News Articles

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Chesterfield Cuts Ribbon on New Recreation Facility at Stonebridge

55,000-square-foot Indoor Sports Facility Is Home to the Richmond Volleyball Club and the Stonebridge Recreation Center

Today, Chesterfield County’s Economic Development Authority, Parks and Recreation and the Richmond Volleyball Club officially cut the ribbon on a new facility, located at 200 Karl Linn Drive. The 55,000-square-foot indoor sports facility, built by the EDA, is home to the Richmond Volleyball Club and the Stonebridge Recreation Center.

“We are so glad to celebrate the opening of this new recreation facility,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Dorothy Jaeckle. “This collaboration between the Economic Development Authority of Chesterfield, Chesterfield Parks and Recreation and the Richmond Volleyball Club is an excellent example of a truly successful public-private redevelopment partnership.”

Richmond Volleyball Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing volleyball athletes of all ages, is leasing 50,000 square feet from the EDA, which provides space for eight courts for year-round volleyball programming in Chesterfield. The dedicated space, especially built for volleyball, will also allow Richmond Volleyball Club to host larger tournaments that span the entire region, bringing in more visitors to the metro-Richmond area.

“Richmond Volleyball Club is thrilled to connect with Chesterfield residents,” said Darcy Carroll, Richmond Volleyball Club executive director. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the EDA and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation to offer a convenient, premier facility, and comprehensive volleyball programs. As a non-profit, we have a strong outreach program. It is our goal to spread the love of the sport to beginners and competitive players alike.”

Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will lease the additional 5,000 square feet for the new Stonebridge Recreation Center. The recreation center is the first in the Midlothian area and will primarily host older-adult programming, including classes, workshops, fitness programs and special events. Additionally, during the daytime hours, the county will have access to the entire facility for programs or events. The Stonebridge Recreation Center joins the Bensley and Ettrick centers as the county’s third public recreation facility.

“The Parks and Recreation Department is looking forward to this new amenity,” Parks and Recreation Director Dr. James Worsley said. “This unique partnership with the Richmond Volleyball Club provides the department with access to a multi-use facility. The Stonebridge Recreation Center will have space for recreation programs and events. We are excited about the opportunities to expand services to all members of the community.”

“We are thrilled to have our Parks and Recreation Department partner with the Richmond Volleyball Club to bring such great services and programs to our community,” said Leslie Haley, vice chair of the board of supervisors and Midlothian District representative. “The economic impact on the eastern Midlothian area from the people visiting this facility for daily events and weekend tournaments will be tremendous.”

Art Heinz, Economic Development Authority chair, said, “We are extremely excited about this extraordinary sports facility. It will add to the enthusiasm around Stonebridge and sports tourism throughout the county.”

Richmond Volleyball Club and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will be the newest tenants to locate in the Stonebridge area. Stonebridge is a successful mixed-use revitalization development which is home to Kroger Marketplace, one the company’s largest stores in the mid-Atlantic region; the Elements at Stonebridge, Boyd Homes’ luxury apartment community; and the Shops at Stonebridge.

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ABOUT STONEBRIDGE

Stonebridge was a public-private partnership between Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority and Crosland, Southeast to transform the former Cloverleaf Mall site into a multimillion-dollar retail, residential and commercial center. The project was named “Best Public-Private Partnership Project in Virginia” by Virginia Business Magazine in 2011. Stonebridge was recently acquired by S2 Capital Partners, LLC. Company officials have expressed their commitment to continue to invest in the project and are adding another 15,600 square feet of retail development.

ABOUT CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

With more than 45 public parks and 4,387 acres of green space, the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department offers many opportunities for residents to engage in recreation and outdoor pursuits. The county is also home to many athletic complexes, where sports tournaments and athletic events are hosted. In addition, the parks system maintains many historical sites, an extensive trail system, several conservation areas, three community recreation centers, the Rockwood Nature Center and the County Fairgrounds. A wide variety of recreation services for all ages are offered to meet community needs.

