Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation

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'Extreme Makeover' puts Nationwide in spotlight
Feb 11, 2010 in News Articles
By HOLLY KOZELSKY - Bulletin Staff Writer. Martinsville's Nationwide Custom Homes plant will build the first modular home to be featured on the ABC show.

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Growth in jobs charted
Oct 14, 2009 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. New and expanding businesses during the past five years have created almost 2,400 jobs and invested nearly $204 million in their facilities.

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Stanley adds crib lines here
Sep 30, 2009 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The first cribs in the Stanley Furniture Co. Young America line to be made in Stanleytown were produced this week.

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Big chair is at home
Sep 20, 2009 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. A big chair that traveled all around the country now is at home in uptown Martinsville, where it symbolizes the area’s past, present and future.

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Chair to be dedicated at 4 today in uptown
Sep 18, 2009 in News Articles
“It is our hope these events will be the kick-off to future activities that will generate foot traffic and stimulate economic development” uptown, Debbie Robinson said in the EDC release

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Big Chair's move uptown Friday part of larger effort
Sep 15, 2009 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. A big chair soon to be located in uptown Martinsville will be the centerpiece of a grander plan aimed at redevelopment and showcasing the area’s unique assets.

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Stanley adds production here
Sep 14, 2009 in News Articles
By GINNY WRAY - Bulletin Staff Writer. Stanley Furniture Co. announced today that it will make all its Young America products in this country and is adding 99 employees in Stanleytown to accomplish that.

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Shell building dedicated
Sep 1, 2009 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. EDC, county and city officials are optimistic the building, capable of being expanded to more than 195,000 square feet, will attract a buyer soon.

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Visitors praise sports complex
Aug 24, 2009 in News Articles
The Harvest Foundation threw a party Sunday, treating more than 3,000 visitors to a celebration of the grand opening of the Smith River Sports Complex.

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Sports complex kickoff slated
Aug 21, 2009 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Sunday’s official grand opening of the $8.7 million Smith River Sports Complex is the end of its building phase and the beginning of its role as an economic development engine.

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120 jobs being created
Aug 14, 2009 in News Articles
By AMANDA BUCK - Bulletin Staff Writer. A local meat snacks plant will double production and add 120 jobs as it becomes part of a Tennessee company called Monogram Food Solutions.

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State, local incentives may reach $963,000
Aug 14, 2009 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. Ches Jackson, president of Monogram’s meat snacks division, praised Heath and other EDC officials, saying the group was “a first-class organization from day one. ... That is one of the reasons we are here.”

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Chair workshops will begin Aug. 15 at Artisan Center
Jul 30, 2009 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. People of all ages can bring home their own piece of Martinsville-Henry County’s furniture heritage at “Build-A-Chair” workshops planned for August and September.

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Cooking up dreams at the Spencer-Penn Centre
Jul 26, 2009 in News Articles
By HOLLY KOZELSKY - Bulletin Accent Editor. A day-long seminar for people interested in starting a food-based business was held at Spencer-Penn Centre. It was sponsored by the center, the EDC and Virginia Cooperative Extension.

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Second press section delivered to RTI
Jul 19, 2009 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Two sections of a massive forging press now are on site at the RTI International Metals site in Henry County, with the third and final section scheduled to arrive later this week.

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Load arrives at RTI site
Jul 17, 2009 in News Articles

By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. RTI International’s forging press is arriving in Henry County in sections, attracting onlookers who want to see the massive equipment and the hauler that is delivering it.

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RTI press set to hit the road
Jul 12, 2009 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. A massive piece of equipment bound for RTI International Metals in Henry County solidifies the company’s commitment to the local operation.

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Teenage fiddle player plans 'something different' for show
Jun 23, 2009 in News Articles
By KIM BARTO - Bulletin Staff Writer. 16 year old Montana Young  plans to reveal some additions to her repertoire of bluegrass fiddling at Saturday night's concert at Martinsville High School auditorium.

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Industrial park plans unveiled
May 29, 2009 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Two new planned business parks will accommodate companies of various sizes. There will also be tracts large enough to accommodate extremely large industries said Mark Heath of the MHC EDC.

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Annual business awards given
May 13, 2009 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The annual Business Appreciation Luncheon is “a time for the community to acknowledge businesses and their economic contributions,” Edelen said.

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Furniture jobs moving here
Apr 29, 2009 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. More than 100 jobs are coming to Henry County and Martinsville as a local furniture manufacturer consolidates with its sister company.

