VCEDA 2024 Annual Report Highlights Projects Expansions Projected to Create 487 Jobs
Funds for Appalachian Family Care, LLC Telehealth Initiative Approved
Appalachian Family Care, LLC, an established healthcare provider in Buchanan County, VA will expand its capabilities to include telehealth services due to an up to $9,142 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority approved in February during a meeting of the VCEDA board in Lebanon, VA.
$4.58 Million in Loans, Grants Approved for Five Projects
Two loans and three grants which combined totaled more than $4.58 million were approved in February during a meeting of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority board in Lebanon, VA.
VCEDA Sponsors Rural Caucus Breakfast
VCEDA was pleased to be one of the sponsors and to be in attendance at the Virginia Rural Center Rural Caucus Legislative Breakfast in Richmond, VA at the end of January. A number of legislators stopped by the breakfast, as did their legislative aides and agency heads. VCEDA Marketing Ambassador Cathy St. Clair attended on behalf of VCEDA.
Quarterly Local Developers Meeting Held
VCEDA held its quarterly meeting with local economic developers in early February in Norton, VA, at the High Knob Destination Center. In addition to hearing local updates from developers in the seven-county, one-city area which comprises Southwest Virginia’s e-Region, updates were also given on 2024 calendar year activities by VCEDA which included 33 outreach events, 190 inquiries, 36 prospect visits and approvals of loans and grants creating facility expansions and new jobs.
MCPA Breakfast Held in Richmond, VA
VCEDA was pleased to help sponsor and to be in attendance at the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association (MCPA) legislative breakfast in late January in Richmond, VA. MCPA President Ben Beakes welcomed attendees to the breakfast. Sen. Travis Hackworth spoke briefly and introduced Virginia Speaker of the House Don Scott who talked about the importance of metallurgical coal in making steel and his understanding of what the industry contributes to the Virginia economy in terms of jobs and taxes across the state from the mines in Southwest Virginia to the port in the eastern part of Virginia.
VCEDA Helps Sponsor SWVA Legislative Reception Held in Richmond in January
VCEDA was pleased to take part in and to help sponsor the Southwest Virginia Legislative Reception January 29 in Richmond, VA. A number of VCEDA representatives were in attendance including, from left, VCEDA board members, Matthew Hill, Scotty Wampler, Brian Hess, Duane Miller, Chirs Hall, Barbara Altizer, J.P. Richardson and Tim Stuller. Also attending was Cathy St. Clair, VCEDA marketing ambassador (not pictured). Southwest Virginia residents, government officials and business representatives attended the reception held at the Virginia State Library where they had the opportunity to network with state and agency officials and to hear from Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.
Winter Fancy Food Show Held in Nevada
VCEDA attended the 49th Winter Fancy Food Show, the first major expo of the year for the food industry, January 19-21, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. The show features opportunities for discovery, networking and trendspotting. The 2025 event brought together 12,000 manufacturers, retailers, distributors, chefs, foodservice pros, investors, media and more under one roof. VCEDA Business Development Specialist Diane Thomas and VCEDA Marketing Ambassador Charlotte Mullins represented VCEDA at the event. Pictured with Mullins is Nancy Gall, founder of Nancy’s Candy, in Meadows of Dan, VA.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Triple J Angus Farms, LP
Providing excellent quality, affordable beef to its customers is the primary goal of Triple J Angus Farms LP in Tazewell County, VA, according to Grace Fuller, who operates the new business along with her husband, John; and mother-in-law, Judy.
Franco’s Gate City Bistro, LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Authentic Italian food and international dish specialties to appeal to locals and tourists alike are what patrons of Franco’s Gate City Bistro, LLC will find when they visit the new restaurant and bar on 114 West Jackson Street in Gate City, VA, according to Franco’s owner, Frank Wynne.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Stay Fly Drone Service, LLC
From search and rescue, to photography, videography and more, Joshua and Kelli Stevens offer a variety of services utilizing drone technology and have plans to expand their drone fleet as their new business, Stay Fly Drone Service, LLC, grows.
MT.3D Printing Approved for Seed Capital Grant
When Kevin Frantz thinks about 3D printing, he sees it as an emerging field. He first entered the world of 3D printing as a hobbyist, but soon found out there were applications for its use in many arenas — including toy making — which led to his decision to start MT.3D Printing as a new business in Pennington Gap, VA.