ABOUT RICHMOND VOLLEYBALL CLUB

Richmond Volleyball Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing athletes of all ages for amateur volleyball competition. RVC is Richmond’s oldest sports and social club and has the largest, volleyball-dedicated facilities in the country. Since 1981, RVC has championed the growth of volleyball in central Virginia. RVC is social, fun and family-oriented with year-round volleyball programs for ages 3 – 73.

ABOUT CHESTERFIELD COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Chesterfield Economic Development Authority works in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development to help create new jobs, expand the tax base, and diversify the economy of Chesterfield County. The EDA is chartered through a state law that allows cities and counties to create industrial or economic development authorities with wide-ranging powers, not available to local governments, with the purpose of facilitating economic development opportunities within the community.

Wako Chemicals USA Becomes FUJIFILM Wako Chemicals U.S.A. Corporation

 

Wako Chemicals USA, Inc., a Virginia corporation headquartered in Chesterfield County, Virginia, has changed the company’s name to “FUJIFILM Wako Chemicals U.S.A. Corporation”.  In April 2017, Wako Chemicals’ parent company, Wako Pure Chemicals Ltd. headquartered in Osaka, Japan became a consolidated subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation.  Wako Chemicals’ parent company has also changed its name to FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation.

Wako Chemicals is a manufacturer of new and unique laboratory reagents used by scientists in virtually all fields of study. It has expanded its high-quality products to include specialty chemicals to serve domestic and international industrial businesses, healthcare companies and clinical researchers.  For more information about Wako Chemicals, please visit http://wakousa.com.

The company will expand its businesses through synergies created by its alignment with Fujifilm’s technologies, global networks and other resources.  FUJIFILM Wako Chemicals will continue to grow the development and sale of its products under the established Wako Chemicals brand.  As a core company of the Fujifilm Group, Wako Chemicals will achieve further product development, growth and refinement to better serve its industrial, healthcare and academic research costumers.

Devon USA Plans New State-of-the-Art Warehouse in Chesterfield County

Company Announces 320,000+ SF of Class A Distribution Space to be Built at James River Logistics Center

Devon USA has announced plans for a new state-of-the-art warehouse facility at James River Logistics Center, in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

The project, known as “Project Lightning 2” will feature 32’ clear ceiling heights, ESFR (early suppression fast response) sprinkler system, 50’x60’ column spacing (typ), 8 drive-in doors, and 96 truck-height dock doors (1 per 3,300 sq. ft.). The building also has many “Green” features including white TPO roof, skylights, R-30 roof insulation, and LED lighting.

Parking will be provided for up to 467 automobiles and 64 trailers.  The building could be expanded from 320,853 sq. ft. up to 500,000 sq. ft., and/or additional trailer parking added, depending on the end user’s needs.

The planned building is identical in size and scope to the building developed by Devon in 2017 at Enterchange at Northlake in Ashland, and leased by Amazon.com.  That project, known as “Project Lightning” was completed in just 6 months following the start of building construction, and was the largest industrial transaction in the Richmond market last year.

The project is site plan approved, and Devon is working with Ashland-based McKinney & Company to modify the existing plan for re-submission to Chesterfield County, based on the successful “Project Lightning” prototype.

Chesterfield County Economic Development (CCED) is assisting Devon and McKinney in the site plan and permitting processes. CCED will also assist in marketing the new building to potential users when completed.

Chesterfield Board of Supervisors, Chair, Dorothy Jaeckle

Chesterfield Board of Supervisors, Chair, Dorothy Jaeckle

Located in Board Chair Dorothy Jaeckle’s Bermuda District, Mrs. Jaeckle said, “I would like to thank Devon for their continued investment in Chesterfield County. The proposed new development will add the type of product that is currently in short supply in the region. We are anxious to see the building developed so that we can attract the kind of high quality national tenants that typically lease these buildings.”

James River Logistics Center is located approximately 12 miles south of Richmond on Bellwood Road, in Chesterfield County, Virginia.  Buildings A and B were completed by Devon USA in 2002 and are 100% leased.  Building C will close out the successful park, which will then be comprised of 1,133,825 sq. ft. of distribution space.