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Federal Procurement Conference Scheduled for April 22nd
Apr 17, 2009 in News Articles
EDC Press Release. The EDC's Office of Small and Minority Business Development is hosting its third Annual Federal Procurement Conference on Wednesday, April 22nd. The event is free and will be tailored to small businesses (500 or less employees) and women, minority or Veteran-owned companies.

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A Longtime Racing Town Shifts Its Focus
Mar 31, 2009 in News Articles
By KATIE THOMAS - NY Times. Motorsports is now just one of several niche industries that the EDC hopes to promote.

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Speedway revs up Martinsville's dollars
Mar 25, 2009 in News Articles

By DUSTIN LONG & MICHAEL SLUSS - Roanoke Times. Get through the numbers, formulas and prose and you get the point of the report: Racing is good.Good for cities, states, jobs and tourism.

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Speedway impact: $170 million
Mar 25, 2009 in News Articles
By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Staff Writer. An economic study has shown that the Martinsville Speedway is helping to drive the area’s economy to the tune of more than $170 million each year.

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RTI: Building on track
Mar 22, 2009 in News Articles
By GINNY WRAY - Bulletin Staff Writer. The $100 million, 150-job titanium plant remains on schedule to be operating in late 2010 or early 2011, Vandegrift said. So far, “tens of millions (of dollars) already have been invested in the project,” he said.

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Big chair attraction planned
Mar 20, 2009 in News Articles
By Bulletin STAFF. The EDC unveiled plans Thursday to turn part of the Broad Street parking lot into a park centered around a 25-foot-tall monument to the area’s furniture heritage.

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'Furniture cluster' plans detailed
Feb 23, 2009 in News Articles
By KIM BARTO - Bulletin Staff Writer. The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) has announced new developments in plans for a “furniture cluster” uptown.

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Sewing returns to uptown in effort to revive industry
Feb 22, 2009 in News Articles
By GINNY WRAY - Bulletin Staff Writer. Listen closely and you can hear the sounds of sewing machines back in uptown Martinsville. Stone Fabrics, a 6-year-old company is trying to revive the textile industry in that area.

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RTI's Patriot Centre plant on schedule
Feb 19, 2009 in News Articles
By GINNY WRAY - Bulletin Staff Writer. RTI International Metals’ plant in the Patriot Centre industrial park remains on schedule to be operating in the second half of 2010 or early part of 2011, a company official said recently.

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Quarterly Procurement Idea Exchange Scheduled for January 22nd
Jan 15, 2009 in News Articles

EDC Press Release. Topics of discussion will include: how and what agencies purchase, how to respond to requests for proposals and quotes, and how to navigate procurement websites. .

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Fishery set to expand
Sep 10, 2008 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The president of Blue Ridge Aquaculture unveiled plans Tuesday for a $40 million expansion that will more than double production at the Martinsville fishery.

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Local firm shares service award
Aug 7, 2008 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. A Martinsville firm, YoungWilliams PC, is sharing a federal customer service award with a state agency.

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Heath: EDC making progress on goals
Jul 9, 2008 in News Articles
By KIM BARTO - Bulletin Staff Writer. The MHC EDC is well on its way to accomplishing goals of helping create jobs locally, securing capital investment and aiding small businesses, according to President and CEO Mark Heath.

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Industial park acres added
Jun 25, 2008 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. A new industrial park being developed by Henry County near the North Carolina line will be bigger than originally planned. The county agreed to buy 108 acres off U.S. 220.

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Work begins on RTI site
Jun 4, 2008 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. RTI International Metals has started grading its site at the Patriot Centre to expand the building there and add two new buildings.

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More commute into area than out, data says
May 27, 2008 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS. EDC's President and CEO Mark Heath said recent data showing commuting patterns is good news.

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Motorsports' impact on Southside outlined
May 18, 2008 in News Articles
By PAUL COLLINS – Bulletin Staff Writer. About 40 members of the 2008 class of LEAD VIRGINIA toured southern Virginia Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

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Achievements recognized at Business Appreciation Luncheon
May 15, 2008 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Local businesses and executives were recognized Wednesday for their significant accomplishments and contributions to the community.

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Development efforts outlined
May 15, 2008 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. VEDP Executive Director Jeffrey Anderson was the keynote speaker at a Business Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday at the Bassett Country Club. The

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EDC mixes business, racing
Mar 30, 2008 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. EDC officials are spending most of the weekend manning the agency’s suite at the speedway, touting the area to invited guests.

