The grant allowed project partners to award $50,000 in microgrants to startups to assist with state and federal grant writing. Seventeen regional technology and biotechnology companies applied for over $8 million as a result of the microgrant awards. Funding of this caliber will bring additional jobs and higher wages into these communities.

Verge, the Roanoke-Blacksburg regional technology alliance, launched a video series called “Access to Capital” aimed at educating startup businesses about financing. The new educational video series covers a variety of lessons from federal grant opportunities to equity investment, with nine core video lessons featuring successful business leaders and experts in new venture financing from across the state. The curriculum is free and provides actionable insights and information about the changing landscape of investments and startup financing and is designed to help entrepreneurs understand concepts in an easily digestible format.

“As an ecosystem builder and supporter, Verge often hears the need for additional educational, expertise, and networking resources for local technology and biotechnology startups,” Erin Burcham, president of Verge said. “With the help of our partners and the Truist Foundation, “Access to Capital” is now one more resource available to help support local entrepreneurs looking to grow or expand their businesses. We look forward to providing similar and on-going opportunities like those mentioned through this grant for years to come.”

The program was made possible by a grant from the Truist Foundation, in partnership with the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC), Regional Accelerator & Mentoring Program (RAMP), The Launch Place, Appalachian Council for Innovation, and Blue Ridge PBS.

The “Access to Capital” training series can be found at http://vergeva.org/accesstocapital.

The post Regional Partners Elevate Access to Capital for Technology Startups appeared first on In Appalachia.

The post ACI Seeking Firm or Individual to Conduct Annual Audit appeared first on In Appalachia.

Click Here To Read The Article

The post Appalachian Council for Innovation Gets National Attention for Starlink Efforts in SWVA appeared first on In Appalachia.

“I love the clothes; I am obsessed with clothes,” Bebber stated with a laugh, “I love being able to sell them, but I didn’t hand make those. I didn’t put my creativity and love into making them. The skincare products are different. They are mine, from start to finish.”

Iridescence began as a dream for Bebber, during the pandemic. She stated that she saw neighbors helping neighbors, and she also saw a number of new home based businesses being launched. Her idea was simple. Combine the two, and provide quality products, to friends and neighbors in the Appalachian region. After prayer, and discussion with her husband, John, Crissy took the leap and decided to go all in. Despite the main focus of her business being centered around serving the residents of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, she wants folks to know that Iridescence: the chic boutique will ship anywhere in the United States, and that the boutique even does custom orders on skin care products.

“Go visit our website, www.iridescence.shop, and have a look around. We have a lot to offer, and we are just getting started,” stated Bebber, when asked for a thought to leave with readers.

The post Iridescence in Lebanon, Virginia Launches Artisan Soap and Skincare Line appeared first on In Appalachia.

DUFFIELD, VA (OCTOBER 14, 2021) — A $100,000 grant to the Scott County Economic Development Authority to be used for workforce development and training needs to support an expansion by Tempur Sealy in that county which is projected to create 25 additional jobs within two years was closed recently by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA).

Tempur Sealy is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of bedding products. The company’s highly recognized brand portfolio includes Tempur-Pedic, Sealy® featuring Posturepedic® Technology, and Stearns & Foster®. Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, Tempur Sealy operates two manufacturing facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Duffield, Virginia, employing more than 5,000 throughout the United States, with more than 300 employees at its Duffield facility.

The Duffield facility was the first U.S. manufacturing plant for Tempur-Pedic, having been recruited to the area around 20 years ago by VCEDA, Scott County and the LENOWISCO planning district.

“On behalf of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, we would like to congratulate Tempur Sealy on its expansion in Scott County,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “Since locating in the region two decades ago, this operation has been a tremendous asset for the entire region, providing excellent employment opportunities for the citizens of Scott County and Southwest Virginia. We look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”

Tempur Sealy has expanded a number of times since opening in Scott County in 2001. Its latest expansion was first announced in March by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who noted Tempur Sealy International, Inc. would invest $16.7 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Scott County, increasing production to meet growing demand for its proprietary foam mattress and pillow products.

