $350,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski County with the project. The company is eligible to participate in the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

Joe Sheffey, Chairman of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors, echoed the Governor’s sentiments stating, “Phoenix Packaging has quickly become a leading corporate citizen in Pulaski County and within the region. Their commitment to hire more employees and expand production in our community further exhibits the business-friendly climate in Pulaski County and Virginia. We are excited to be a partner in their continued growth and potential. We appreciate the investment by Governor McDonnell, the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the initiative of the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, and the dedication of the County economic development staff.”

Governor McDonnell Announces 240 New Jobs in Pulaski County

Thu, 06 May 2010 19:06:25 -0000

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2010

Office of the Governor
Contact: Stacey Johnson
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Stacey.Johnson@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Christie Miller
Phone: (804) 545-5805
E-mail: CMiller@yesvirginia.org

Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC
Contact: David Camhi
Phone: (954) 272-3217

Governor McDonnell Announces 240 New Jobs in Pulaski County

~Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC will invest more than $20 million to establish its North American headquarters and first U.S. manufacturing operation~

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of Phoenix Packaging Group, will invest more than $20 million to establish its first U.S. operation in Pulaski County. The company will manufacture thermoformed rigid plastic packaging for customers in the U.S., and also establish its North American headquarters in Pulaski. The project will create 240 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed against Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell commented, “This manufacturing and U.S. headquarters operation is tremendous news for the New River Valley and Virginia. Phoenix Packaging is an international company that produces the packaging for many major companies and household names. With this Pulaski County operation, the company will be in closer proximity to serve its U.S. customers. I applaud everyone involved in winning a highly competitive project that involves a significant investment and 240 new jobs for the Commonwealth.”

Phoenix Packaging Group, a family owned Latin American company dedicated to the creation, design, and manufacturing of plastic packaging and foodservice disposable products, is one of the most important packaging manufacturing conglomerates in Latin America with sales in more than 30 countries. The company was established in 1999 with the integration of several industry leading companies in Colombia and Venezuela, and in 2003 a Mexican company joined the group. The company has eight locations in Latin America, employing 4,000 people in four countries. Customers include Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Keurig, Van Houtte, Agro-Farma, General Mills, Sturm Foods and Colgate, for products such as ice cream and other dairy products, margarine, desserts, and soaps, as well as single-serve products such as yogurt and coffee.

“Phoenix Packaging chose the Commonwealth of Virginia to be the home of its U.S. operations after analyzing more than 40 possible locations in six states from the standpoint of geographical location, availability of qualified workforce, energy costs and state and local incentives, among others,” said Alberto Peisach, President and CEO, Phoenix Packaging Operations. “We found that state and local authorities in Virginia were seriously committed to helping new companies set up their manufacturing facilities and bring in high-paying jobs. The state government’s proactive attitude in finding ways to meet our needs, and their flexibility in creating a program to help us find and train the right workforce, was far more forward-thinking than any competing states. With three major higher education institutions in the area, and the government officials’ unwavering interest in creating jobs, Pulaski County was hard to beat.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved an $850,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski County with the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The company is eligible to receive rail access funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The company also is eligible to participate in the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Pulaski County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Joe Sheffey voiced his appreciation: “Phoenix Packaging’s decision to set up its U.S. operations in Pulaski County and to employ 240 persons provides a much welcomed boost to our local economy. The location of a major food packing company builds on the County’s agricultural roots, Virginia Tech’s food science expertise and local plastics-related companies Xaloy and Mar Bal. We sincerely appreciate Phoenix Packaging’s commitment; the investment by Governor McDonnell; the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership; the initiative of the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance; and the dedication of the County economic development staff.”