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Visitor center shows off Axton motorsports park
Mar 28, 2008 in News Articles
By Bulletin STAFF. The EDC's Office of Tourism coordinated the display at the M-HC Visitor Center, highlighting Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park.

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Potential for distribution centers called highest in Henry, Franklin
Mar 19, 2008 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Of the localities along Interstate 73’s planned stretch through Virginia, Henry and Franklin counties have the best potential to lure distribution centers.

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U.K. West buys Compton Wood Products
Mar 5, 2008 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. U.K. West Inc., a five-year-old company with locations in Atlanta and New Jersey, bought Compton in November.

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Local racing sector expands
Mar 2, 2008 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Darrell Cox Racing (DCR), LLC builds high-performance engines for Dodge SRT-4 vehicles.

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Food Processing in Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia
Feb 28, 2008 in News Articles
As reported in Expansions Solutions magazine. Martinsville-Henry County has a plentiful supply of water and sewer ready to be put to your use.

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Call center attracts hundreds as it considers local operation
Jan 24, 2008 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. A job fair in Martinsville on Wednesday drew about 325 applicants seeking call-center jobs.

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Signs extend welcome to city visitors
Jan 17, 2008 in News Articles
By Bulletin STAFF. Visitors to the area will get a clear sense of place and a warm welcome when they drive into Martinsville, thanks to new welcome signs.

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GCS to Hold Job Fair January 23rd
Jan 16, 2008 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer.   A North Carolina-based call center is assessing the local work force before deciding whether to locate in Martinsville and will hold a job fair January 23, 2008.

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Race team moves to area
Jan 15, 2008 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS. A new partnership between Arrington Manufacturing Inc. and Bobby Hamilton Racing has brought the late NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver’s team to Martinsville.

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RTI to bring 150 jobs
Jan 9, 2008 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Gov. Tim Kaine announced that RTI International Metals Inc., a company that produces and distributes titanium, will move into the new shell building in the Patriot Centre Industrial Park.

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RTI to generate $2.1M annually
Jan 9, 2008 in News Articles
By Bulletin STAFF. RTI International Metals Inc. will become Henry County’s largest taxpayer when it is up and operating, likely in mid-2010, officials said Tuesday.

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Local firm's ads go national
Dec 30, 2007 in News Articles
By Bulletin STAFF. CoolKnobsandPulls.com uses Google model for TV spots.

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Gildan praised at ceremony
Dec 12, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Officials say Gildan Activewear is Martinsville and Henry County’s newest success story.

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March groundbreaking hoped for soccer complex in county
Dec 7, 2007 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The Southern Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority aims to break ground on its soccer complex in Henry County by March.

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Office-retail plans aired
Dec 5, 2007 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. New commercial development, including an office/retail complex and bank headquarters, is planned along Liberty Street.

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Visitor Center opens
Nov 30, 2007 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Bulletin Staff Writer. Nearly 100 people were on hand Thursday for the dedication of a center officials hope will become a destination for tourists visiting the area.

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Marketing strategy is being created for former-mill-turned-office-building
Nov 21, 2007 in News Articles

By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The company that owns Commonwealth Centre plans to begin marketing the former-textile-mill-turned-office-building in mid-December.

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New J.G. Edelen facility opens in Patriot Centre
Nov 16, 2007 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Bulletin Staff Writer. The Internet-driven J.G. Edelen Co. dedicated a more than 28,000 square foot, $2 million distribution center Thursday in the Patriot Centre,.

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A City and County, Joined at the Hip
Nov 1, 2007 in News Articles
As reported in Business Facilities magazine, November 2007.

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Accretive Commerce Expands in Martinsville
Nov 1, 2007 in News Articles
By Business Facilities magazine STAFF. Accretive Commerce, national E-Commerce and customer care company, to receive tax incentives and training benefits as it expands.

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VEDP Goes Behind the Scenes in Martinsville
Oct 24, 2007 in News Articles
As reported in VEDP Commerce Quarterly, Fall 2007.

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Visitors center ready to spread word about area's attractions
Oct 19, 2007 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. NASCAR fans — or anyone else, for that matter — can race uptown to find out about attractions in Henry County and Martinsville. The visitor center at the Southern Virginia Artisan Center on West Church Street is now open.

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EDC charts its efforts for 2006-07
Oct 9, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The creation of nearly 1,700 new jobs and an increase in the average weekly wage since the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. was founded in 2004 are among the achievements cited in the organization’s annual report.

