Chesterfield Company Selected to Participate in Virginia’s VALET Program

- Two-year program provides resources to support international business -

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of two Central Virginia companies into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. Launched in January 2002, the program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy.

The new companies accepted into the program include Hermle North America of Amherst County and Integrated Global Services of Chesterfield County.

Currently, the VALET program has 50 companies as participants. New participants in the program have access to $15,000 in reimbursement funds from the Commonwealth. The program provides participating companies assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help them meet their international goals. Private sector service providers such as attorneys, Web designers, bankers, translators and freight forwarders contribute essential expertise to assist companies in executing their export initiatives.

These Central Virginia companies join the program as part of the 21st class of VALET companies. To participate, each eligible business must meet several quantitative criteria and complete an application process. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growth through export. Currently, more than 165 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program.

“The VALET Program generates international sales for Virginia companies,” said Paul Grossman, VEDP Director of International Trade and Investment. “Since its inception in 2002, the program has worked with more than 165 companies to increase their international sales. Because of the program’s proven success and because jobs are created when Virginia companies sell more into global markets, it is important that we continue to assist Virginia companies through the program. We are happy to welcome these companies to VALET and look forward to working with them over the course of the next two years.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Belgium, Shanghai, Mexico, Japan, India and the United Kingdom.

To learn more about VALET program, visit www.ExportVirginia.org

Amazon Site Work Progressing Quickly

Work on the new one million square-foot Amazon.com fulfillment center in Chesterfield County is moving forward a rapid pace. The roads leading to the site are almost ready for paving and the entire development site has been cleared. The photos below were taken on January 10th.

Meadowville Technology Parkway

Entrance to the Amazon Site

Amazon Development Site

Amazon Development Site Aerial

MTP Master Plan Updated with Amazon Layout

The Timmons Group has updated the Meadowville Technology Park master plan to include the new one million square-foot Amazon.com fulfillment center in Chesterfield County.

Amazon.com to Create 1,000 New Jobs in Chesterfield

Company to invest $85 million to establish
fulfillment center in Chesterfield County

 

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Amazon.com.kydc LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and affiliate of Amazon.com, Inc., will invest a total of $135 million to establish two fulfillment centers in Virginia. The company will invest $85 million and create 1,000 jobs in Chesterfield County, and invest $50 million in Dinwiddie County, creating 350 new jobs.

Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McDonnell said, "This project that includes a $135 million investment and more than 1,350 new jobs is a tremendous win for the greater Richmond region. Amazon is a billion dollar company that is known all over the world, and the new centers in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties will fulfill orders from placement to delivery within their target customer range in just one to two days. Amazon operates data centers in three other locations in Virginia, and the establishment of these new operations is testament to the positive business climate and success the company has experienced in the Commonwealth."

"We are so pleased that international Internet giant Amazon has selected Chesterfield County for its new one million square foot fulfillment center," said Art Warren, Chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. "It is exciting that this outstanding announcement coincides with the opening of the new Meadowville interchange which will benefit everyone, present and future. And, the infrastructure surrounding this announcement further positions the Meadowville Technology Park as a key destination for business. Welcome Amazon as the newest member of our corporate family!"

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business.

"We look forward to opening two new Amazon facilities in the Richmond area next year, bringing tens of millions of dollars and hundreds of new jobs to the state," said Dave Clark, vice-president, Amazon North American Operations. "We're grateful to Governor McDonnell and other state, county and local officials for their commitment to our investment in Virginia."

As a new member of the Chesterfield and Dinwiddie County communities, Amazon also announced that it is donating $10,000 to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, which will be allocated to food banks in these counties.

"Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties were chosen for this significant project due to the ease and speed with which the facilities can be built and become operational," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "In addition, the skill and availability of the region's workforce were key factors. We are thrilled that Amazon recognized the assets and solid infrastructure in place in the greater Richmond region and will make a great investment to establish its newest fulfillment centers in Virginia."