The park has convenient access to I-95 and I-895 via US Route 1.  I-3 zoning (Heavy Industrial) allows most commercial and industrial uses including office, warehouse, and manufacturing. The location is also in a Chesterfield County “Technology Zone”, which features a five-year BPOL tax exemption and five-year machinery and tools tax rebate.

Evan Magrill, SIOR and Dean Meyer, SIOR of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer are the exclusive leasing representatives.

About Devon USA

Devon USA  is a commercial property owner, investor and developer with a diverse portfolio of assets in the southeastern and midwestern United States. The company has constructed and/or renovated over 5.6 million sq. ft. of commercial space since 1980, including 1.8 million sq. ft. in Chesterfield County, and currently owns distribution warehouses, multifamily communities, industrial development land, and prime agricultural land. Leasing will be handled by Evan Magrill and Dean Meyer with Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer.  www.devonusa.com

About Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer

Thalhimer was founded in 1913 and currently has offices in Richmond, Newport News, Virginia Beach, Fredericksburg, Roanoke, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg, VA; and Charleston, Greenville, SC. The company has over 100 broker professionals and employs over 400 associates. Thalhimer represents, on behalf of its clients, a property portfolio of over 48 million leasable square feet, and management of over 20 million square feet of commercial property, and over 6,100 multifamily units. In 2015 Thalhimer completed over 2,100 transactions with a transactional volume over $2 billion.
Thalhimer is the region’s leading provider of comprehensive commercial real estate services. The firm offers comprehensive commercial real estate services including corporate services, investment sales, tenant representation, construction management, project management, asset management, and the sale and leasing of office, industrial and retail properties. To learn more, visit www.thalhimer.com or follow @Thalhimer on Twitter.

Independently Owned and Operated / A Member of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global real estate services firm that helps clients transform the way people work, shop, and live. Our 45,000 employees in more than 70 countries help occupiers and investors optimize the value of their real estate by combining our global perspective and deep local knowledge with an impressive platform of real estate solutions. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest commercial real estate services firms with revenue of $6 billion across core services of agency leasing, asset services, capital markets, facility services (C&W Services), global occupier services, investment & asset management (DTZ Investors), project & development services, tenant representation, and valuation & advisory. 2017 marks the 100-year anniversary of the Cushman & Wakefield brand. 100 years of taking our clients’ ideas and putting them into action. To learn more, visit www.cushwakecentennial.com, www.cushmanwakefield.com or follow @CushWake on Twitter.

For Further Information Contact:

Edward D. Mitchell
Managing Director
Devon USA LLC
+1 804 643-3187 x 231
emitchell@devonusa.com

Evan M. Magrill, SIOR
Executive Vice President
+1 804 697 3435
evan.magrill@thalhimer.com

Spectrum Transformation Group Breaks Ground on New Facility at Stonebridge

Spectrum Transformation Group, LLC, a behavioral outpatient treatment provider specializing in the treatment of autism, has broken ground on a new 7,200 square foot facility in Stonebridge in Chesterfield County.

Breaking Ground for the New Spectrum Transformation Group Facility

Stonebridge began as a public-private partnership between Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority and Crosland Southeast to transform the former Cloverleaf Mall site into a multimillion-dollar retail, residential and commercial center. The project was named “Best Public-Private Partnership Project in Virginia” by Virginia Business Magazine in 2011.

Spectrum Ground Breaking at Stonebridge in Chesterfield County

S2 Stonebridge Associates LLC, acquired the center in 2016 with the vision to develop the pad sites and enhance the community.  It recently completed the fifth of six buildings, an 8,400-square foot mixed use building.

Newly Completed 8,400-square foot Mixed Use Building

“S2 Capital Partners is excited to continue to work to bring additional development to the Stonebridge Shopping Center neighborhood. We look forward to partnering with the new facility on future opportunities that will further enrich and engage the local community” said George Stewart, Principal.