Virginia successfully competed with New Mexico for the project. The new expansion will enable the Duffield plant to increase its production and support the growth of Tempur Sealy products. The expansion is expected to be essentially complete by the end of the year and the capacity increase realized by 2022.

“We have developed a strong relationship with the community and we are fortunate to have a well-educated workforce committed to excellence in quality, safety, productivity and environmental compliance. I want to thank the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Scott County for facilitating this project,” said Scott Thompson, Tempur Sealy Chairman and CEO.

“We are tremendously proud of Tempur Sealy as they continue to invest and provide high paying jobs in Scott County and the region,” said Scott County Economic Development Director John Kilgore. “We are elated to provide support, once again, to Tempur Sealy on this fourth expansion of their facility, which is the largest manufacturing plant in the VCEDA region. Thank you to the dedicated people of Tempur Sealy, the Commonwealth of Vrginia, VCEDA, and TVA for continuing to support this quality manufacturing company.”

The $100,000 grant from VCEDA is being funded from the VCEDA Workforce Development and Training Fund, which is derived from the Coalfield Employment Enhancement Tax Credit.

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

The post VCEDA Grant to Scott County EDA Will Support Tempur Sealy Expansion appeared first on In Appalachia.

LEBANON, VA – OCTOBER 7, 2021 – An upscale salon to cater to the hair styling and beauty needs of area women is what Natasha Hughes had in mind when she began planning for her new business, Trendy Belle Salon in Lebanon, Va. With the help of a $6,500 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital matching grant, she outfitted the business and officially opened it this past June.

Now, in addition to her, one full-time and one part-time stylist are working in the salon as growing the customer base remains a primary focus.

“Trendy Belle Salon had a plan for growth from the beginning and has already started well on its way to achieving initial goals set to hire two employees within two years,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher.

Hughes noted the VCEDA seed capital grant had helped her with purchasing needed supplies, a waxing table, hair products for inventory and a light up sign for the 459 W. Main Street, Lebanon, Va., location.

In addition to accepting appointments, walk-ins are also welcome.

“In addition to all hair styling services, we offer spray tanning, eyelash extensions, full body waxing, teeth whitening and ear piercing,” Hughes said. “When I opened the salon, I was going for something a little different, a little more upscale. The seed capital grant helped in every way possible.

“It’s hard to start up,” she continued. “If I had not had the grant, it would have taken more time to get to where I am now.”

Previously, Hughes has worked as a vocational school cosmetology teacher, but added she was at a point in life that she found herself ready for change.

“I’m ready to up my game and move on,” Hughes said of opening her own business. “You could say I am chasing a dream.”

Looking to the future, Hughes said she hopes to add additional services like massage therapy within six months.

Giving back to the community, Hughes said is also important to her and that’s why in August, Trendy Belle Salon offered free back to school hair cuts for kids returning to the classroom.

Hughes worked with the Small Business Development Center at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in the development of her application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Russell County Industrial Development Authority.

“The Small Business Development Center staff at SWCC was excited to learn that Trendy Belle Salon had been awarded a VCEDA Seed Capital matching grant,” said SBDC Business Advisor Misty Bandy, The SWCC SBDC staff enjoyed working with owner, Natasha Hughes, to develop a business plan, pro forma financials, as well as business practices and strategies to open and sustain this modern salon that offers services to all members of the family.”

Bandy went on to note, statistics show the business survival rate of SBDC clients is dramatically higher than the average small business.

“With Mrs. Hughes’ willingness to take full advantage of all of the free and confidential services offered by the SWCC SBDC, she has set her business up to succeed,” Bandy said. “The SWCC SBDC appreciates the opportunity to help VCEDA applicants, like Trendy Belle Salon, to go into business and stay in business.”

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.