"We are extremely proud to have Amazon locate in Chesterfield County. Their name is certainly known worldwide and we are pleased to be a part of their dynamic growth.  We are very fortunate that a strong cooperative spirit, even in tight economic times, has generated positive results," said Jay Stegmaier, County Administrator for Chesterfield County.

Both the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce and the Chesterfield Business Council expressed their excitement and support for Amazon’s announcement. "This major economic development announcement further identifies Chesterfield County has a premier location for business and a place to live, work, and play. Congratulations Amazon and welcome to the community," said Brennan Keene, Chairman of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce. Mary Ellin Arch, Chair of the Chesterfield Business Council, said, "On behalf of the Chesterfield Business Council, we welcome Amazon to the region and especially to Chesterfield County. We look forward to working with you."

In addition to Chesterfield Economic Development, Amazon was assisted in their site selection process by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Greater Richmond Partnership, and Virginia's Gateway Region. Governor McDonnell approved a total of $3.5 million in grants from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist both Chesterfield County and Dinwiddie County with the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company's recruitment and training activities.

"The location decision by Amazon, the world's largest online retailer is a true testimony of the tremendous business climate companies enjoy in our region" said Renee Chapline, Virginia's Gateway Region Executive Director.

"The news that Amazon has made two significant investments in our metropolitan area reinforces our strategy of targeting logistics companies to Greater Richmond. Chesterfield County's Meadowville site with its newly opened interchange at I-295 is well positioned to be very attractive to other companies in this industry cluster well into the future," said Gregory H. Wingfield, President, Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.


Chesterfield Economic Development
Contact: Will Davis
Phone: (804) 318-8550
E-mail: wdavis@chesterfieldbusiness.com

Office of the Governor
Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne West
Phone: (804) 545-5806
E-mail: Swest@yesvirginia.org

Amazon.com
Amazon Media Hotline
Phone:  (206) 266-7180
E-mail: amazon-pr@amazon.com

Chesterfield opens I-295 gateway to Meadowville Technology Park

Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors members
(left to right) Dan Gecker, Jim Holland, Dorothy Jaeckle, Art Warren and
Virginia  Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton cut the ribbon for opening
the new I-295 interchange at Meadowville Technology Park. 

Richmond Times-Dispatch writer Zachary Reid has posted an article about the opening yesterday of the new I-295 interchange at Meadowville .

The newest route to business success opened in Chesterfield County on Thursday afternoon, said county leaders and the state secretary of transportation as they cut the ribbon on Exit 16, the latest access point to Interstate 295 and the proposed gateway to the Meadowville Technology Park. 

"This is a great day for Chesterfield County," said Board of Supervisors Chairman A.S. "Art" Warren. "What we have here today is the power of partnership." 

The $12.2 million project was paid for by the federal government ($4 million), the state ($5 million) and the county ($3.2 million). 

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton said the fast-moving project — it was completed in less than 14 months — was the kind of thing Gov. Bob McDonnell had in mind as the future of state transportation projects. 

"It really symbolizes what we're trying to do," he said of a project that came about because of county insistence and county willingness to foot most of the bill. 

County Administrator James J.L. Stegmaier said the new interchange was essential to successful development of the area. 

"We always knew for Meadowville to reach its full potential, we would need this interchange to be here," he said.  

(continues...)

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

Stonebridge Development Starts in Chesterfield

Chesterfield County and Crosland Southeast Break Ground on Kroger Marketplace at Stonebridge

Development to provide economic boost and restore former shopping destination to region’s gateway

Chesterfield County, Crosland Southeast and The Kroger Co. broke ground on Tuesday at Chesterfield County’s newest mixed and multi-use development, Stonebridge, which will occupy the site of the former Cloverleaf Mall, just outside the Richmond city limits.

A joint venture between Crosland Southeast and the Hutensky Capital Partners, Stonebridge is being celebrated as a significant advancement in revitalizing one of the region’s popular gateways to Chesterfield County, which borders the city of Richmond on the eastern corridor of Midlothian Turnpike.  

