Archive for category: News Article

The Kroger Co., the nation’s largest traditional supermarket retailer, announced today the grand opening of the Richmond region’s newest Kroger Marketplace store, located at 10800 Ironbridge Road, between Greenyard and Courtland Roads, in Chesterfield County.

“We are very happy that the newest Kroger Marketplace is opening in the Dale District near the county courthouse complex,” said Jim Holland, Dale District Supervisor, Chesterfield Board of Supervisors. “The Kroger Marketplace will provide an exciting and convenient grocery and dining experience to the residents and workers in the area. We thank Kroger for the $27 million investment and the jobs this facility will create.”

The 123,000-square-foot superstore currently employs 360 full- and part-time workers. In addition to offering top-quality grocery selections, the new store provides a unique experience to shoppers by filling 30,000 square feet with non-grocery items, ranging from apparel to home décor. Customers can expect a variety of new and unique features, including:

• Non-grocery departments that include sections that offer a variety of products including apparel, home décor, pet supplies, baby and infant needs, toys, bedding, housewares and more.

• A cheese shop from Greenwich-based Murray’s cheese, offering more than 175 varieties of cheese from all around the world.

• A growler station with 12 rotating selections of popular local and craft brews. Tastings and flights available in store.

• A wine department with more than 2,000 wine selections available, including a wine bar with eight wines on tap for in-store tastings and enjoyment.

• A Little Clinic that staffs board-certified nurse practitioners authorized to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses and also provides a wide selection of additional services such as camp and sports physicals, health screenings and a number of vaccinations.

• An expansive natural foods department offering bulk dry goods, gluten-free items and other specialty, dietary-specific items.

• A Deli Bistro that includes sandwiches prepared to order, a gourmet brick oven pizza station, sushi and other Asian food favorites, comfortable café seating, a fireplace and flat-screen televisions. Chefs are on hand to offer cooking and menu planning advice.

• A full-service drive-thru pharmacy.

• A Starbucks kiosk, including a seating area and free Wi-Fi.

• The Kroger Fuel Center, with nine fuel dispensers, where customers can redeem earned fuel points on all goods purchased.

“The team at the Chester Kroger Marketplace is thrilled to open our doors and begin serving a new community and customer base,” said Alice Jones, store manager at the Chester Kroger Marketplace. “At Kroger, we focus on friendly service and fresh products and it’ll be my pleasure to show our shoppers the Kroger way – every day.” Jones, who’s spent the majority of her career in the grocery business, previously managed the Short Pump Kroger since its opening in 2010.

In line with Kroger’s commitment to the community, the grocer will donate to four not-for-profit organizations, including Chesterfield County Fire & EMS Cares Emergency Fund, Chesterfield Police Foundation, Chesterfield County Food Bank, Thomas Dale High School and L.C. Bird High School. The checks will be presented at the grand opening ribbon cutting on the morning of Wednesday, October 21.

“It’s important for us to connect with the community by understanding what’s important to them and learning how we can make their lives easier and better,” added Jones.

On the morning of the grand opening, the first 500 customers will receive “Breakfast on Kroger,” including a dozen eggs, Sara Lee bread, Smithfield bacon, 3 lbs. of clementine oranges and a Clif bar. From opening day through Saturday, October 31, Kroger will give away different items each day to the first 500 customers in the store each day. Items included in the daily giveaway include products like Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy, Thomas’ English Muffins, pistachios, Coca-Cola and more.

If you ask the owners of Selah!, LLC, Temple Image and CleanNGoFast, LLC, they will tell you that the library’s Small Business Resource Center was instrumental in them starting and maintaining their businesses.

“At one time our computers were down and we didn’t have the money to get them fixed; so we started to use the library computer,” said Dion Roseboro. Dion and his twin brother Derek began using the library in 2008 to help launch their cleaning business. When they were hit by the bad economy, they took advantage of the Small Business Resource Center to get back on their feet.

“The library was very helpful,” said Dion. “We used the library’s computer to develop our website, develop our brochures, the marketing information, business letterheads, business cards, everything,” said Derek.

CCPL’s Small Business Resource Center has become an integral part of the library system. The goal is to be a one-stop shop for business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs. The center offers a wide variety of resources, including scanners, printers, computers, specialized books, programs and workshops. Customers can also make appointments with experts for one-on- one assistance and receive information tailored to their needs.

“You get a lot done, you meet people, and you’re exposed to classes: just by coming here you get access to many resources,” said Delores Klyvert, owner of Temple Image. Delores’ company conducts paternity tests and provides health and wellness education. Delores says as the owner of a home-based business, there are distractions, and the library provides a place for her to focus and get the job done.

CCPL continues to expand its offerings in response to customers’ needs. The library partners with experts in business creation, such as Greater Richmond GATE and RVAworks. SHiRL, owner of Selah, LLC, a company that provides support for female veterans, attended one of the library’s RVAworks workshops.