The post VCEDA Seed Capital Grant Approved for Trendy Belle Salon appeared first on In Appalachia.

GRUNDY, VA – OCTOBER 5, 2021 – When Raymond and Melissa Webb bought 30 acres of property on Hoot Owl Mountain in Buchanan County, Va., they did so with the intent to develop a cabin rental business and camping location — Country Road Cabin Rentals LLC — to augment lodging opportunities related to the Spearhead Trails’ Coal Canyon Trail. With ride-out access to the trail and to the town of Grundy, Raymond Webb said recently, they are already seeing a return on their investment as rentals are picking up and the property is becoming known.

Country Road Cabin Rentals LLC was a recent recipient of a $6,500 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital matching grant.

“As tourism has become an increasingly viable economic sector in Southwest Virginia, businesses like Country Road Cabin Rentals LLC have been able to take advantage of existing assets to provide a service and create jobs at the same time,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Country Road Cabin Rentals LLC projects creating up to two full-time jobs within two years.”

Raymond Webb noted that when the business first applied for the seed capital grant, the intent originally was to grade out the land for a second cabin or camping spot and while that has occurred, Webb said the couple used the grant toward the purchase of a camper to turn into an additional lodging unit available for rent.

“The grant took a little of the burden off of our development plans,” Webb said. “It has helped us to get things going and without it, we would not be as far along as we are now.”

The Webbs have been using Airbnb to rent the property and have been finding success with that.

“The biggest thing people seem to like is the privacy,” Webb said. “It’s out of the way, but close to town and has ride-out access to the trails.”

Webb worked with the Small Business Development Center at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in the development of his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority.

“Tourism has been a significant focus of economic development in southwestern Virginia for several years,” said SWCC SBDC Program Manager Margie Douglass. “The Small Business Development Center was pleased to work with Raymond Webb to secure a VCEDA Seed Capital Matching fund grant to enhance lodging opportunities near the Spearhead Trails in Buchanan County.”

Douglass noted the Seed Capital Matching Fund program not only provides funds for startup businesses in the VCEDA region, but also provides access to vital business resources. By working with the SBDC (a requirement for any applicant), business owners receive guidance from experienced advisors and learn how to utilize available tools to evaluate their business and develop a formal plan of action. As a result, applicants are better prepared to apply for funding and better equipped to make their business a success, she added.

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.

The post Country Road Cabin Rentals LLC Approved for VCEDA Seed Capital Grant appeared first on In Appalachia.

APPALACHIA, VA – SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 — From quick breads to cinnamon buns, pound cake to pretzels and more, Breads by Marla, operated by Big Stone Gap resident Marla Weitzman, has been a familiar sight at area farmer’s markets in the past, but now, with the help of a $6,500 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital matching grant, Breads by Marla is opening a commercial kitchen and supplying area restaurants with the breads Weitzman has become famous for in the region.

“Assisting entrepreneurs to grow their small businesses and to create new jobs is what VCEDA’s seed capital matching grant program is all about,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Breads by Marla was already working in the farmer’s market circuit, but had a solid business plan to work with area restaurants and expand to operate a commercial kitchen, in the process projecting to create one full time and three part-time jobs within five years.”

Weitzman noted the seed capital grant from VCEDA has assisted her in purchasing some of the materials she needed for the commercial kitchen at 520 West Main Street in Appalachia. From stainless steel work tables to anti-fatigue mats, to basic renovations, the grant, she said, has been valuable.

“The seed capital grant is what is making it possible for me to expand my business,” Weitzman said. “I could still keep baking for farmer’s markets out of my home kitchen, but without the commercial kitchen, approved by the Virginia Department of Health, I was unable to sell my products to area restaurants.”

The commercial kitchen officially opened earlier this month, making Weitzman, she said, the first commercial baker in the area.

“There are other bakeries, but they don’t do the things I do which are loaves of bread, from savory to sweet, pretzels to scones,” Weitzman said. “I can make anything as long as I find a good recipe for it.”