“For years now, we’ve envisioned the next stage in the life cycle of this property and today we embark on that vision,” said Tom Jacobson, Chesterfield’s director of revitalization. “Stonebridge will honor the rich history of Cloverleaf Mall by returning a rich and thriving shopping experience to the community and the region. It’s revitalization at its finest – bringing new life to an old space, and the community supports the decision.”

The first phase of Stonebridge includes the construction of nearly 144,000 square feet of retail space – most notably, the 123,600 square-foot grocery anchor, Kroger Marketplace. This first-of-its-kind store in the Kroger Mid-Atlantic region offers shoppers an experience that combines a top-quality grocery store with 30,000 square feet of non-grocery, home store offerings ranging from furniture to home décor. The remaining square footage of the first phase of development will be constructed for smaller retail shops and restaurants. 

When complete, this Kroger store will employ nearly 250 people. The Kroger Marketplace will be the region’s largest store in size, the Kroger Company’s largest single-store investment in the company’s history and home to the largest Kroger Fuel Center in the region, with nine fuel pumps. 

“Seeing the enthusiasm behind the project confirms and validates our decision to anchor Stonebridge with the Kroger Marketplace,” said Jay Cummins, president of Kroger's Mid-Atlantic division. “It’s an incredible feeling when a company’s enthusiasm is matched by the community’s – and that’s what we’re seeing at Stonebridge with the new Kroger Marketplace.”

Still in the planning phases, Crosland Southeast plans to commence on Phase II of Stonebridge in mid-2012. This next phase is projected to include 175,000 square feet of retail space plus approximately 350 multi-family residences.  

“From the onset, it has been our goal to build a place that restores a sense of community and has the potential to make a positive impact on the region as a whole,” said James Downs, Crosland Southeast partner. “Chesterfield County saw great opportunity in investing in this property and we are working to make that vision a reality.”

Cloverleaf Mall, which opened in 1972 with Sears, JC Penney and Thalhimers as its anchors, is at the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Chippenham Parkway in Chesterfield County, just outside the Richmond city limits. The county purchased the site and adjacent property in 2004 to stimulate private-sector interest in a major redevelopment, to serve as an economic catalyst for the Midlothian Turnpike corridor connecting Richmond to the county.

“Once the premier shopping destination in the region, this enterprise zone is ripe with potential and the community is eager for the enhancements,” said Jacobson. “The time to revamp this gateway has arrived and we’re confident that we have the right partners and anchor in place for Stonebridge to flourish in Chesterfield County and the Greater Richmond Region.”

Stonebridge was designed by Pazdan-Smith, engineered by the Timmons Group and will be constructed by HOAR Construction.

“SUCCESS” 2011 Veteran’s Small Business Symposium

The Virginia Gateway Region Economic Development Organization in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration will conduct the “Virginia Gateway Region Veteran’s Day Small Business Procurement Symposium” on November 10, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Virginia State University’s Gateway Dining and Event Center, 2804 Martin Luther King Drive, Petersburg, VA.  You are invited to attend and participate in this important and extremely informative symposium.

This symposium is designed to give all business owners the tools and information needed for government procurement. It will provide you with the knowledge needed to plan and develop your ability to compete successfully for federal contracts and sub-contracts. This symposium provides the kind of information that highly successful companies and individuals know and what truly differentiates them from others. This symposium can improve your probability of success.

Register today at: http://veteransuccess.eventbrite.com/  Tickets are only $20!!! Space is limited!