“I went through two entrepreneurial programs and out of those two programs, I fine-tuned what I wanted to do,” said SHiRL. “If I didn’t have the Small Business Resource Center, I would be totally lost.”

Learn more by reading Loud and Clear Magazine on the Chesterfield County Public Library web site.

Innovative, high-strength Kevlar® fiber has been instrumental in protecting our public safety personnel

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA — Members of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors recently presented DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman a resolution to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the invention of Kevlar®. The ceremony was held at DuPont’s Spruance Plant, which has been part of the Chesterfield County community for more than 80 years.

Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Elswick presents DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman a county resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of Kevlar®. Joining Elswick and Kullman are Supervisor Dorothy Jaeckle, Marc Doyle, DuPont senior vice president, Safety and Protection, and Bill Dupler, deputy county administrator for community development.
Photo courtesy of Chesterfield County Public Affairs.

“We have worked together a lot over the years, and we greatly appreciate the support,” Kullman said. “Our partnership with the county and the community is critical.”

“DuPont is a great company to have in our community,” Bermuda District Supervisor Dorothy Jaeckle said. “They emphasize safety and are a great employer. DuPont partners with the county on many projects, and they get their employees engaged in the community.”

Kevlar®, a high-strength fiber, was first developed in 1965 by DuPont scientist Stephanie Kwolek and has since become synonymous with lifesaving products. Since its inception, Kevlar® is credited with protecting law enforcement and fire officials, and military personnel worldwide.

“Little did I know the impact that Kevlar® would have on my life personally,” Board of Supervisor Chairman Steve Elswick said. “As a retired firefighter and someone who has many members of my family in public safety and the military, the invention of DuPont’s Kevlar® really hits home to me.”

For 50 years DuPont scientists have been exploring new possibilities for Kevlar®. Kevlar® protects people in space, law enforcement and military, and construction industries, and now this science is available in Reebok Crossfit apparel and footwear, so athletes can perform at their peak and know they have the strength of Kevlar® in their gear so they can push the limits of their sport. DuPontTM Kevlar® continues to evolve, and new innovations are being developed.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™ and Kevlar® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Contact: Teresa Bonifas | 804-318-8314 | BonifasT@chesterfield.gov

Facebook: chesterfieldva | Twitter: @chesterfieldva | #Cfield

New Facility Part Of Specialty Chemicals Company’s Growth Plan In North America

NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA – Global specialty chemical company Evonik Industries, one of the world’s leaders in innovation, today inaugurated its Richmond Business and Innovation Center.

Evonik’s New Richmond Business and Innovation Center Facility in Chesterfield

Dr. Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG, along with other company executives and state, county and local officials, cut the ribbon for the new $15.4 million facility in the Greater Richmond area as more than 140 employees, dignitaries and guests marked the occasion.

“At Evonik, new ideas are being incubated while I speak,” Engel said. “Our intention is to turn Evonik into one of the most innovative companies in the world. Evonik’s vigorous culture of innovation will be further strengthened by our new Richmond Business and Innovation Center. The center will not only develop new products and processes but also bring together colleagues from different parts of the company to identify breakthrough technologies.”

In its continuous pursuit of innovation, Engel noted that Evonik has established strong relationships with leading universities, around the world. “Here in Richmond, we are collaborating with Virginia Commonwealth University,” Engel said. “We are participating in a design project for process sustainability with VCU’s Engineering College and we are actively engaged with one-on-one discussions with renowned professors.”

Evonik’s Richmond Business and Innovation Center is a major benefit to the Greater Richmond area, added David DelGuercio, senior vice president and general manager, Evonik Nutrition & Care, North America.

“Rather than build an Innovation Center elsewhere, Evonik purchased a vacant 96,000 square foot structure here and transformed it into a state-of-the art Business and Innovation Center,” DelGuercio said. “We expect to grow and add 50 jobs over the next five years. In addition, by locating the Center in the Greater Richmond area, Evonik preserved 125 local full-time jobs.”

With the new facility, Evonik more than doubles its laboratory and commercial space in the Greater Richmond area. The center combines innovative research and development, marketing, sales, customer service, and support functions such as environment safety and health, procurement, controlling, human resources, and information technology in one facility to foster collaboration, networking and creativity.

Evonik believes innovation is performed by people — not by processes, projects or machines, added DelGuercio. “The company believes the keys to innovation are creativity, courage and team spirit,” he said. “The innovation culture of a company determines how fast employees are able to drive forward good ideas and convert them into a profitable business. The Richmond Business and Innovation Center will play an integral part in this.”

With around 500 projects in its innovation pipeline, Evonik is already one of the world’s most innovative companies.

Evonik participates in the American Chemistry Council‘s Responsible Care program and is certified to the RC 14001 standards and practices in environmental, health, safety, security, product safety and process safety management.

For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit: www.evonik.com/north-america.

On Saturday, November 14th, 2015, The Citie of Henricus opens its doors to the public for the first annual HOPS in the PARK Harvest Festival, to benefit the Henricus Historical Park and The Old Dominion Hops Cooperative. For more information about the event visit, http://hopsinthepark.com.

