Four Companies Add Jobs in Chesterfield This Week

Richmond Times-Dispatch writer Zachary Reid has posted an article about the four new economic development projects announced in Chesterfield this week.

The Shoosmith Brothers landfill joined a nearly weeklong parade of capital investment and job creation in Chesterfield, unveiling on Wednesday morning a recycling center that will divert 100 tons to 200 tons a day of waste out of the landfill and ultimately back into the consumer market. It will employ about 30 people.

Gov. Bob McDonnell also announced Wednesday that Chesterfield will be home to a $1 million distribution center for Emerson Ecologies. The company makes nutritional supplements for the health-care market. Its facility could employ up to 60 people.

The Shoosmith and Emerson projects were the third and fourth major jobs-related developments in Chesterfield this week, following projects involving the groundbreaking for an aquatics center and the announcement of a large entertainment complex. They total about $37 million in investment and 260 jobs.

Read the entire article on the Times-Dispatch web site. >>>

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Emerson Ecologics Opening Distribution Center in Chesterfield

Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Emerson Ecologics, LLC, the leading provider of professional-grade nutritional supplements to the healthcare practitioner market, will invest up to $1 million to open a distribution facility in Chesterfield County. The project will immediately create 35 new jobs, growing to a total of 60 jobs over the next three years.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This project marks Emerson Ecologics’ first operation in Virginia. Chesterfield County offers an available facility that meets the company’s needs, as well as a strategic location that allows access to their customer base within a two-day delivery cycle. I am confident that Emerson Ecologics will find success in the Commonwealth.”

“We welcome Emerson Ecologics as a corporate partner that is new to both Chesterfield County and to Virginia,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company’s goal is providing solutions for optimal patient health, and its newest location will help quickly reach customers in the mid-Atlantic region.”

Emerson Ecologics is the leading provider of products and services to the professional integrative healthcare community, distributing over 20,000 products from hundreds of industry leading manufacturers.

“The Richmond area was selected for our new Eastern distribution center based on many factors, including the ability to reach a majority of our East and Midwest doctors via small parcel ground shipping in two days. We take pride in our two-day delivery commitment and strive to achieve this as efficiently and reliably as possible,” said Andy Greenawalt, CEO of Emerson Ecologics. “As we investigated the region, we were impressed by the business-friendly climate, as well as the access to well designed, climate-controlled facilities that met our needs. Our new facility will result in a 50% increase in our overall distribution capacity, which is critical in supporting our future growth.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

"We're delighted that Emerson Ecologics has chosen Chesterfield County as the site of their new distribution facility, and pleased that the venture will create exciting new employment opportunities for residents from throughout the region," said Chesterfield County Administrator James J. L. Stegmaier.

To learn more about Emerson Ecologics or their employment opportunities, visit www.emersonecologics.com or contact the Virginia Employment Commission.

Uptown Alley Groundbreaking Held in Chesterfield

Developer Steven Uphoff and his family are joined by Chesterfield county officials at the ground breaking for Uptown Alley this morning.

The 55,000+ square-foot facility sits on a 14.5-acre commercial site at the southwest quadrant of Commonwealth Center Parkway and Brad McNeer Parkway.

New Entertainment Complex Coming in Chesterfield

Developer Steven Uphoff to Break Ground in Chesterfield to Build the Largest Entertainment Complex in Virginia



Steven Uphoff and family, founder of the 68-store chain of Uppy’s Convenience Stores and Southside Oil, the largest ExxonMobil fuel distributor in the US, will officially break ground on its 55,000+ square-foot bowling and entertainment complex called “Uptown Alley” at 11am on June 14, 2011. Members of the media are encouraged to attend the event, which will be held at the site of the $19.6 million venture off Commonwealth Center Parkway at Route 288 and Hull Street. Uptown Alley, to be managed by the Uphoff family and Trifecta Management Group, will feature 40 bowling lanes, two full-service restaurants, the “Uphoff Rotunda” (a round, wooden bar that will seat 100+ persons), and conference rooms for private and corporate functions. The entertainment center is Phase I of a larger construction plan for the 14.5 acre commercial development project that the Uphoff family is developing at the Chesterfield, VA location.