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Deals on land advance
Oct 5, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. The Henry County Industrial Development Authority board on Thursday approved final measures that will allow the county to buy two tracts of land for long-term economic development.

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Business office to add jobs
Oct 2, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS. Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County will hold a job fair today to fill eight new positions in its Remote Business Office (RBO). The job fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the RBO on the fourth floor of the BB&T bank building uptown.

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Shell building dedicated at Patriot Centre
Sep 27, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. A new $2.7 million shell building dedicated Wednesday represents the future of economic development for Martinsville and Henry County, but it also symbolizes something more intangible, a city official said.

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Sawyers to drive student-prepared car
Sep 26, 2007 in News Articles
By DREW EARY - Bulletin Sports Writer. Like more than 100 other drivers, Rodney Sawyers of Ridgeway will be driving the Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) owned No. 73 Dodge, a car that is built and maintained by a group of students.

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Bring on the shrimp - Entrepreneur tests growing seafood indoors in Henry County
Sep 23, 2007 in News Articles
By GREG EDWARDS-Times-Dispatch Staff Writer.  For nearly two decades, Bill Martin has operated what he calls the world's largest indoor fish farm near Henry County. Now, he has partnered with MariCal Inc. of Portland, Maine, to build a $3 million, 30,000-squarefoot facility to test growing shrimp indoors.

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Mehler announces expansion
Sep 13, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. Mehler Engineered Products (MEP) and Mehler Texnologies are planning an expansion that will create 10 to 20 jobs and “considerable” capital investment, according to an announcement Wednesday.

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EDC focus groups held for minority, small businesses
Sep 2, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. The MHC EDC’s Office of Small and Minority Business is hosting a series of focus group meetings for small and minority business owners monthly. The meetings give business owners a chance to share information about their businesses, provide participants with a brief educational opportunity and networking with other business owners.

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County OKs purchase of tracts
Aug 29, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. The Henry County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to exercise its option to buy two tracts of land to use for industrial parks.

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Shrimp delivered for ‘giant experiment’ at Blue Ridge
Aug 29, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. Blue Ridge Aquaculture should know soon if its high density shrimp farming experiment will pay off. The company is investing about $3 million in its 30,000-square-foot facility to test this shrimp farming method, Martin said.

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Complex contest launched
Aug 26, 2007 in News Articles
The Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority wants the public’s help in naming the sports complex it is planning in Henry County. The authority is sponsoring a contest to pick a name for the complex to be build at the intersection of the U.S. 220/58 Bypass and Virginia 650 in Henry County.

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Development announced - Retail, office and food sites are planned
Aug 10, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. Plans have been announced for a new 30,000-square-foot mixed use retail, office and food court complex at the entrance to the Bowles Industrial Park and Patrick Henry Community College.

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Soccer complex cost rising
Aug 2, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. The price tag for the soccer complex to be built in Henry County could double to about $8 million as a “gold standard” complex is being planned, according to the executive director of The Harvest Foundation.

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In the middle of everything
Jul 26, 2007 in News Articles
By Southern Business & Development STAFF. Martinsville-Henry County could quite possibly be the most conveniently located town on the East Coast.

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Speakers: Crafts can help revitalize economy
Jul 26, 2007 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Bulletin Staff Writer. The products of people’s hearts, hands and minds can be a key element in revitalizing a local economy, two experts told a packed house Wednesday at the Southern Virginia Artisan Center.

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Heath shares job figures with county
Jul 25, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.’s approach of targeting all economic development sectors, not just manufacturing, is paying off, President and CEO Mark Heath told the Henry County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

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PHCC Motorsports grad lands a job with NASCAR
Jul 24, 2007 in News Articles
By DREW EARY - Bulletin Staff Writer. While many auto racing fans watch NASCAR on Sundays, wishing they could be at the track in the stands, Patrick County resident Galen Biggs actually will be at the track. Only he’ll be on the job.

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August finish expected for new shell building
Jul 23, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Construction of a shell building in the Patriot Centre at Beaver Creek industrial park is on schedule to be complete by late August, according to a Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) official.

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Accretive expansion takes shape
Jul 20, 2007 in News Articles
By DREW EARY - Bulletin Staff Writer. Construction of a 10,000-square-foot, air-conditioned addition to Accretive Commerce Solutions’ warehouse in the Patriot Centre industrial park should be complete by the end of the summer, according to a company official.