America’s Favorite Hummus Brand Celebrates Fans with Coupons, Parties, Promotions and Recipes

Sabra Dipping Company, LLC, maker of America’s favorite hummus, is thanking hummus fans nationwide on National Hummus Day 2015. Hummus lovers can expect new recipe ideas, online coupons, free samples in their neighborhoods, and a chance to win great prizes by visiting nhd.sabra.com! For the more than one-quarter of Americans who have become hummus fans in the past decade, the day is full of plenty of reasons to eat more of it.

Sabra has become a favorite among Americans looking for delicious and healthful ways to dip, spread and entertain. Consumption of hummus has been shown to help boost fiber intake and is associated with higher diet quality and lower BMI and waist circumference.

“It is wonderful to celebrate our fans and say thank you on the third annual National Hummus Day,” said Greg Greene, Director of Marketing at Sabra. “Every year more people discover hummus for the first time, and this year, we are giving fans even more reasons to spread their love of hummus with great coupons and dozens of recipes and new ways to enjoy this better-for-you, delicious dip and spread.”

Whether you are hoping to try Sabra for the first time or looking for a coupon to pick up a tub and try a new recipe, here’s how you can join the celebration and make it a #HummusDay to remember!

• Download your coupon for Sabra hummus and share with friends for an even higher value! Learn more at nhd.sabra.com.
• Look for Sabra on your favorite morning news shows for information from some of our favorite chefs and nutritionists.
• Sabra’s panel of bloggers, the Sabra Tastemakers, will be sharing more than 40 new ways you can enjoy hummus in a recipe on their blogs. Visit to find a new favorite.
• Visit a Sabra Food Truck in your neighborhood to pick up a free sample and special National Hummus Day gift. http://sabra.com/trucks
• Fans will be hosting parties and sharing their favorite ways to enjoy on social media with hashtag #HummusDay

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe officially recognized May 21st, 2015 as Virginia Is For Hummus Lovers Day.

Sabra celebrated hummus fans in Chesterfield at the Chester YMCA.

Philip Morris USA (PM USA) is investing over $50 million to establish a tobacco leaf storage warehouse complex on 118 acres in Chester, Virginia.

Four buildings totaling 1 million square feet are being constructed off of Bermuda Hundred Road in the Meadowville area of Chesterfield County.

More information about the project can be found at https://chesterfieldbusinessnews.com/2014/philip-morris-usa-building-1-million-square-foot-tobacco-warehouse-in-chesterfield/.

America’s Best-Selling Hummus Brand Doubles Production Capacity and Plans 70 New Jobs in 2015

Sabra Dipping Company makers of the country’s best-selling hummus, opened the doors to its expanded hummus production facility in Chesterfield County, VA today. With the expansion, Sabra is doubling production capacity to meet continued increased demand for the brand’s portfolio of popular dips and spreads. With the 118,000 square foot expansion, Sabra expects to add an additional 70 jobs to the Chesterfield County location next year. Sabra first announced plans for the expansion last spring, with the opening of its Center of Excellence research and development facility.

Shali Shalit-Shoval at Sabra Ribbon Cutting Event

“Sabra first opened its Virginia facility in 2010 and today marks our 3rd expansion since,” said Shali Shalit-Shoval, Company CEO. “The hummus category continues to grow at a double digit rate each year and we are proud to lead the category with more than 65% market share. This expansion now allows the Sabra facility to eventually produce 8,000 tons of quality, delicious, kitchen-fresh hummus each month.”

Sabra’s expanded facility leverages proprietarily engineered solutions designed to support further innovation and enhanced food preparation at all areas of production. From receipt of fresh ingredients to raw vegetable preparation and packaging efficiencies, as a silver LEED certified facility, all elements of the expansion maintain Sabra’s commitment to support the environment.

Dorothy Jaeckle at Sabra Ribbon Cutting Event

“We are so proud that the country’s favorite hummus is made in Chesterfield County,” said Dorothy Jaeckle, Bermuda District Supervisor, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “Sabra also continues to be a wonderful corporate citizen, prioritizing employee satisfaction, nurturing the environment and giving back to the local agricultural community, having recently donated $25,000 of proceeds from its DC pop-up restaurant Hummus House to FFA in Virginia.”

“Sabra’s business has grown more than 400% since 2007, with the brand driving growth throughout the category,” continued Shalit-Shoval. “This expansion not only furthers our ability to produce higher quantities of hummus but allows us to create an optimal environment for the Sabra family … our employees in Chesterfield County.”

The expanded facilities include additional state-of-the-art office spaces and meeting rooms as well as employee-focused amenities including an inviting cafeteria, an outdoor patio with benches and picnic tables, a full company store, and a fresh coffee shop with dedicated on-site Barista.

The facility will begin production today immediately following a ribbon cutting ceremony, taking place on site. New jobs will be added throughout 2015 with more expected in 2016.