Economic Forum Held in Wise, VA
VCEDA was pleased to be in attendance at and to be a sponsor of the annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum held at UVA Wise. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and Del. Terry Kilgore were keynote speakers. A panel, featuring Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery; Virginia Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Jason El Koubi; Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Director Tamarah Holmes; Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity Director Eric Lin; and Virginia Tourism Corporation President and CEO Rita McCleny explored the topic of how Virginia’s state agencies are investing in rural. This year’s forum theme was “Rooted & Rising,” exploring how Southwest Virginia can honor its deep community foundations while advancing bold, forward-looking economic growth.
MCPA Conference Held in Roanoke, WV
VCEDA was a sponsor of and exhibitor at the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association annual conference & expo in Roanoke, WV, May 18-20. Pictured are VCEDA Board members, J.P. Richardson, left and Barbara Altizer, right, who is also the executive director of education and outreach for MPCA, In the center is Cathy St. Clair, VCEDA communications coordinator. The conference focused on the importance of Met Coal and steel with a theme of “Redefining Resilience.”
VCEDA Grant Will Assist in Workforce Development of Two UVA Wise Pilot Programs
An up to $230,016 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) will be used for workforce development and training for Hospitality and Tourism Management and Culinary, Restaurant and Event Management trainee pilot programs at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
VCEDA, Partners Attend SelectUSA
Business Development Specialists Charlotte Mullins, left and Diane Thomas, right, were at SelectUSA in National Harbor, MD, representing VCEDA and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region this week, along with Wise County IDA Executive Director Brian Falin; Scott County Economic Development Director John Kilgore; and Tazewell County Economic Development Director Tim Danielson.
The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the highest profile event in the United States dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment and is designed to facilitate business investment by connecting thousands of investors, companies, economic development organizations (EDOs) and industry experts. This year’s meeting drew more than 5,500 attendees, including more than 2,700 business investors with representation from 100-plus countries. Panel sessions at the event included industry experts who provided insight and advice on how companies can make their move to the U.S.
Grant Will Assist with Jettie Baker Center HVAC Improvements
An up to $50,000 grant from 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.
Grant to Wise County IDA Will Assist with St. Paul Revitalization Project
A $25,000 grant from VCEDA to the Wise County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) will help to connect the Deen Building in St. Paul, VA to public sewer service as part of an overall revitalization project in downtown St. Paul. The building, located at16619 Riverside Drive in St. Paul, VA, is one of the buildings identified as part of the ongoing downtown revitalization of the Western Front area of St. Paul.
CFX Authority Board Hears Project Updates
The current status of the Coalfields Expressway (CFX) project in Virginia as well as planning for its future were among the topics of discussion during a recent meeting of the Virginia CFX Authority Board in Wise, VA.
Data Center World Trade Show Held in Washington, D.C.
Business Development Specialists Diane Thomas and Charlotte Mullins represented VCEDA at Data Center World’s 2026 trade show in Washington, D.C., April 20-23. Also attending was Tazewell County IDA Economic Development Director Tim Danielson. While at the show, the group had the opportunity to meet with various manufacturers of data center components and to hear the latest in industry trends.
Grant Assists with Breaks Park Waterpark Replaster Project
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.
Local Economic Developers Meet
VCEDA recently held its local economic developers meeting in Wise County, VA! A big thank you to Wise County IDA Executive Director Brian Falin for hosting the meeting. 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 and it 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.
VCEDA Attends DHCD Event
VCEDA was pleased to attend a welcome reception for new leadership of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The event, held at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center in Abingdon, VA, was hosted by the Friends of Southwest Virginia. In attendance by DHCD were Dr. Tamarah Holmes, DHCD director; Cass Rasnick, chief operating officer; and Peter Mahoney, senior advisor. VCEDA Business Development Specialist Diane Thomas represented VCEDA at the event.
Women's Leadership Forum Held
Business Development Specialists Charlotte Mullins and Diane Thomas represented VCEDA at the 2026 Virginia Women’s Leadership Forum, May 11-12, 2026, at The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville, VA. The highly curated forum was designed to foster meaningful peer connections and provide direct engagement with site selectors in a collaborative setting.
Solar Workgroup Community Meeting Held in Lebanon
VCEDA was pleased to be in attendance at the recent Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia community meeting held at the Town of Lebanon Recreational Center. The event focused on solar energy educational and training opportunities in Southwest Virginia. Business Development Specialists Diane Thomas, front row, left; and Charlotte Mullins, front row, right, represented VCEDA at the event. VCEDA is a member of the Solar Workgroup.
Andrews River Outfitters, LLC
Helping Southwest Virginia residents and those outside the region explore and take advantage of the fishing opportunities on the Clinch, Holston and Powell Rivers is what Richard Andrews is seeking to do with the opening of his new fishing guide service business, Andrews River Outfitters, LLC, in Nickelsville, VA. The business projects one full-time employee and two part-time employees within three years.
Walker's Xplicit Diesel LLC
Offering mobile repair service for diesel trucks and equipment in Tazewell County, VA, is what sets Walker’s Xplicit Diesel LLC apart from other repair shops, according to owner, Joshua Walker. From cars and trucks to farm equipment, Walker offers repair service that comes to his clients. The business projects 10 full-time employees and five part-time employees within five years.
Southern Sheds & Structures, LLC
Basic and customized sheds, chicken coups, dog kennels and more are what Southern Sheds & Structures, LLC, produces. Built on-site, the sheds are then transported to their final destinations based on customer locations. The business projected one full-time employee and six part-time employees within five years in its application, but has already exceeded that projection and has currently reported five full-time employees.
Gap Antique Parlor LLC
When Patrick Ryan set out to open Gap Antique Parlor in Big Stone Gap, VA, he had in mind opening an antique vendor mall with true antiques, vintage goods, cultural workshops and a vinyl record store and listening room. The new business is located in the historic three-story Minor building at 301 Wood Ave., East, which Ryan has been renovating to accommodate up to 125 antique/vintage vendor booths. Plans are to open during the month of July. The business itself projects three full-time and two part-time employees within five years.
Holy Smokes BBQ and More
When Judy Money set out to open a business in the Honaker, VA area, at her farm atop Big A Mountain, she wanted to combine sustainable farming practices with her family’s love of southern-style slow smoked barbecue. She set up Seven Sacred Acres, LLC, DBA as Holy Smokes BBQ and More — what she describes as a farm-to-table agricultural business which also operates a mobile BBQ catering service available for events, festivals, weddings and more. The business projects three full-time and four part-time employees within five years.