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Huge Accomplishment Realized in Martinsville-Henry County, Va.
Jul 17, 2007 in News Articles
By MIKE RANDLE - Southern Business & Development Magazine Editorial. Southern Business & Development has a long history with Martinsville-Henry County in that it has won "Small Market of the Year" three times over the last 14 years, or since the SB&D 100 was first published in 1994. That is more than any other small market in the South. Aiken, S.C. has taken the honor twice.

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Camp idea focuses on business basics
Jul 16, 2007 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Ten rising seventh- and eighth-graders last week learned basic skills needed to start a business during Camp Idea, sponsored by the New College Institute (NCI) and Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC).

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Bistro planned for visitor center
Jul 13, 2007 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The new visitor center being established at the Southern Virginia Artisan Center uptown will have a unique feature, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce board of directors learned Thursday.

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EDC: Area gained jobs in 2006
Jul 11, 2007 in News Articles

By SHAWN HOPKINS - Bulletin Staff Writer. The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) announced Tuesday that the community gained 466 jobs in 2006, the first reversal following 10 years of decline.

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Internet now a key to information for tourists
Jul 1, 2007 in News Articles

By DAVID ROTENIZER, EDC Director of Tourism. You hear it all the time, “Visit us on the Worldwide Web.” The Internet has become a daily staple in today’s transformation into the digital age.

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Southern Virginia redefines itself
Jul 1, 2007 in News Articles
By BERNIE NIEMEIER - Virginia Business Magazine Writer. The rapid transformation of Southern Virginia is replacing the old tobacco and industrial economy with new knowledge workers to support the rapidly growing service and technology-based economy of the future.

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Upholstery program draws job seekers
Jun 28, 2007 in News Articles
By DREW EARY-Bulletin Staff Writer. More than 100 displaced textile and furniture employees and others learned about jobs in the upholstery industry during an orientation Thursday.

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Session hopes to dispel myths, draw workers to upholstery jobs
Jun 20, 2007 in News Articles

By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Due to the high demand for upholstery workers, an orientation session is being held to spur interest in the field. It will be sponsored by the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board (WIB), Patrick Henry Community College, Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. and the VEC.

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Signs planned in city
Jun 12, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. is accepting Requests For Proposals (RFPs) for welcome signs that will adorn gateways into the city of Martinsville.

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EDC targets wages
Jun 4, 2007 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. With local jobless rates dropping, it is the time to focus on recruiting companies that pay high salaries, according to an economic developer.

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Motorsports - Martinsville-Henry County Virginia
Jun 1, 2007 in News Articles
By Expansion Solutions Magazine STAFF. Martinsville-Henry County offers the lowest cost of doing business among the country’s leading motorsports localities.

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Martinsville Speedway honored with economic development award
May 21, 2007 in News Articles
Martinsville Speedway was honored by the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation with the presentation of the organization's Legacy Award Wednesday afternoon.

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EDC: Economic development is a team sport
May 16, 2007 in News Articles
More than 30 residents heard Heath and other EDC officials explain marketing techniques. They also discussed target sectors of businesses, the importance of research and other data the EDC uses to convince businesses to locate here.

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Incentives help new, existing industries
May 13, 2007 in News Articles
By LISA FULTZ-GRACE, EDC Director of Small and Minority Business Development. A multitude of state and local incentives exist to make it more attractive for a company to locate in Martinsville-Henry County. The EDC is able to utilize these incentives when recruiting new businesses to the area. The

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Creative economy' successes outlined
May 2, 2007 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Bulletin Staff Writer. Executive Director and founder of HandMade in America encourages communities to carefully review what their unique assets are and work to develop them.

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Buckingham native named director of sports authority
May 1, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Buckingham County native Dennis Toney will be the first executive director of the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority (SVRFA), officials announced on Monday.

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Molding the future of healthcare
May 1, 2007 in News Articles
By JENNY VICKERS-Business Facilities. Martinsville-Henry County, VA knows plastics. Producing some of the finest plastics products available, companies locating in this area will not only find a strong manufacturing and industry sector, but a business-friendly climate to help get your business up and running.

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Degree programs in motorsports, industrial technology unveiled
Apr 27, 2007 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Starting this fall, the New College Institute (NCI) will offer bachelor’s degree programs in motorsports and industrial technology through a partnership with Old Dominion University.

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EDC's Speedway suite investment attracting business representatives
Apr 24, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.’s investment in a suite at Martinsville Speedway is drawing business representatives to the area.

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New visitors center to open around June 1
Apr 23, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. The new visitors center will be opening around June 1 and will be located in the Patrick Henry Coummunity College's Artisan Center.

