$3 Million in VCEDA Funds Will Be Used To Develop Modular Housing Manufacturing Facility in Russell
A modular housing production facility which also focuses on construction training and education will soon be coming to Russell County, due in part to an up to $3 million loan recently approved by VCEDA to the Russell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP), a 501 c3 non-profit corporation formed in 2024 by the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, has been working with the IDA on the project which anticipates the creation of 89 jobs within five years.
Governor Announces VFP Expansion in Scott County
Gov. Youngkin was in Scott County October 21 to make an announcement on a planned VFP, Inc. expansion. VFP, Inc., a producer of custom-designed enclosures used to protect critical infrastructure, will invest $35 million to expand its operations in Scott County. This latest expansion is expected to create 200 new jobs at VFP’s Duffield manufacturing campus.
VCEDA Closes on $1.6 Million in Grants for Buchanan County Southern Gap Projects
Three grants totaling $1.6 million to benefit projects at Southern Gap in Buchanan County were closed by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority (IDA). The three projects include up to $1 million to be used to finance site development and infrastructure for a new 130-acre mixed-use development within Phase II of the Southern Gap Industrial Park; up to $500,000 to be used to finance site development and infrastructure for a proposed commercial area at Southern Gap; and up to $100,000 to be used to finance site development and infrastructure for a proposed housing development at Southern Gap.
nexEO Event Held
VCEDA was a sponsor and participated in the nexEO event held Oct. 2-3 in Abingdon, VA at the EO center. Jason El Koubi. President and CEO, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, was a speaker on a panel, New Voices Talks/Stay Together: The Work of Belonging and Building Thriving Communities. VCEDA Marketing Coordinator Susan Copeland represented VCEDA at the event and participated in breakout sessions that challenged the group to plan for the future in their communities: “If money was no object, what would you like to see happen in your community/region in the next 20 years?” EO described the conference as “more than a conversation – it’s about building a future worth staying for.”
VCEDA Grant Approved to Assist with Development of Buchanan County Day Care Facility
An up to $120,000 grant to be used to finance a planning study for a proposed child day care facility in Buchanan County was closed recently to the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA).
VCEDA, Scott County EDA Close on $100,000 Housing Development Grant
An up to $100,000 grant from the VCEDA Regional Account to be used to finance site development and infrastructure including the installation of utilities for a proposed housing development at the Riverside Development in Scott County was recently closed between VCEDA and the Scott County Economic Development Authority (EDA).
SVAM Awards Presented
VCEDA was a sponsor and attended the 2025 Southwest Virginia Manufacturing Awards Banquet presented by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, Inc. (SVAM) Oct. 2 at the Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. VFP received three awards at the annual event; and Chris Viers, general manager of West River Conveyors, was honored as the Manufacturing Employee of the Year.
Sunset Holler Amphitheater Groundbreaking Held
VCEDA was pleased to be in attendance and to speak at the recent groundbreaking for the Sunset Holler Amphitheater project at Southern Gap in Buchanan County. The new amphitheater, when constructed, is expected to seat 2,500. VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher commended Asher McGlothlin and his colleagues for their vision for the amphitheater. VCEDA was one of the funders on the project, having previously approved funding from the VCEDA Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund.
Governor's Summit on Rural Prosperity Held
VCEDA was a sponsor of and exhibitor at the Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity held in October in Hanover County, VA. Business Development Specialists Charlotte Mullins and Diane Thomas represented VCEDA at the event.
7x24 Exchange Fall Conference Focus on AI
Business Development Specialists Charlotte Mullins and Diane Thomas recently represented VCEDA at the 7×24 Exchange fall conference in San Antonio, TX. This year’s conference focused on the impact of AI, data center AI infrastructure, uses, needs and more with a particular emphasis on end-to-end reliability.
ACI Awards Banquet Held
VCEDA was a table sponsor and attended the Appalachian Council for Innovation 2025 annual awards banquet and gala Oct. 15 at the Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. ACI Executive Director John Bebber recognized VCEDA for its support for an innovative simulated workforce program ACI is working on with Wise County schools.
River Hill Farms Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Developing a premier fly fishing destination along Big Cedar Creek in Lebanon, VA is the goal Judson Hill has as Harwood Cavalier Properties LLC, dba River Hill Farms, works to build a fishing lodge and fishing guide service on 65 acres which fronts a one-mile stretch of pristine waters teeming with wild rainbow and brown trout.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat, LLC
Bringing people together to make unforgettable memories in the great outdoors is the goal Sarah and Jonathan Romeo have in mind as they develop Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat, a special events and luxury camping venue in Tazewell County, expected to open next summer.
Two Sweet Bees, LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Increasing the production of honey — for sale on site, as well as in a variety of stores throughout Scott County, VA — is the focus Tilden and Jennifer Nash have as they work toward expanding sales throughout the region; offering bee pollinator services to local farms; hosting beekeeping workshops; and growing their new business, Two Sweet Bees, LLC.