LEBANON – May 20, 2010 – The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority today hosted over 30 existing businesses operating in the coalfield region at an Existing Business Appreciation Ceremony at the VCEDA office in Lebanon.
“Existing businesses are the backbone of any region or community, and we wanted to recognize the strong group of companies in our region that have helped create jobs and improved the region’s economy, particularly those companies that VCEDA has had the pleasure of working with,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director.
VCEDA Chairman George Cridlin welcomed the company leaders and said, “It’s always encouraging and gratifying when VCEDA can in some way assist our existing businesses, whether it be general support or when the VCEDA board approves funding that can help an existing business enlarge a building or buy a piece of needed equipment, which leads to more jobs for our region.”
Long-time VCEDA board member Mike Quillen, Chairman of Alpha Natural Resources, was the keynote speaker for the event. “Looking over the list of honorees for this event is proof that VCEDA’s mission is being realized,” said Quillen.
“Helping to diversify the economy of the coalfield region is this organization’s charge, and with the range of experience, product knowledge, services and technology options represented here today, we are witnessing change.”
The companies recognized included manufacturers and energy producers which have been operating in the region for many years as well as companies which have located operations in Virginia’s e-Region in recent years, many of them bringing new technology-focused jobs.
Click here to see profiles of companies recognized:
Business Appreciation Profile (pdf).