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Accretive Commerce expands in county
Apr 17, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS - Accretive Commerce will expand its Henry County distribution center as a result of its extended contract with Godiva Chocolatier.

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I-73 clears major hurdle
Apr 10, 2007 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Bulletin Staff Writer. One of the major milestones in approval of the Interstate 73 was passed Friday when the Federal Highway Administration issued a record of decision that will allow Virginia to begin design work on the more than $4 billion project. It clears the way the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to start designing a 70-mile interstate between Roanoke and the North Carolina line that has been sought to boost the economy of Henry County and Martinsville.

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Almost 3,000 visited VMNH over weekend
Apr 3, 2007 in News Articles

By BULLETIN STAFF. Nearly 3,000 people visited the new Virginia Museum of Natural History on Starling Avenue during its opening celebrations over the weekend, according to a press release. The museum's 100-Hour Opening Celebration concluded Sunday with a family fun day. Other events included a VMNH Member's reception, a dedication ceremony, the VMNH Foundation Gala, and the Grand Opening on Saturday.

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EDC offers area maps to tourists
Apr 2, 2007 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Bulletin Staff Writer . The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.’s tourism office is offering local hotels, service stations and other businesses and places that might interact with the public a “secret weapon” to promote tourism, officials said. New map pads have been produced and are being distributed free of charge, said EDC Tourism Director David Rotenizer. One side of each paper shows a Martinsville map and a list of attractions and accommodations; the other side shows a map and similar list for Henry County.

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EDC seeks to win with motorsports industries
Apr 1, 2007 in News Articles
By MARK HEATH, EDC President/CEO. We know that, in light of recent plant closings, it is difficult for the community to see things happening in economic development. We understand the loss of jobs has been disheartening. But, good things are happening here and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) is working hard to replace jobs. In fact, just since July 2004, 1,534 jobs have been created in our community from new and existing industry.

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Editorial: County's land deals provide eye for future
Apr 1, 2007 in News Articles
BULLETIN EDITORIAL. The Henry County Board of Supervisors’ decision to take an option on 621 acres for a possible business/industrial park shows its eye for the future. The land is adjacent to U.S. 220 near the North Carolina line and also has rail service. Those factors address shortcomings identified by economic developers in the area’s existing available industrial sites. Rail service opens the site’s possibilities to industries such as plastics, which local developers have targeted for the area, and the proximity to North Carolina means the area may able to benefit from growth in the triad area of the Tar Heel state.

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PHCC student becomes motorsports 'poster child'
Mar 30, 2007 in News Articles

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By AMANDA BUCK - Bulletin Staff Writer. When Brannon Simpson began looking into colleges as a high school senior, he and his father came across PHCC’s Web site. One visit to the school made the college decision an easy one. Touring PHCC’s motorsports facility and learning about the program convinced Simpson and his dad — both of whom know their way around an engine and behind the wheel of a racecar — that PHCC was the right place for Brannon.

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Land is part of puzzle
Mar 29, 2007 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Bulletin Staff Writer. The 621 acres Henry County plans to buy will be an important “piece of the puzzle” for economic development in Henry County and Martinsville, a local official said Wednesday.  “It’s just another major piece in a 10-year effort to rebuild our economy in a holistic matter,” said Mark Heath, president and chief executive officer of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.

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Henry County Welcomes You
Mar 29, 2007 in News Articles

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Henry County Public Service Authority employees Ricky Shelton (left) and Kevin Clark help Gateway StreetScape landscape one of the new “Henry County Welcomes You” signs. Gateway has landscaped all six of the new signs. (Contributed photo)

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County gets option on land
Mar 28, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN STAFF. The Henry County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to enter into an option to buy 621 acres for a possible business/industrial park near the Virginia-North Carolina line. County and Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) officials believe the land would allow the Henry County-Martinsville market to tap into the growing market around Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point, N.C.,  according to a county release.

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Work on shell building to start
Mar 27, 2007 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer. Construction on a shell building at Patriot Centre at Beaver Creek industrial park is expected to begin this week, according to an economic developer. The 75,000-square-foot, $2.7 million building will be built of masonry, glass and metal. Located on 19.6 acres at Patriot Centre, the building will be able to be expanded up to 154,000 square feet. It will have 30-foot ceilings and almost 5,000 square feet of external office space, according to the EDC.

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EDC chief upbeat on jobs
Mar 13, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. While economic development officials are not ready to announce specifics, they will say one thing: More jobs are on the way.

