VCEDA Board Approves $1.65 Million for 26 Projects in 7 Counties
A total of $1.65 million in funding was approved for 26 new projects, including 19 seed capital matching grant projects, during a meeting of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Board in Lebanon, VA, June 18. Projects were funded in all seven counties in the VCEDA region.
Tim Stuller Recognized
Retiring VCEDA board member Tim Stuller, vice president of regional talent solutions and business outreach at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), was recognized in late June for his service to the VCEDA Board as he also retires from VEDP. He was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation recognizing his outstanding service in economic development and for his service on the VCEDA board. Pictured are VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, Stuller and VCEDA Board Chaiman Greg Edwards.
State Budget Includes $7 Million for Coalfields Expressway
Seven million in funding to continue construction on a connector segment of the Coalfields Expressway in Buchanan County, VA, was approved in the Virginia state budget finalized in Richmond, VA.
Summer Fancy Food Show Held
VCEDA Business Development Specialists Diane Thomas and Charlotte Mullins were in attendance June 28-30 at the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City, NY. The event, now in its 70th year, brought together specialty food professionals, manufacturers, early-stage makers, retail buyers, restauranteurs, distributors, investors, brokers and more for what was billed as “the industry’s premier product discovery event.” This year’s show featured 13,000 attendees and 2,500 exhibitors.
Local Economic Developers Meet in Russell County
VCEDA held its local economic developers meeting June 26 in Russell County, VA at the VCEDA office in Lebanon. Our local economic developers meet quarterly, giving us an opportunity as a region to discuss our marketing and trade show plans with our partners across Southwest Virginia’s e-Region. It also gives us all an opportunity to hear updates on the exciting projects ongoing in each of our seven-member counties (Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Tazewell, Lee, Scott and Wise) and the City of Norton.
Sen. Warner Visits Buchanan County
VCEDA was in attendance July 1 at a meeting with Sen. Mark Warner and community leaders hosted at the Southern Gap Transportation and Logistics Center. VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher introduced Warner at the event, following a welcome by Southwest Virginia Community College President, Dr. Clint Hayes.
During his remarks, Warner noted he had been a long-time supporter of the Coalfields Expressway project.
ESEM Group Meets
The Energy Storage and Electrification Manufacturing Jobs Project (ESEM) group, of which VCEDA has been a member, met in June at the VCEDA office in Lebanon, VA, to discuss the most recent phase of the multi-year initiative. In attendance were ESEM members Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/ general counsel; Adam Wells, Appalachian Voices; Billie Roberts, Resolute Advisory Group; Jeff Mansour, Thompson Foundation; Scotty Wampler, Cumberland Plateau Planning District; and Vivek Shinde Patil, Ascent Virginia. Manufacturing companies taking part in the program included Simmons Equipment Co., West River Conveyors, Lawrence Brothers, Inc., Paul’s Fans, Buchanan Pump Services and AMR PEMCO.
Grant to SWCC Will Assist with Workforce Development, Training
A $54,736.35 grant from the VCEDA Civil Penalties Fund was recently used to develop infrastructure and improvements at the Breaks Interstate Park, including replastering and repairs of the waterpark.
CFX Authority Executive Director Delivers Remarks at CTB Meeting
Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority Executive Director Jonathan Belcher attended and delivered remarks related to the Virginia CFX project during a meeting of the Commonwealth Transportation Board in July in Bristol, VA. He provided a general update on the CFX project and thanked the board and VDOT for their continued support, stressing the importance of the project to economic development in Southwest Virginia’s e-Region.
Retiring Russell County IDA Executive Director Recognized for Service
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher presented Ernie McFaddin, who recently retired as executive director of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority, a certificate of recognition for McFaddin’s outstanding contributions to the economic development of Russell County and Southwest Virginia. Also pictured, from left, are Tony Dodi, mayor of Lebanon and a member of the Russell County IDA; McFaddin; Belcher; and Ron Blankenship, chairman of the Russell County IDA.
$95,000 Grant Approved to Expand Breaks Park River Access
An up to $95,000 grant to the Breaks Interstate Park from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) will help to expand river access within the park. The grant, closed recently, will be used to develop infrastructure and improvements at the park’s Ratliff Hole River Access area. Improvements planned include renovation of restroom facilities, repaving of the entrance road and parking lot and bank stabilization.
Value-Added Dairy Conference Held
VCEDA Business Development Specialists Diane Thomas and Charlotte Mullins represented VCEDA at the Southeast Value-Added Dairy Conference (SEVAD) in Knoxville, TN. The conference provided educational and networking opportunities for dairy business owners, researchers, extension professionals and industry partners. The conference focused on a variety of topics including value-added dairy product development and entrepreneurship.
Housing Workshops Held
VCEDA was pleased to be in attendance at two Southwest Virginia Regional Housing Policy Workshops held recently — one at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) and one at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC). The meetings focused on the newly released Southwest Virginia Housing Report prepared by the Incremental Development Alliance Team.
The report and the meetings examined housing challenges and opportunities facing all seven counties and the City of Norton in Southwest Virginia’s e-Region. VCEDA Funds Administrator Marketta Horton represented VCEDA at the SWCC workshop and VCEDA Marketing Coordinator Susan Copeland represented VCEDA at the MECC workshop.
Summer VEDA Meeting Held in Blacksburg
VCEDA was in attendance and was an exhibitor in early June at the Virginia Economic Developers Association Summer meeting in Blacksburg, VA. Topics of discussion included energy resilience, infrastructure, higher education and housing. The meeting also included the presentation of Main Street awards. Representing VCEDA at the conference were Economic Development Specialist Angie Farmer, Business Development Specialists Charlotte Mullins and Diane Thomas and Executive Director/General Counsel, Jonathan Belcher.
VCEDA Hosts VEDA in Lebanon
VCEDA was pleased to host members of the Virginia Economic Developers Association in Lebanon earlier this summer as the VEDA group met with its members in the region as part of a statewide tour to learn more about the various regions of the state and how VEDA might assist in economic development efforts. VEDA’s theme for 2026 is “Stronger Connections. Stronger Communities. Stronger Virginia.”
Lee County Civil War Trails Marker Dedicated
A new trails marker and monument commemorating the Civil War Battle of Jonesville was dedicated recently in Lee County, VA. VCEDA provided a grant of $1,750 from its Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund, which helped make the project possible. The new sign will help residents, students, and visitors better understand the January 3, 1864 Battle of Jonesville and will strengthen Lee County’s growing Civil War Trails presence. VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher represented VCEDA at the event. He is pictured here with Greg Edwards, chairman of the VCEDA board/Lee County Economic Development Authority.
Eaton Power Solutions, LLC
Off-grid solar energy solutions for homes, businesses and remote infrastructure utilizing locally manufactured portable solar trailers is what Joshua Eaton’s new business, Eaton Power Solutions, LLC provides to those seeking an alternative energy source in the region.
Seagull Seafood LLC
A unique, coastal-inspired dining experience in a community-centered environment is what Ahmed Darwish set out to create when he opened Seagull Seafood LLC earlier this year in Bluefield, VA.
Blue Nose Aerial Imaging of Southwest Virginia
Professional drone-based aerial imaging, photogrammetry, mapping inspection and media service is now available in Russell County, VA as Jeremy and Roxanna Hill open Roadhouse Operations LLC, operating at Blue Nose Aerial Imaging of Southwest Virginia.