Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that the Town of Chase City in VGA will be awarded $232,002 from the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF) for the Chase City Colgate Square. The VBAF provides either grants or loans to local governments to restore and redevelop brownfield sites and address environmental problems or obstacles to their reuse in an effort to effectively attract new economic development prospects. Administered by the Virginia Resources Authority, the VBAF is a partnership between the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Department of Environmental Quality.
Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced more than $24.7 million in 20 Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) grants. IRF grants provide gap financing for construction projects aligned with local and regional economic development strategies, primarily in distressed communities.
“The transformation of older, vacant or blighted structures into productive, usable spaces is crucial to catalyzing economic growth to create thriving communities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The Industrial Revitalization Fund continues to be an important resource for those redevelopment efforts, spurring regional partnerships, economic development and job growth across the Commonwealth.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that FyberX Holdings ("FyberX"), a developer of technology to process raw agricultural biomass into refined natural fibers, will invest $17.5 million to establish its U.S. headquarters and production operation in the former Kinderton Distribution Center building in Mecklenburg County. The new facility will process hemp and other agricultural products, producing fibers to supply the textile industry, and will create 45 new jobs.
"This industry is an emerging market in the United States, and I welcome the opening of the headquarters of FyberX which will unlock its growth potential in the Commonwealth," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "This industry provides a sustainable alternative for industrial and consumer products that will also bring economic benefits to Virginia communities and farmers, and we look forward to a successful partnership with FyberX.
VGA's Monica Elder (second from right) is one of the first 22 graduates of the Virginia Women's Municipal Leadership Institute. Elder is Economic Developer for Charlotte County, one of VGA's valued member localities.
A partnership between the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center and Virginia Women Leading Government, the institute is designed to strengthen the career pipeline for female community leaders. Across Virginia, only 17 percent of top government positions are held by women, according to the Local Government Diversity Dashboard.
Brunswick County recently held the 25th annual Taste of Brunswick Festival, a free event for those who attend the World Championship Brunswick Stew Cook-off and surrounding activities. The family-friendly festival offers cultural insight and educational opportunities, and further promotes the tradition of Brunswick Stew as proclaimed by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988, House Joint Resolution 35, affirming Brunswick County Virginia as the place of origin of Brunswick Stew.
The New York Times featured an article about the festival's 25th Anniversary, and the history and culture surrounding the stew. Learn more about this beloved Southern classic and prepare to be hungry!
Governor Glenn Youngkin Participates in the Grand Opening at Mecklenburg County Middle School and High School on Friday, August 5, 2022. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in the official grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Mecklenburg County Middle School and High School, a best-in-class joint school made possible by the community, on August 6, 2022. The Governor also ceremonially signed HB 563 sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Israel O'Quinn, R-Washington, and SB 473 and SB 471 sponsored by Senator Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.
"These schools demonstrate how a community can come together not only to build a state-of-the-art facility but to invest in their children and transform their workforce," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "And through the bipartisan coalition that unanimously advanced these bills, we are delivering on our commitment to support vibrant, 21st Century educational environments across the Commonwealth. This is what happens when we put our students first; we're getting it done together."
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