Tate Expands U.S. Manufacturing Footprint, Bringing New Jobs to Russell County
Tate, a Kingspan company and global leader in mission-critical data center infrastructure solutions, has announced an expansion of its U.S. manufacturing operations with the acquisition of a 131,000-square-foot facility in Lebanon, VA. Tate will occupy the former Alcoa manufacturing building, which has been acquired and renovated through a collaborative effort led by the Russell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA).
VCEDA Board Approves Loans, Grants for Projects in 7 Counties
A total of $3.5 million in loans and $279,736 in grants, including 16 seed capital matching grants for $10,000 each were approved by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) during the December 18, 2025 meeting of the board in Lebanon, VA.
Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority Board Hears Preliminary Engineering Study Findings
Findings in a preliminary engineering study of the proposed Coalfields Expressway route recently conducted by Richmond, VA-based ATCS were presented in December during a meeting of the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority in Lebanon, VA. The study identified 24 potential funding opportunities to pursue and found “completion of the Coalfields Expressway would provide long-term transportation, economic and safety benefits” and further, that “the corridor is well-positioned to support regional transition … strengthen industrial and workforce mobility and improve overall resiliency and access for historically underserved communities.”
Virginia Economic Summit & Forum on International Trade Held
The Virginia Economic Summit & Forum on International Trade wrapped up December 5 in Richmond, VA. VCEDA Business Development Specialists Diane Thomas and Charlotte Mullins represented VCEDA at the event which was co-hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. This year’s forum brought together business leaders, elected officials and economic experts to explore Virginia’s position in the global economy and how international trade strengthens long-term growth. The chamber’s Blueprint Virginia 2035 was also officially unveiled at the meeting which also featured keynote remarks by Virginia Gov.-Elect Abigail Spannberger.
Grant Will Assist with Dickenson County Incubator Project
A $42,500 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) will assist in the development of a small business incubator space at the Dickenson Center for Education and Research (DCER) in Clintwood, VA.
VEDA Winter Meeting Held
VCEDA Business Development Specialists Diane Thomas and Charlotte Mullins were in Richmond, VA, December 4, representing VCEDA at the Virginia Economic Development Association (VEDA) winter meeting. Keynote presentations at the meeting, which drew in economic developers from around the Commonwealth, included those focusing on “Catalyzing Innovation and Growth Through Entrepreneurial Ecosystems;” “Tariffs and Trade Wars: Navigating Uncertainty in Global Markets;” and a 2026 platform overview as part of VEDA’s public policy update.
Local Economic Developers Meeting Held
VCEDA held its local economic developers meeting in December in Tazewell County, VA at Southwest Virginia Community College. A big thank you to Tazewell County IDA Executive Director Tim Danielson and to Tazewell County Economic Development Manager Ashley Harris 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 Grant Will Assist Buchanan County IDA Starlink Internet Project
An up to $125,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Telehealth Fund to the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) will soon be used to finance the provision of Starlink Internet service to eligible unserved and/or underserved citizens with telehealth and telemedicine needs in Buchanan County. Eligible households will receive the equipment necessary to provide them with the service through an agreement between the IDA and Appalachian Broadband Innovators.
VCEDA Grant Will Assist with SWCC Workforce Development Training Needs
A $250,000 grant to be used for workforce development needs at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) was recently closed between the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) and the college’s educational foundation.
First Cohort of LEAD SWVA Graduates
VCEDA was pleased to be in attendance to celebrate the first Lead Southwest Virginia cohort graduation. Mike Quillen was the keynote speaker and talked about economic development challenges and solutions in Southwest Virginia as well as sector growth opportunities for light manufacturing and energy. The graduates had a variety of capstone projects. John Rose, BRIDGE — Regional Economic Development and a Ballad Health representative also spoke at the event.
VCEDA Economic Development Specialist Completes Course
Congratulations to VCEDA Economic Development Specialist Angie Farmer, who recently completed the Virginia Tech Institute for Economic Development, a continuing and professional education program. Angie joined the VCEDA staff earlier this year and has been doing a fantastic job!