CLINTWOOD, VA – MAY 5, 2026 — An up to $50,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) will be used toward financing the replacement of the HVAC system at the Jettie Baker Center in the Town of Clintwood, VA.
The Town of Clintwood owns and operates the Jettie Baker Center which is a high-tech, multi-functional performance and events theater venue located at 348 Main Street in downtown Clintwood.
“Originally built in the 1940s as the Mullins Theater, the Jettie Baker Center was donated to the town years ago and under the leadership of the late Mayor Donald Baker, a former chairman of VCEDA, the theater underwent extensive renovations and improvements to transform it,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Through the VCEDA Tourism Capital Improvement fund, we are pleased to continue to support the theater project and the benefits it offers for both locals and tourists alike.”
Regular programming has been held at the Jettie Baker Center for many years now. Businesses in Clintwood and the surrounding area — including lodging and dining establishments — benefit from the center’s location in Clintwood through increased foot traffic in the town.
The current HVAC system at the center is more than 25 years old and is now inoperable and needs to be replaced with a new 40-ton HVAC system. The VCEDA funds approved recently will be matched by the town with up to $50,000 to cover the total project cost estimate of $85,000 to $100,000.
VCEDA also previously provided grant support to the Jettie Baker Center to assist with the installation of a new digital LED marquee sign.
“The Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority proudly supports the Jettie Baker Center and the unique experience it brings to our community,” said Dana Cronkhite, Dickenson County IDA executive director. “We are thankful for the support of partners like VCEDA and share a vision for continued investment in projects that enhance quality of life and tourism in Dickenson County.”
“The Town of Clintwood would like to thank VCEDA for the $50,000 matching grant for the Jettie Baker Center’s heating and cooling system,” said Clintwood Mayor Danny Lambert. “The grant is a major investment in the future of the center. This funding will help ensure the facility remains comfortable and ready to serve our community for years to come.”
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.
(PHOTO CAPTION: VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher presents a ceremonial check representing an up to $50,000 VCEDA grant to be used toward financing the replacement of the HVAC system at the Jettie Baker Center in the Town of Clintwood, VA to Clintwood Mayor Danny Lambert.)