Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine visits local industry

Jun 14, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Crystal France
Director of Marketing/PR
Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation
276.403.5940
cfrance@yesmartinsville.com


Virginia Governor Tim Kaine visits local industry
~EDC and State Officials participate in industry tour ~

Martinsville, VA (June 14, 2006) – Virginia Governor Tim Kaine visited with EDC officials today during his stop in Martinsville to sign legislation establishing the New College Institute as an educational institution in Martinsville-Henry County.

During a closed executive session meeting with the M-HC EDC Board of Directors, the Governor learned more about the EDC and discussed ways the state can partner with the community to better leverage resources in attracting new business.

During that meeting, the Governor acknowledged that educational access and workforce development are critical to economic success. He promised to spend “a disproportionate amount of time encouraging the VEDP, M-HCEDC and like agencies to develop the economic base in Martinsville and Henry County.”

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Pat Gottschalk was impressed with the EDC’s plan to diversify their target industries. “I’m intrigued by your pursuit of the film industry. We would like to help your area develop synergy with our film office. This endeavor can truly make a large economic impact.”

Along with Gottschalk, Secretary of Education Tom Morris, Executive Director of SCHEV Dan LaVista, and representatives of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Governor toured Knauss Snack Foods Company in the Patriot Centre following the meeting.

“Knauss is a perfect example of how well things can work in Martinsville-Henry County,” says Mark Heath, M-HC EDC President/CEO. “The food industry is a target industry for us because of our high water and sewer capacity. Touring Knauss gives the Governor an idea of what we’re capable of housing here.”

When asked by the Governor why Knauss decided to locate here, Brian Fleming, President/CEO of Knauss Snack Food Company, responded, “The excellent quality and quantity of the workforce. That was the deciding factor.”

The Mission of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area. The organization strives to support and develop local industry, as well as market Martinsville-Henry County globally as an exceptional place to live, work and play.

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