In July, Governor Ralph Northam announced the completion of the Port of Virginia’s $320 million expansion at the Virginia International Gateway container terminal. The completion of this project represents a significant milestone as the Port works to increase cargo and container capacity at its two major terminals, with an overall goal of increasing capacity by 40 percent.
 

The 800-foot extension of the berth at VIG will allow the terminal to service as many as three Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) simultaneously. VIG now boasts 26 new rail-mounted gantry cranes as well, which support 13 new container stacks, creating more room to stack and sort containers. In January, four new 170-foot-tall ship-to-shore cranes arrived at the Port. These cranes are the largest on the U.S. East Coast and will be able to service container vessels, regardless of their size, for decades to come.
 

Food & Beverage Writers Tour Smithfield Innovation Center
 

The Smithfield Foods Innovation Center was one of several food and beverage manufacturers featured during a regional media tour for journalists from three national food publications. Representatives from Smithfield Foods presented a company overview, a product showcase from hams to hot dogs and an innovation center tour. The tour was facilitated by the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) to showcase this strong and growing industry and to generate media coverage for the region.

Smithfield Foods Donates Land for New Pagan River Boat Ramp
 

Last month, the Town of Smithfield celebrated the opening of the Clontz Memorial Park Public Boat Ramp on the Pagan River. The new recreational asset was built on 5.7 acres of waterfront land donated by Smithfield Foods, Inc. As the only public boat ramp within Smithfield town limits, the property features floating docks, a 25-foot-wide boat ramp, and parking for 30 vehicles and trailers.  The Clontz Park Property is located on North Church Street in Smithfield and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, visit www.smithfieldva.gov.
 

Isle of Wight County Schools was recognized with an Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award through the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) at the VSBA Conference on Education in July. The awards program was created in 2018 to highlight exemplary programs in Virginia’s Public Schools focused on preparing the state’s future workforce.
 

IWCS was announced as the first-place winner in school divisions with student populations between 5,001 and 10,000 students. The division’s entry, Incorporating Authenticity into CTE Programs, highlighted the significant redesign of the division’s Career and Technology Education (CTE) program to better serve the needs of students and to address the concerns from the business community regarding the shortage of highly-skilled candidates for employment. “We understand the importance of giving our students authentic experiences, both in and out of school, in order to prepare them for future careers,” said Board Chairman Victoria Hulick. “We are excited to receive this award which acknowledges the division’s involvement in strengthening the workforce of the Commonwealth.” MORE

The community may have noticed a “facelift” of sorts on materials and promotions as Paul D. Camp Community College recently launched its new branding -  "Camp Community College."

Paul D. Camp has undertaken a lot of new projects and enhancements since the hiring of its new President Dr. Daniel Lufkin in 2016, including the expansion of relevant programs and the addition of an athletics program.

Although the name of the college will remain the same, a more modern look has been created.
 

Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Food as a Business Program will host a webinar series on business basics. Each webinar will be on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. and run for about an hour. All extension professionals, new and beginning agriculture-based businesses, and government/non-profit organizations working to increase entrepreneurial activities within their communities are welcome to join.

Topics and Dates: 

Aug. 16th – Connecting with Community and Economic Resources

Aug. 23rd – Branding My Business

Aug. 30th – Direct Marketing Resources

Register HERE to get a link to the webinar and reminders about each event.

Featured Available Property

FOR SALE - OFFICE BUILDING
33322 North Lynn Road, Franklin

Former 5,600 SF corporate office located on 1.2 acres in southern Isle of Wight County near the International Paper Mill. The building features a good mix of private offices and open space, a large conference room, three restrooms, a kitchenette,  and wood floors and trim accents throughout. Some furniture is also available. The property is located within a Virginia Enterprise Zone, which offers state and local incentives such as Real Property Investment Grants and Job Creation Grants. FLYER
 

For more information, contact Sam Walker, Pembroke Real Estate, 757-675-8997 or swalker@pembrokerealty.com.