Welcome to SouthwestVirginia.Biz

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:50:00 -0000

Welcome to SouthwestVirginia.Biz - the "Web 2.0" website serving Alleghany County, Bland County, Botetourt County, Buchanan County, Carroll County, Craig County, Dickenson County, Giles County, Grayson County, Highland County, Lee County, Montgomery County, Pulaski County, Roanoke County, Russell County, Scott County, Smyth County, Tazewell County, Wise County, Wythe County, the City of Covington, the City of Galax, the City of Salem, the City of Roanoke, and the Towns of Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, Blacksburg, Bluefield, Buchanan, Cedar Bluff, Chilhowie, Christiansburg, Cleveland, Clifton Forge, Clinchco, Clinchport, Clintwood, Coeburn, Dublin, Duffield, Dungannon, Fincastle, Fries, Gate City, Glen Lyn, Grundy, Haysi, Hillsville, Honaker, Independence, Iron Gate, Jonesville, Lebanon, Marion, Monterey, Narrows, New Castle, Nickelsville, Pearisburg, Pembroke, Pennington Gap, Pocahontas, Pound, Pulaski, Rich Creek, Richlands, Rural Retreat, Saltville, St. Charles, St. Paul, Tazewell, Troutdale, Troutville, Vinton, Weber City, Wise, and Wytheville, and other and communities of these jurisdictions comprising Southwest Virginia. Watch this site as we roll out new features. Register as a user and take advantage of the opportunity we offer to promote your business, share news and announcements of your group or organization, interact with fellow residents of Southwest Virginia via the internet, and keep abreast of whats going on in Southwest Virginia.

This site will be primarily devoted to promoting local content contributed by local businesses, organizations and residents. If you are interested in being a contributor, contact us. We welcome the opportunity to provide you the ability to promote your local business, share the success of your local sports teams, promote your local club or charity. Register as a user and take advantage of the free opportunities we offer to promote your business, share news and announcements of your group or organization, interact with fellow residents of Southwest Virginia via the internet, and keep abreast of whats going on in Southwest Virginia.

The first step to use our features is to register as a user on our site. Then, as you explore SouthwestVirginia.Biz let us know what feature or news you want to share. Upon verification, we can give you privileges to input and post your news instantly.

Local businesses may become "Link Partners" and receive free promotion via banners ads, links and the ability to post news and announcements. Local Businesses may also list themselves for free in our local Business Directory and grow their business via the world wide web.

Local organizations, charities, and contributing writers may even profit by contributing content as qualifying contributors can earn financial rewards via Google Adsense from clicks by visitors to the news, announcement and content you supply.

SouthwestVirginia.Biz is what is known as a "Web 2.0" website - i.e. a feature that is composed of contributions by those who view and participate in the site. Anyone can participate. In order to post, you must be a registered user of the website. Posting is subject to our Terms of Use as linked from the bottom of our Home Page. By posting, you adopt and agree to our Terms of Use and News and policies applicable to various features as a binding legal agreement. These include (i) a representation by you that the post is accurate, does not contain any copyright content of any third party unless you have the right to post it, (ii) a prohibition against any posting that is slanderous, illegal, containing "hate" material," (material expressing racial, religous, sexual orientation or other bigotry) or known to you to be untrue, and (iii) a representation by you that if posting on behalf of an organization or other person, that you have the right to make such posting. Violaters are subject to loss of posting and/or website access privileges. If you observe any posting which violates our Terms of Use, please notify us via our contact link (on the Home Page) and report the abuse and we will endeavor to promtly investigate and remove if appropriate.

"Articles, News & Announcements" versus "News & Announcements from the Community"

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:21:19 -0000

Understanding the difference between our "Articles, News & Announcements" feature and "News & Announcements from the Community."
"News & Announcements from the Community" is intended to be an organized community "blog" which enables all registered users to submit and self approve for posting news and announcements on a variety of topics relevant to daily life in our local region. That feature is unmoderated, thus registered users have the flexible ability to post news and announcements relative to the topic. Submissions to that category will be "pruned" after a reasonable period of time. We will, upon request, create a new topic category or subcategory for use by any regional neighborhood or community based organization so that members of that group may readily find and post news of their organization or neighborhood.

The "Articles, News & Announcements" feature is a more moderated news area, where all articles are approved by the website moderator or a vetted contributing writer. We welcome providing serious writers the opportunity to publish articles and stories of the history and heritage of the local region. We also are open to local writers who wish to write regular columns on a variety of topics (we are open to suggestions) relevant to local readers.