In addition to the new Spectrum Transformation Group building, the Richmond Volleyball Club and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department will soon occupy a new 50,000 square foot facility in Stonebridge. That new building is adjacent to Element at Stonebridge, the luxury apartment community in the development.

New 50,000 square foot Facility for Richmond Volleyball Club and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation

The investments made to date in Stonebridge have encouraged significant additional private investment all along eastern Midlothian Turnpike, transforming this key retail and commercial corridor into a vibrant community.

“We are so glad to welcome another great business to Stonebridge,” said Board of Supervisors member, Leslie Haley. “This latest investment in the Stonebridge development continues the momentum of one of the most successful public-private redevelopment partnerships in the region!”

ABOUT SPECTRUM TRANSFORMATION GROUP
Spectrum Transformation Group is the first licensed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Outpatient Treatment provider in Virginia under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). It is one of the only clinical practices of its kind in the state where the primary focus is on autism and the most effective, research–based tools to diagnose and treat it. Spectrum Transformation Group’s “medical home” approach offers a single source for everything from case management to advocacy support to treatment and diagnosis. Its mission is to be a learning organization using evidence-based practices to promote full potential.

ABOUT S2 CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC:
S2 Capital Partners, LLC is comprised of founders and principals Rob Seidel and George Stewart, who have each served Virginia, Maryland, and the greater Washington, DC metro region for more than 30 years. The Stonebridge Shopping Center is a destination retail center located in the heart of the Richmond MSA at Midlothian Turnpike and Chippenham Parkway. The center is comprised of the first Kroger Marketplace in Chesterfield County (123,000 sf) and four retail buildings along and two outparcels totaling 51,816 square feet.

CONTACT
For leasing information at this exciting shopping center, please contact Peter Vick or Harrison Hall at Divaris Real Estate, 804-643-4700.  For more information on the center, including sales information, please contact Rob Seidel, Stewart Commercial Realty Services at 703-395-5600.

Wako Chemicals USA Selected to Participate in Virginia’s VALET Program

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

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Chesterfield County company, Wako Chemicals USA, Inc., into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The VALET program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy. To participate, each business must meet both quantitative and qualitative selection criteria. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growing export sales. To date, 304 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program.

“VALET has provided a vehicle for participating companies to reach global markets and grow their business on a global scale since 2002,” said VEDP President and CEO Stephen Moret. “The benefit of international trade to Virginia’s economy cannot be overstated, and I am confident that with a continued commitment to exporting, these businesses will see a strong return on investment in the coming years.”

Currently, the VALET program has 50 companies as participants. The program provides participating companies with export planning services and assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help meet their international goals. These private sector service providers contribute essential expertise to assist companies in executing export plans and include attorneys, web designers, bankers, translators, accountants, and freight forwarders.

“The VALET program puts participating companies on the fast track to international business growth by connecting them with the necessary tools for successful international sales,” said Paul Grossman, VEDP Vice President of International Trade. “Since its inception in 2002, the program has worked with more than 300 businesses to accelerate their international sales growth. We are happy to welcome Wako Chemicals USA to VALET and look forward to working with them over the course of the next two years.”

The Commonwealth of Virginia exports more than $34 billion in goods and services annually. Exports of Virginia’s products and services to the world are vital to the growth of the Commonwealth, supporting more than 232,000 jobs and generating $2 billion in tax revenue. VEDP offers numerous programs to assist Virginia companies with selling in the global marketplace and has a network of international market research consultants covering more than 70 countries around the globe.

Wako Chemicals USA, Inc.

The Wako Laboratory Chemicals product line consists of over 10,000 unique antibodies, enzymes, molecular biology kits, organic/inorganic chemicals and analytical standards, and 30.000 general research reagents. Its mission, to provide high-quality, high-purity reagents to the research community, has been faithfully maintained through more than 90 years of long-standing tradition and commitment to excellence in the support of all fields of scientific study and development. For more information, please visit http://www.e-reagent.com

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade.

