LEBANON, VA – AUGUST 30, 2024 – Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher has been named to the Virginia Business Power 500 listing for the third year in a row.
The 2024-2025 list recognizes what the magazine defines as Virginia’s most powerful leaders across 21 sectors ranging from real estate and manufacturing to higher education and federal contracting.
Southwest Virginia honorees in addition to Belcher in this year’s edition include Donna Henry, Elizabeth McClanahan, Jim McGlothlin, Will Payne, Clyde Stacy and Allie Evangelista.
Belcher’s work in economic development was recognized by the magazine, which also took note of his leadership as executive director of the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority. Belcher became executive director of VCEDA in 2006 and was named executive director of the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority in 2020.
The magazine noted two notable job announcements in the past year including 170 jobs at Tate in St. Paul, VA in its access floors division, announced in November 2023; and 75 retained jobs and a projection for new jobs accompanying natural gas company CNX Resources’ October 2023 new headquarters location announcement in Richlands, VA.
Additionally, the magazine recognized efforts under his leadership with the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority which recently landed $7 million in federal funds and an additional $1.7 million from the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors. Together, the funds will be used to widen the expressway to four lanes from Southern Gap to Grundy.
Belcher is a graduate of Morehead State University and holds a law degree from William and Mary.
“I am humbled by the recognition and I feel honored to be listed among so many leaders in our Commonwealth,” Belcher said. “It takes a team of dedicated individuals to create economic development opportunities in our region and I am proud to be a part of that team. I congratulate the others who were also named to the list in the various categories the magazine considered.
“The VCEDA board is tasked with helping our region to grow and diversify and the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority Board is tasked with helping to advance what I would argue is one of the most critical road projects in the state,” Belcher continued. “The vision and dedication of the men and women who serve on both of these boards is evident when you look at the growth occurring and the accomplishments made through the years. I am proud to do my part to assist in that growth and I look forward to the great things we will accomplish in the future.”
The complete Power 500 listing in Virginia Business Magazine may be found at https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/virginia-500-the-2024-25-power-list/
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.