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Prosperity drives formation of regional group
Interim Pittsylvania County Administrator Clarence Monday knows what’s better than two localities working together: a whole region working to support them in a joint effort. “The partnership between Danville and Pittsylvania County is unusually strong, so it makes sense that Pittsylvania County is a partner in the economic and community success of this region. We’re
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Growth industry
SoVa targets advanced manufacturing
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When manufacturers thinking about setting up shop in Southern Virginia visit Pittsylvania County, the county’s economic development director, Matt Rowe, doesn’t just show off expansive, shovel-ready industrial sites. He also touts the region’s workforce, which includes many workers with advanced manufacturing skill sets. Eighteen percent of Southern Virginia’s labor force works in manufacturing, an industry
FOR THE RECORD
July 2022
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Central Virginia The state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget, approved June 1, contains funding that will benefit future redevelopment of the Central Virginia Training Center site in Madison Heights. Republican Sen. Steve Newman requested $25 million in state money to annul outstanding bonds associated with CVTC, a former state facility for people with intellectual disabilities that closed
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South Hill grant aims to boost business district
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South Hill merchants figured out ways to keep business going during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing Facebook Live videos from downtown stores that helped people shop from home, then pick up their treasures curbside. Sometimes featuring a rescue dog named Duncan, the videos have continued even as restrictions are rolled back. Now, the
Telly Tucker named IALR’s first president
Tucker leaves Arlington to return to Danville
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Telly Tucker, Arlington County’s economic development director since 2020, will become the first president of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) on May 31, the Danville-based institute announced Tuesday. Tucker’s return to Danville is a return to his past. The Lynchburg native served as the city’s economic development director before heading to Arlington
Davenport Energy promotes Harold Thornton to president
Thornton has been with company 27 years
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Chatham-based Davenport Energy Inc. has promoted Harold E. “Hal” Thornton Jr. to president, the company announced Tuesday. Thornton has been with Davenport, a provider of gas, diesel fuel propane and petroleum products, for 27 years. He was initially hired as human resources director in 1995, rising through the ranks to supervisory and management positions. Most
Danville Pittsylvania Chamber names next CEO
Anne Moore-Sparks to succeed Ehrhardt
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A familiar face will take the helm of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce in April. Anne Moore-Sparks will serve as the chamber’s next president and CEO, the chamber announced Monday. “Anne is well known in the community and will bring her connections and strong interpersonal skills to the Chamber,” John Settle, chair of the
ValleyStar Credit Union names 3 new execs
Barnes, Shaffer and Sparrow all promoted
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Martinsville-based ValleyStar Credit Union has named three new executives to its leadership team. Justin Barnes will be the credit union’s chief lending officer, Mendy Shaffer will be interim chief financial officer, and Robert Sparrow will be chief risk officer. Barnes began his financial services career in 1999 and has spent 23 years in lending, according
Big bird
Tyson Foods brings $300 million plant to Pittsylvania
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In August 2021, Tyson Foods Inc., one of the world’s largest food companies, announced it will invest $300 million to establish a 325,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Pittsylvania County, creating 376 full-time jobs. Just two months later, Tyson broke ground on the project at Cane Creek Centre, an industrial park just outside Danville that’s jointly owned
Making headway
Industrial interest blossoms across region
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Corporate investments are on the upswing in Southern Virginia, along with a desire to increase production, says Linda Green, executive director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. “People have a lot of pent-up demand, and companies are responding to that,” she says. “We have lots of interest and activity.” Companies are choosing Southern Virginia for