“It has been over three years in the making, but if you want to build and deliver a high quality project that serves the public with the ‘WOW factor’ and provides world class food, stellar service and entertainment, then the extra time in development and planning is worth every penny,” said Steven M. Uphoff, President & CEO of Uphoff Ventures, LLC, the real estate development company of the Uphoff family that currently owns over $100 million in developed Virginia real estate assets. “Everyone is extremely excited to begin work on Uptown Alley. We believe it will be a popular and safe destination spot for families, young adults, business teams and other groups looking for entertainment. It will most definitely make an incredible economic impact on the Chesterfield community. Chesterfield County is pro-business and has made it very easy for us to grow and prosper. We certainly want to thank the Chesterfield Department of Economic Development for their continuing assistance.”

Upon its opening, tentatively scheduled for June, 2012, Uptown Alley is expected to create at least 100 full- and part-time jobs with an annual payroll of $1.8 million, as well as generate $153,000 in annual tax revenue to the county. The 55,000+ square-foot facility sits on a 14.5-acre commercial site at the southwest quadrant of Commonwealth Center Parkway and Brad McNeer Parkway, which is already a burgeoning market for new commercial entities, such as Commonwealth Center.

“What a great project,” said Art Warren, Chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “A $19.6 million dollar investment with 100 new jobs, and one that enhances the region’s quality of life. Uptown Alley even further positions Chesterfield County as a destination for great entertainment.”

Marlene Durfee, Matoaca District Supervisor, further reinforces Chesterfield’s excitement and support of the project. “We are certainly pleased to have Uptown Alley in Chesterfield County,” Durfee said. “The location of this new project is central to the County and perfect for providing a new venue of entertainment for everyone. Thank you, Steve Uphoff, for your continued commitment to Chesterfield County.”

For more information regarding the groundbreaking of Uptown Alley on June 14th, please contact Dave Saunders, President & Chief Idea Officer of Madison+Main, at 804-521-4141 or daves@madisonmain.com.

About Uptown Alley
Uptown Alley is Phase I of a 14.5-acre commercial development project that the Uphoff family is now developing in Chesterfield, VA. The high tech facility will consist of 55,000+ square-feet of high end entertainment, food and beverage services in a two-story complex, and will be managed by the Trifecta Management Group, behind Commonwealth Center in Chesterfield, Virginia. The ground-up, new facility will boast 40 bowling lanes on two floors, two full-service restaurants, the “Uphoff Rotunda” (a round, wood bar that will seat 100+ persons), arcade games, four private rooms for group and corporate functions, Wi-Fi accessibility and classroom settings, and state-of-the-art electronics for fun or professional use throughout the facility. The complex is scheduled to break ground in June, 2011 and open for the public in June, 2012. The Uphoff family is also the founder and largest single stock owner of Uppy’s Convenience Stores, the Richmond-based, 68-store chain of high end Virginia Convenience stores, Southside Oil, the largest ExxonMobil fuel distributor in the US, and Mid Atlantic Convenience Stores (MACS), all headquartered in Chesterfield, VA.

Chesterfield Avenue Enhancements in the Village of Ettrick

Community leaders and Chesterfield County officials unveil enhancements to Chesterfield Avenue in the Village of Ettrick in southern Chesterfield County.



The Village News has posted a news article about the project.

New VSU Commerical

Virginia State University, located in southern Chesterfield County, has posted a new commercial on YouTube.



"Through education we can create a better world." President Keith T. Miller, Virginia State University.

Costco Opens in Midlothian

Costco opened a new state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Midlothian at 1401 Mall Drive on Thursday, May 12th. The new 148,000 square foot building replaces the original 111,000 square foot warehouse that was located on Hull Street Road. The building has the latest services that Costco offers, including a Gas Station, Hearing Aid Center and a Fresh Deli with Rotisserie Chicken.

“In addition to exciting new and expanded services, the relocation of a new, bigger and better Chesterfield facility will provide our members with an expanded product selection in numerous categories – including fine wines,” said Warehouse Manager Reid Cardon.

Prior to opening, Mr. Cardon and other employees of Costco participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony with members of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors and Administration, the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Department of Economic Development.

2011 First Choice Business Award Winners Announced

Chesterfield County Announces 2011 First Choice Business Award Winners at Annual Celebrate Chesterfield Business! Event

(Chesterfield County) – Each year Chesterfield County honors local companies that contribute to the county’s economy and its citizens through the annual First Choice Business Awards. This year’s award winners were announced at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield Business! event held on May 3, 2011, at the Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center.

The Innovation Impact Award winner was ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center. ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center is the gold standard for health and wellness facilities. Their mission is to change lives and they are committed to serving people of all ages and fitness levels. ACAC’s physician referred exercise program, PREP, is groundbreaking in the health and fitness industry in that it unites the medical community, fitness professionals and residents towards a common goal of increasing physical activity & improving health among the citizens of Chesterfield County.

