Rick Weddle, President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA), was the guest speaker at Isle of Wight’s State of the County Breakfast on June 5th. Weddle spoke about the future growth of the Hampton Roads region and echoed Economic Development Director Tom Elder’s words when he said the County is “extremely well positioned to attract new business growth in the industrial and retail sectors.” HREDA markets the region to attract jobs and companies. Isle of Wight is under consideration for two out of seven active projects in the region. The annual State of the County event, which is hosted by the Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce, also included development updates from the Towns of Smithfield and Windsor. MORE

This video summarizes the current state of affairs in Isle of Wight County and highlights public service projects that exemplify the new motto: "A Community of Choice that Cares", which focuses on Choice, Accountability, Rural Heritage, Excellence and Service.

Jeb Bonnett, owner/operator of Jeb’s Market, a local meat market, was named 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Isle of Wight County Department of Economic Development in conjunction with its annual Business Appreciation Month celebration.

Jeb, his daughter Lisa, and wife Chae, came to Carrollton to realize their dream of becoming a part of the proud meat heritage for which Southeastern Virginia is renowned. They opened the meat market in 2001 and are known as “The Butcher, the Baker and the Korean Food Maker.” In September 2017, Bonnett attained a USDA Grant of Inspection to produce products for wholesale.

The Bonnett team cures and smokes meats, sausages and other food products. Many of these products have achieved the Virginia's Finest® designation, including the Cherry Smoked Ham, Country Ham, Cottage Bacon, Smoked Sausages, Beef Jerky, Beef and Pork Bulgogi, and most recently two out of seven BBQ Sauces.  MORE

Quality Aire Coming to Former IOW/Franklin Skating Rink
 

Quality Aire Company has purchased the former IOW/Franklin Skating Rink building on Walters Highway/Route 258 and plans to relocate its operations later this year. Quality Aire, previously a division of S.W. Rawls Inc., was purchased by Kevin Roughton several years ago. The business currently has eight full-time employees.

Isle of Wight Economic Development would like to thank Franklin Southampton Economic Development for its partnership on this project!

Isle of Wight County Economic Development has released its 2017 Annual Report, which celebrates calendar year development activity. The report also highlights business attraction and retention efforts, the impact of the Port of Virginia, target industry sector outreach, community roots/quality of life, and statistics and demographics. See previous years' reports.

Community Electric Co-Op Team Participates in Linemen Competition
 

Employees from Community Electric Cooperative (CEC) in Windsor finished fourth out of 25 teams in the 16th Annual Gaff-n-Go Lineman's Rodeo, held May 11-12 at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA. More than 150 utility professionals from seven states competed. Eric Galford, Ryan Hewitt and Jonathan Powell demonstrated skills they use every day as part of the equipment operator competition. The Co-Op’s grilling team, Buckhorne Barbeque, also took top honors in the Gaff-n-Grill contest.

County Participates in Marketing Mission to Atlanta
 

As part of a marketing mission to Atlanta last month, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) and the Port of Virginia hosted a networking reception at Canoe for Atlanta-based real estate brokers, site selection consultants, and Port users. Representatives from Isle of Wight, Franklin/Southampton, and Hampton participated in this event.

The mission of Virginia Community Capital (VCC) is to support housing and community development ventures, increase jobs, and build sustainable communities by offering flexible financial products and advisory services.

VCC offers a Small Business Loan Program that provides credit to small businesses throughout Virginia to finance real estate and related owner-occupied facilities, equipment and vehicle purchases and working capital. The minimum amount is $50,000 and the maximum amount is $5,000,000.
 
VCC also offers Commercial Real Estate Financing to construct, acquire, renovate, and/or refinance commercial real estate transactions of all product types. Loan amounts up to $5.1 million are available.

For more information, contact Nicole Talton, Assistant Vice President/Small Business Loan Officer at 757-962-0955 or ntalton@vccva.org.

Featured Available Property
Windsor Commons
11403 Windsor Blvd., Windsor, VA

 

Windsor Commons is a well-constructed 10,498 SF neighborhood retail center located adjacent to Food Lion on Windsor Boulevard (Route 460) in the Town of Windsor, a highly-traveled growth corridor. Join neighboring tenants: Food Lion, Subway, Anytime Fitness, Verizon Wireless, Farmers Insurance, Family Dollar, VA ABC, Costa Del Sol Mexican Restaurant & Cantina and Old Point National Bank. For leasing information, contact Lenny Burns, Pembroke Commercial Realty, 757-490-3141 or lburns@pembrokerealty.com. FLYER