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EDC takes stock of area restaurants; 77 visited
Mar 11, 2007 in News Articles
By DAVID ROTENIZER, EDC Director of Tourism. Take your pick. Martinsville-Henry County has quite a few restaurants for your dining enjoyment. Over the past two months, the Office of Tourism has been inventorying eateries in the area. To date, 77 establishments have been visited.

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County buys option on 1,200 acres
Feb 13, 2007 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer - The area’s next major industrial park could be built directly behind Patriot Centre at Beaver Creek. The Henry County Board of Supervisors on Monday voted unanimously to spend $50,000 to exercise a six-month option on 1,206 acres off Barrows Mill Road.

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Analyst: Future of area furniture companies bright
Feb 6, 2007 in News Articles

By GINNY WRAY - Bulletin Staff Writer - Despite lagging sales, a plant closing and what local furniture manufacturers call “challenging” business conditions in recent months, an industry analyst is bullish on the future of Bassett, Stanley and Hooker furniture companies.

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Stanley Furniture bucking industry trend
Feb 6, 2007 in News Articles
By BULLETIN WRITER - With estimates that 80 percent of the wood furniture sold in this country is made elsewhere, Scheffer recognizes that Stanley is bucking the industry. He has watched as many former domestic competitors closed their plants and focused more on imports, yet he is confident of Stanley’s strategy.

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Business plan is company's roadmap to success
Feb 4, 2007 in News Articles
By EDC Director of Small and Minority Business Development, Lisa Fultz - published in the Martinsville Bulletin. It is a common misconception that a business plan is only necessary to obtain financing. This is not the case. Writing a business plan allows you to assess many aspects of your business future and helps you to have ready answers when needed. In essence, it's your roadmap to success.

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Official: Startek going strong
Jan 23, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer. The closing of a Startek facility in Petersburg will not affect the company’s operations here, the local call center’s site manager said Monday.

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Visitor Center planned uptown
Jan 11, 2007 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer. Local officials are stepping up their efforts to welcome tourists to the area. The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. and Patrick Henry Community College announced Wednesday that they will work together to open a new visitor center in uptown Martinsville this June.

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Plain Talk with the EDC - Tourism focus
Jan 7, 2007 in News Articles
By DAVID ROTENIZER, EDC Director of Tourism. "Build a better mouse trap and they will come" is not the best philosophy when considering how to market our community to tourists. Where you place a mouse trap is usually a better approach.

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New Tourism region promotes 'Southern Virginia'
Dec 22, 2006 in News Articles
By the Associated Press - VICTORIA, Va. -- Southside Virginia is giving way to newly named tourism region intended to draw a sharp distinction between its urban brethren.

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Signs set to greet visitors
Dec 22, 2006 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  People entering Henry County soon will be greeted with a distinct, hard-to-miss hello in the form of new welcome signs.

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IDA accepts firm's bid on shell building
Dec 21, 2006 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  The Henry County Industrial Development Authority on Wednesday approved a bid for the construction of a 79,000-square-foot, $3.5 million shell building project in the Patriot Centre industrial park.

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EDC polishes online image
Nov 20, 2006 in News Articles
By STAFF - Martinsville Bulletin.  In today’s wired and Internet-savvy world, the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.’s newly redesigned Web site could be the EDC’s most important marketing tool, officials said.

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Company ups goals on hiring
Nov 17, 2006 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  A recruiter for a new call center to be located in Martinsville said she quickly found more qualified applicants than she expected during interviews this week at the Virginia Employment Commission office in Martinsville.

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MZM building is on market
Nov 17, 2006 in News Articles
By CHARLES BOOTHE - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  The facility that was home to MZM Inc. and then Athena Innovative Solutions Inc. is being put on the market for $5 million, according to a press release from the company that is selling it.

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County officially launches three river access points
Nov 8, 2006 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  Putting a kayak or canoe in the Smith River is easier than ever because of three new access points that officially opened Friday.

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Recreation Authority holds first meeting
Nov 8, 2006 in News Articles

By CHARLES BOOTHE - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  The Southern Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority met for the first time Tuesday afternoon, electing a chairman and approving the process of hiring an executive director.

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Edelen breaks ground on new county facility
Oct 26, 2006 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  J.G. Edelen Co. and local officials broke ground on a new 28,000-square-foot facility in the Patriot Centre on Wednesday, he said J.G. Edelen is a company with one foot in the past and one in the future.