Priority Automotive was the winner of the Employee Impact Award. Priority Automotive group opened in the Richmond market in 2004. Since then, they have grown and Priority knows their success is because of their employees. They try to find new ways in which to show their employees how much they value them. The President of the company, Dennis Ellmer, attends monthly “birthday & anniversary luncheons.” The company hosts employees & their families to the circus each year to show their appreciation. Other events include beach parties and the annual Christmas party. Also, employees are able to participate in the company’s profit sharing program.

The Environmental Stewardship Award is designed to recognize a Chesterfield County business which has successfully displayed their efforts in being a responsible protector of the environment. This year’s winner was Ironbridge Sports Park and they were established in 2007. Some of their activities this past year included recycling paper, equipment oil, cooking oil, batteries and ink cartridges. They have donated family activity packets for fundraising events to over 400 organizations, donated 1,000 free park passes to each Chesterfield County public school and hosted Chesterfield County’s Anti-Litter Program Volunteer Celebration. They take pride in their facility by using earth friendly cleaning products and doing regular litter pick up.

This year’s winner of the Community Impact Award was Hoover & Strong. Hoover & Strong has a strong company commitment both on a corporate and individual level to community service. The company has supported numerous local organizations, donating $60,000 dollars this past year to groups such as the Alzheimer’s Association, MDA of Richmond and the American Red Cross just to name a few. Their employees have given generously to CHASM Thanksgiving basket program, sponsored four families during the Christmas holiday and collect money each year for the “Hoover Gift”. This year’s Hoover Gift was donated to the Richmond Food Bank. It is Hoover & Strong “family” philosophy to give back to the community.

The 2011 First Choice Business of the Year was awarded to Austin Brockenbrough & Associates. This award is designed to recognize a Chesterfield County business, which has been a leader in terms of overall impact to the County.

Austin Brockenbrough & Associates (AB) is a multi-disciplined consulting engineering firm. They recently completed their expansion into new offices in the Boulders Office Park in Chesterfield County.

AB has a long history of providing high quality services to Chesterfield County working on such projects as the Reams Gordon Library plan and Eastern Midlothian Streetscape project.

To confirm their commitment to environmental stewardship, Brockenbrough took a “green” whole-building approach to their office up fit and earned the first ever Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Commercial Interiors certification (LEED CI) in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan area.

The company’s commitment to giving back to the community is exemplary. They have provided assistance to several county projects such as the new dugouts at Thomas Dale High School and mentoring students in the LC Bird Pre-engineering specialty center.

AB is a true example of commitment to community and has had a profound positive impact on Chesterfield County.

“Existing business is the heart beat of economic development. Their sustainability and growth are paramount to Chesterfield County’s continued stability and strength. We are very proud to recognize our 2011 Business Award winners,” said Chesterfield County Administrator James J. L. Stegmaier.

“Congratulations to all of our 2011 First Choice Business Awards winners. This Board is dedicated to economic development as a priority and is committed to creating a business climate that is conducive to growth,” said Art Warren, Chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors.

The Board of Supervisors will recognize all the First Choice Business Award winners at their June 15, 2011 meeting.

For more information on this year’s Celebrate Chesterfield Business! contact Tina Shreve at (804) 318-8550, or email at tina@chesterfieldbusiness.com

2011 Celebrate Chesterfield Business! Event

Chesterfield County Economic Development Announces Celebrate Chesterfield Business!

Chesterfield County and this year's sponsors join the Commonwealth of Virginia in celebrating Business Appreciation Week throughout the Commonwealth. Coordinated each year by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Business Appreciation Week is scheduled for May 2nd–6th, 2011.

This year's Business Appreciation Week theme is “Entrepreneurship and Innovation for a Sustainable Future”. The Commonwealth and Chesterfield County recognize the efforts of each business – corporate leaders and small business owners alike - for their continuous work and dedication. Virginia businesses play a pivotal role in strengthening the Commonwealth by embracing job creation, innovative technologies and employing a diverse workforce to preserve the economic well being of all citizens. “Local businesses contribute to the strength of our local economy and provide enhanced quality of life for our residents,” said Chesterfield County Administrator James J. L. Stegmaier. “I am privileged to officially thank every business in our community during Business Appreciation Week.”

Chesterfield County Economic Development along with Dupont, this year's Master Sponsor and the Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center, the Venue Sponsor, will host this year's Celebrate Chesterfield Business! for local businesses in honor of Business Appreciation on May 3rd, 2011 from 4:30 –7:30 PM. An invitation to the event is required. If you are interested in attending, and are a Chesterfield County business, please contact Economic Development. Driving directions are avaliable here.