In addition to hiring a full-time employee to assist with the day-to-day management of the business, Weitzman noted she plans to work with the culinary school at MECC’s workforce center in Appalachia to bring in interns once that program is up and running. The space where the commercial kitchen is located is large enough to accommodate additional tenants and Weitzman said she is actively talking with others about utilizing the space in the building that she does not need for the commercial kitchen.

Weitzman noted she has already negotiated contracts with four area restaurants, including Big Stone Gap General Store, a prior VCEDA seed capital grant recipient; and Sugar Hill Cidery, another VCEDA-supported endeavor. Additionally, she takes special orders through her Facebook page.

Her advertising pitch on the Breads by Marla Facebook page is pretty simple, but says it all — “The best thing since sliced bread is someone else making it for you from scratch, right?”

From banana nut, zucchini and pumpkin breads with a cream cheese filling, to carrot with a cream cheese filling, cranberry orange, blueberry with a lemon glaze and s’mores, the quick breads menu offered by Breads by Marla is extensive.

Raised breads offered include sourdough, jalapeño popper and roasted garlic and rosemary bread.

Gluten-free breads are available and include sandwich bread and banana nut bread, only by pre-order.

At the farmers’ markets, she also offers single serve items including pound cake; chocolate babka; scones (raspberry, sour cherry and pumpkin spice); pretzels (salt, cinnamon, everything and garlic Parmesan); and cinnamon buns.

Her new location is in the center of town in Appalachia, next to the post office.

Weitzman worked with the Small Business Development Center at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in the development of her application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Wise County Industrial Development Authority.

“It is always great to see a lifelong dream come to life,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, director of the MECC Small Business Development Center. “Local and regional restaurants have a wonderful opportunity to utilize Marla’s Breads to offer some great dessert and baked options. She has built a strong reputation and the VCEDA Seed Capital Fund has allowed her to expand her dream into a viable business.”

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.

The post Breads by Marla Approved for VCEDA Seed Capital Grant appeared first on In Appalachia.

CEDAR BLUFF, VA – SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 – Assisting customers in the exploration of their creative talents and providing them with a ready source of craft supplies for a large variety of crafts was Linda Hamm’s goal as she started her new business, the Craft Connection, LLC.

The new business, which opened in April, is a paint your own pottery shop and also sells craft supplies, vinyl, yarns and thread from its location on 4415 Steelsburg Highway in Cedar Bluff. Craft Connection, LLC was a recent recipient of a $6,500 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) seed capital matching grant.

“Assisting entrepreneurs in the growth of their new businesses while at the same time creating jobs is the goal of VCEDA’s seed capital matching grant fund program,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Craft Connection LLC projects creating two full-time and two part-time jobs within three years.”

At Craft Connection, customers will find a ready stock of craft supplies from scissors and cutting mats to rotary cutting tools, diamond art, paint by number kits, mesh for weaths, yarn, vinyls and everyday and holiday-themed pottery pieces ready to paint on-site ranging in price from $5 to $50. Additionally, Hamm noted, the shop can also do lettering for custom signs.

Open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the Craft Connection also hosts several evening events focusing on a variety of crafts from wreath making to barn quilt square painting to string art and more. Classes and registration options are listed on the Craft Connection Facebook page, @craftconnection24609.

Hamm noted the Craft Connection space is also available to rent for pottery painting parties or other craft making events.

This past summer, Hamm offered a crafts program for kids once a week for a month, allowing them to come into the shop and complete an art project each week.

“The seed capital grant from VCEDA really helped us in a lot of ways,” Hamm said. “We used the funds to purchase a computer, a specialized printer and inventory.”

The business may be reached at 276-963-0397 or through Facebook Messenger.

Hamm worked with the Small Business Development Center at Southwest Virginia Community College in the development of her application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority.