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State tour group sees regions attractions
Oct 19, 2006 in News Articles
By MAC McLEAN  - Danville Register & Bee Staff Writer.    Regional assets were touted to a mixture of staff from Virginia's ten welcome centers and the Richmond-based Virginia Tourism Corporation today.

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Gildan begins hiring
Oct 18, 2006 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  About 50 area residents were at the Virginia Employment Commission office in Martinsville on Tuesday seeking jobs at Gildan Activewear Inc.’s planned retail distribution center in Henry County.

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I-73 moves ahead
Oct 12, 2006 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  A state official confirmed Wednesday that an agreement has been signed that brings the Interstate 73 project closer to reality.

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Memorial Hospital unveiled an addition Wednesday
Oct 12, 2006 in News Articles
By AMANDA BUCK - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  More than doubles the size of its ambulatory surgery center and brings advanced medical equipment to the area.

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Ground broken for $2.4M shrimp facility
Oct 10, 2006 in News Articles
By DEBBIE HALL - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  A new shrimp aquaculture facility in Martinsville is expected to have a national impact while generating an estimated 600 jobs within the next five years, according to officials and dignitaries at a groundbreaking ceremony Monday.

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Officials praise project
Oct 10, 2006 in News Articles
By MICKEY POWELL - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  People of all ages are eager to see two new sports-related complexes that will be built in the Martinsville area.

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Harvest Foundation unveils $20 million plan
Oct 10, 2006 in News Articles
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.  The Harvest Foundation on Monday unveiled details of its plan to provide $20 million to construct a fieldhouse and arena in Martinsville and a soccer complex in Henry County, an announcement officials said will be remembered in the future as a key moment in the city and county’s economic growth.

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Harvest is aiming for in-depth change
Oct 9, 2006 in News Articles
by CHARLES BOOTHE - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer.   With more than $28 million and 98 grants allocated during its first three years of existence, The Harvest Foundation is just touching the “tip of the iceberg” on the long-term effects of its programs, the foundation’s chairman said Friday.

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“Selling to the Federal Government” Workshop for Small, Women- and Minority- owned Business Offered for Local Entrepreneurs
Oct 5, 2006 in News Articles

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Plain Talk with the EDC
Oct 1, 2006 in News Articles
By MARK HEATH, President/CEO, Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation.  The fourth in a series of monthly columns written by EDC staff on what the organization is doing to fulfill its mission of creating new job opportunities and expanding the tax base in the area.

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Great Corporate Love Affairs in the South
Oct 1, 2006 in News Articles
By SOUTHERN BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT STAFF. Communities all across the South ... are not only interested in wooing new companies, but also in continuing their courtship with existing firms.

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Pick of the Crop
Sep 4, 2006 in News Articles
By Rachel Duran. Global Corporate Xpansion magazine.  The perfect mix of raw materials, processors and suppliers, and workforces with a history in ag-related industries can be found throughout the country.  Here are a few gems that are positioned to help you thrive.

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Set your sites on incentives
Jun 1, 2006 in News Articles
By PETER CLEAVELAND - Contributing Editor or Food Engineering Magazine. Revitalized market access, quality labor, lucrative enticements, weather—site selection isn’t what it used to be.

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'Philpott' brings production expertise to manufacturers
Feb 1, 2006 in News Articles
By Deborah Nason – VIRGINIA BUSINESS Magazine. Almost everyone has heard of agricultural extension services, which “extend” university expertise to the public through programs related to farming and household management. But fewer people know there also are extension services for manufacturers.

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Supplying the need for speed
Oct 1, 2005 in News Articles
By SOUTHERN BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT STAFF. Southwest and Southside Virginia offer unparalleled advantages for the motorsports industry.

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'Extreme Makeover' puts Nationwide in spotlight
By HOLLY KOZELSKY - Bulletin Staff Writer. Martinsville's Nationwide Custom Homes plant will build the first modular home to be featured on the ABC show.

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Cash Flow Workshop Scheduled for the Area
EDC Press Release. This free workshop will provide guidance on how to manage cash flow. It is scheduled for February 18, at Hugo’s in Uptown Martinsville from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

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Drake Expands in Martinsville-Henry County
EDC Press Release. Drake Extrusion's expansion will create at least 25 new jobs and include an additional capital investment of $1.25 million.

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Contact Us

Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation
134 East Church Street, Suite 200 PO Box 631, Martinsville, Virginia 24114
Phone: 276.403.5940 | Fax: 276.403.5941