This year’s Media Sponsor is the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Other sponsors include Townes Engineering, Dominion Virginia Power, Columbia Gas of Virginia, Village Bank, Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Richmond Partnership.

This year Chesterfield County will be announcing the Annual First Choice Business Award winners during the event. Village Bank was the 2010 Business of the Year recipient.

For more information on this year's Celebrate Chesterfield Business! contact Lori Perez at (804) 318-8567, or email at lori@chesterfieldbusiness.com

Greater Richmond Aquatics Center to Open in Chesterfield in 2012

Area Groups and Community Leaders Come Together to Make Swimming More Accessible to Richmond

An unprecedented number of area organizations and community leaders are coming together to elevate the sport of swimming while giving greater access to swim lessons and water safety education to youth in the region. The Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership, which merges some of our area’s finest education and sports organizations including Collegiate School, Trinity Episcopal School, Poseidon Swimming, Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club and Sports Backers, today announced the construction of the new Aquatics Center.

One of the primary goals of the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership is to establish programs for Richmond’s underserved youth who do not currently have access to swim lessons. With an estimated 60% of minority kids not able to swim, the new Aquatics Center has as its goal the ability to offer accessible programs for area youth while promoting health and wellness among all area residents.

"With nearly 158,000 children under the age of nine in metro Richmond, offering a swim education program is vital for the safety and physical fitness of our kids," said Bobby Ukrop, President, Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership. "Currently, the YMCA runs programs for 35 of the more than 120 elementary schools in the area. That means 70% of our schools are not participating in any kind of swim program. My fellow team members and I are hoping to close that gap while at the same time elevating swimming as a lifelong participatory sport among the million residents of our region."

At over 50,000 Square Feet, the Aquatics Center will feature three pools including the pool used at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, NE where some of our country's best swimmers set many national records. This 50-meter eight-lane competition pool with moveable bulkheads will be the cornerstone of the center. Aquatics Center patrons will also have access to a therapy pool and a 25-yard warm water pool available for lessons and other water sports. A vast 7,000 square foot mezzanine grandstand will seat up to 700 spectators.

Construction of the Aquatics Center is slated for later this month and is expected to take ten months. The facility will boast a community room, an indoor fitness facility, ample parking, locker rooms and plenty of storage space. In the future, it will offer a 5,000 square foot space for physical therapy and rehabilitation services. Membership fees for use of the fitness and pool facilities will be announced at a later date.

The Aquatics Center will also provide an economic boost to the region. With the ability to host significant swim competitions-- high school local and state swim meets; local, state and regional club swim meets sanctioned by Virginia and USA Swimming--the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership anticipates the facility will bring over $2 million to the area annually through sports tourism.

Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of the Sports Backers said, "The economic benefits go beyond the $2 million annual economic impact of events held at the pool, but bring an immeasurable benefit to Richmond by raising the confidence of our kids who will take part in these new swimming opportunities provided by the Center. We are looking forward to being able to fuel the local economy and develop the youth of the region—all at the same time.”

The Aquatics Center will be located in Ukrop Park, near the intersection of Chippenham Parkway and Route 10 in Chesterfield County, and will cost an estimated $14 million to build. To date, the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership has raised all but the $4 million needed to finish construction and is kicking off a capital campaign to raise these funds.

"The Aquatics Center will be a wonderful addition to Ukrop Park and the perfect complement to the Kickers’ dream of providing a sports venue that entertains, invites community participation and inspires our residents," said Leigh Cowlishaw, Director of Soccer/Head Coach, Richmond Kickers Pro Team. "Sports provide countless character building moments and offer the perfect vehicle to teach life skills　to nurture the next generation of role models for our community."

A Campaign Cabinet of some of Richmond's most influential leaders has been assembled to see this vision come to life. Some of the members include Bill Axselle, Bobby Ukrop, Marcus Weinstein, John Watkins, Fred Tattersall, Shawn Boyer, Tom Chewning, Keith Evans, Mary Doswell, Rob Estes, Jon Lugbill, Jerry Fox, Palmer Garson, Bruce Heilman, Jim Holland, Stephanie Kirksey, Bryce Powell, Tom Rohman, Rick Sharp, Wally Stettinius, Nancy Thomas, Walter Robertson, III, Jim Weinberg, and Marcus Newsome.

For more information about the Aquatics Center, visit www.greaterrichmondaquaticspartnership.org