Virginia Gateway Region

“SUCCESS” 2011 Veteran’s Small Business Symposium

November 10, 2011

Virginia State University

Gateway Dining and Event Center

2804 Martin Luther King Dr.

Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA 23806

8:30 – 9:00          
Opening Remarks
- Pat Hood, Crater SBDC & Presentation of the Flag                                  
- Welcome Dr. Keith T. Miller, Virginia State University President            
- Renee Chapline, Virginia’s Gateway Region Executive Director        
- Ron White, Congressman J. Randy Forbes District Military Liaison            
- Ron Bew, Small Business Administration District Director                    
- A. John Shoraka, Small Business Administration Regional Administrator

9:00 – 9:10          
Some Thoughts on Achieving SUCCESS in the Federal Marketplace
- John Karafa, Leebcor Services

9:10 – 9:20          
Break

Concurrent Workshops

9:20 – 10:05          
SBA Certification Programs
- Tammy Proffitt – Small Business Administration
or
Navigating the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19 Small Business Programs
- Joanne Tompkins – Crater Planning District Commission Procurement Technical Assistance Center

10:05 – 10:15
Break

10:15 – 11:00
Show Me the Money!! “Are your Finances in Order?”
Panel Discussion
- Scott Dailey – SBA Moderator
- Tanner Collins – REDC Community Capital Group
- Bud Yerly – SunTrust
- Dai Barth – Wells Fargo
- Letitia Green – Virginia Active Angel Network
or
Contracting with the Federal Government
- Richard Rosanelli – Central Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Center

11:00 – 12:15        
Lunch Speaker
Julien G. Patterson, Chairman OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation

12:15 – 1:00
Joint Ventures and Teaming Arrangements
- W.M. Jordan Company
or
Leveraging your Advertising Dollars Using Social Media
- Dave Saunders – Madison + Main

1:00 – 4:00
Matchmaking

Register today at: http://veteransuccess.eventbrite.com/  Tickets are only $20!!! Space is limited!

NTS Cuts Ribbon for HQ Expansion in Midlothian

The Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting event for Networking Technologies & Support, Inc. (NTS) on October 20th.

NTS is expanding its headquarter operations location in Chesterfield County, creating 140 new jobs over the next three years.

NTS is a full service systems integrator providing customers with a single source for a broad range of high-technology products and services. The company has a national service delivery capability and is currently servicing 22 major metropolitan locations in 15 states and the District of Columbia.

Learn more about the NTS expansion project here.

Cloverleaf Mall Sale Paves the Way for Mid-Atlantic’s Largest Kroger

Stonebridge Realty Holdings purchased 28.4 acres of the former Cloverleaf Mall site from the Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority for $5.7 million. This transaction will allow the demolition of the Cloverleaf Mall and construction of a flagship Kroger with fuel pumps and additional retail shops. Work on the site is scheduled to begin the week of October 17th.

Dan Gecker, Midlothian District Supervisor stated, "This long awaited project can now begin. Despite difficult economic times, we will now start the revitalization of the Cloverleaf Mall site and the Eastern Midlothian Turnpike corridor."

Kroger plans to open its 123,000 square foot store, the largest in the Mid Atlantic region, as well as an associated fuel station, by November 2012. Stonebridge Realty Holdings will purchase the remaining 54.6 acres of the former Cloverleaf Mall site over the next several years to complete its planned mixed use, retail, office and multi-family residential Stonebridge development.

The Stonebridge project is expected to spur additional investment and renewal in the surrounding area. This revitalization effort was made possible through a working partnership among the County, the Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority, the Chippenham Place Community Development Authority, Stonebridge Realty Holdings and Kroger.

Demolition will include the main mall building as well as the Tire America and movie theater buildings. Firestone and Bank of America will remain open during demolition and construction.

Free Event Scheduled: Doing Business with Government

Chesterfield Economic Development invites you to join us for a “Business Resource Roundtable - Doing Business with Government”

Monday, September 19, 2011
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Meadowdale Library
4301 Meadowdale Boulevard
Richmond, Virginia 23234-5467

Topics include government procurement at the federal, state and local level and government resources available that support entrepreneurship and business growth.

Scheduled Speakers: Joanne Tompkins, Crater Procurement Assistance Center, Dave Fuller, Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Mike Bacile, Chesterfield County Purchasing, and Karen Aylward, Chesterfield Economic Development.

This is a free event but space is limited so reservations are required.

Please register by calling Karen Aylward at 804-318-8550 or email to AylwardK@chesterfield.gov.