SWCC SBDC Business Advisor Brittani Clarke Clayman noted the Seed Capital Matching Fund program not only provides funds for startup businesses in the VCEDA region, but also provides access to vital business resources. By working with the SBDC (a requirement for any applicant), business owners receive guidance from experienced advisors and learn how to utilize available tools to evaluate their business and develop a formal plan of action. As a result, applicants are better prepared to apply for funding and better equipped to make their business a success, she added.

“The SBDC team at SWCC was excited to learn that Craft Connection had been awarded a Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority seed capital matching grant,” Clayman said. “Current and budding artists will find supplies to nurture their development at this Cedar Bluff small business.”

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.

The post VCEDA Seed Capital Grant Approved for Craft Connection, LLC appeared first on In Appalachia.

Adopts Resolution Honoring Donald Baker

LEBANON, VA – SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 – Several loans and grants were approved during a meeting of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) board Thursday in Lebanon.

Board members welcomed their newest member, Kathy Still, of Norton, who was recently appointed by the governor to fill a vacant seat on the VCEDA board.

VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher gave the executive director’s report, updating board members on recent activity, noting staff is currently working on 53 active projects. Since the board’s last meeting in June, Belcher noted there had been two new industry announcements, several seed capital announcements and several other loan and grant-related announcements.

On the marketing front, Belcher noted in-person outreach activities have resumed as various conferences, trade shows and meetings are now being held again. Additionally, he said, a new “how to apply” seed capital video has been created to assist potential applicants to that program with understanding how the program works. Belcher also showed the board a new VCEDA ad promoting the region in Virginia Business magazine.

Belcher said staff has also been spending time on the Reenergize SWVA process being coordinated by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. VCEDA was identified in legislation creating the review process as a stakeholder in it.

VCEDA has also continued its involvement in the Energy Storage and Electrification Jobs Manufacturing Project. VCEDA is part of the collaborative GO Virginia funding initiative to help existing companies expand and to recruit new industries in the fields of energy storage and electrification manufacturing.

In other business, the VCEDA board approved funding for two yet to be announced industrial projects which will create a number of new manufacturing jobs in the region. Further information on these will be released as those projects are announced.

The board also approved an up to $150,000 grant to the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (SRRA) to be used to finance site development, building(s) construction and building(s) improvements, road, trail, picnic area and parking area improvements to assist with the continued development of the SRRA Sportsman’s Complex in Dickenson County.

In other business, a resolution honoring the service of former VCEDA chairman and long-time board member Donald Baker was adopted by the board.

Baker remains as the only individual to have ever been appointed to the VCEDA board by four different Virginia governors. The resolution commends Baker for his many years of service to the Town of Clintwood, Dickenson County and the entire region.

The VCEDA board also approved a number of tourism-related requests for funding from the VCEDA Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund, including the following:

An up to $50,000 grant for the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority for the development of the proposed Three Rivers Destination – Discovery Center was approved.
An up to $50,000 grant was approved for the Historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park in Tazewell County for site development, building(s) construction, expansion and rehabilitation to assist with the expansion and further development of the farm and transportation exhibit building.
An up to $50,000 grant was approved for the Theatre Guild of Buchanan County for building renovations and improvements, the purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment, stage construction and other improvements to assist with the development of the Theatre Guild of Buchanan County community theater project at the former Coca-Cola bottling facility at Vansant.
An up to $50,000 grant was approved for the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority to finance building renovations and improvements, the purchase of equipment and other improvements to assist with the development of the Spearhead Trails Adventure Recreation Center at Coeburn.
An up to $50,000 grant was approved for the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority to assist with the development of a splash pad recreational area at Clintwood.
An up to $50,000 grant for the Town of Clintwood was approved to be used to finance site development, the installation of utilities, access road construction, paving, camp site construction and other improvements to develop a new RV campground.

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

The post VCEDA Board Approves Loans, Grants; Adopts Resolution Honoring Donald Baker appeared first on In Appalachia.