For more information on the VALET Program, visit http://exportvirginia.org/services/programs-grants/

Publix Announces 2nd New Store Location in Chesterfield County

Today Publix Super Markets Inc. announced it has closed on a new store location in Chesterfield County, Va.  The Publix at Cosby Village will be located at the northeast corner of Otterdale Road and Hull Street. The 50,000 square foot store will include a drive-thru pharmacy and is part of a new commercial development to include an additional 17,700 feet of retail space. Harris Development Partners serves as the developer.


This store marks the second location for Publix in Chesterfield County and will be the first Publix to be built from the ground-up within the county. An opening date has not been established for this location. The first Chesterfield County store will open on Nov. 4, 2017, 7 a.m., at Harbour Point Shopping Center in Midlothian. The store will employ approximately 140 associates.

“We look forward to our continued expansion across the region and bringing Publix’s premier service and quality products to Chesterfield County,” said Kim Reynolds, Publix media and community relations manager. “We’d like to thank Chesterfield County and its Board of Supervisors and are excited to be part of this great community.”

“We are so pleased that Publix has decided to build a new store in Chesterfield County. This will complement other store renovations in the area. The location at Cosby Village will bring high-quality products and services to western Hull Street Corridor residents,” said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Steve Elswick. “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I am excited to welcome Publix to our community and look forward to their future success.”

“We are thrilled to develop this project for Publix,” said Asa Harris, President of Harris Development Partners. “We would like to thank Chesterfield County Economic Development and Main Street Homes for their partnership in making this project a reality.”

Publix currently operates six stores within greater Richmond.

Publix is privately owned and operated by its 188,000 employees, with 2016 sales of $34 billion. Currently Publix has 1,155 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The company has been named one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 20 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s website, corporate.publix.com.

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HOPS in the PARK 2017

On Saturday, November 11th, 2017, The Citie of Henricus opens its doors to the public for the third 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.

 

 

Governor Announces New Matoaca Mega Site in Chesterfield

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe Joins
Chesterfield Officials for Mega Site Announcement

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe joined the Economic Development Authority of Chesterfield to announce the acquisition of 1,675 acres of prime real estate in the county to be used to attract a large industrial manufacturing company that could bring 5,000-10,000 direct and supplier jobs and billions of dollars in investments to Chesterfield County.

“I am pleased to take part in announcing the creation of a significant new economic asset that will drive job creation and economic activity for Chesterfield and the Richmond region,” said Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. “This site gives Virginia something unique and allows us to compete for projects on a level we haven’t had before.”

Mega sites are project locations capable of attracting large automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing plants. These projects often bring 2,500-5,000 well-paying direct jobs and up to 10,000 total jobs, including quality jobs from suppliers.

“The Board of Supervisors is excited by the opportunity to attract another high-quality manufacturing company to Chesterfield County,” said Board Chair Dorothy Jaeckle. “While the Board and Planning Commission will conduct a thorough review of the rezoning application with input from residents, I am confident we can make this happen in a way that protects the character of the communities near the site. Certainly, this will have less impact than the 5,000 residential units allowed under the current zoning,” Jaeckle said.

The Matoaca Mega Site was previously the location for Branner Station, a proposed mixed-use development including 5,000 housing units. That project was discontinued during the last recession.

“A large advanced manufacturing facility of this scale brings so many benefits to the communities where they locate,” said Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Designee Kirk Cox, who represents the district in which the site is located. “This can bring thousands of high-paying jobs, but we will need to work closely with our educational partners in the area to ensure the workforce training programs are in place. Fortunately, we have outstanding education partners in the area at all levels.” said Cox.

“This mega-site announcement is another piece of the international supply chain infrastructure that we are building in Virginia to support large scale manufacturing and job creation,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO of the Virginia Port Authority. “The strategic location in Chesterfield County, near the Richmond Marine Terminal and I-95 takes advantage of the value and global reach of the port, will encourage growth, and enhances The Port of Virginia’s position as the East Coast’s global gateway.”

The President of the Greater Richmond Partnership, Barry Matherly said, “The Matoaca Mega Site will be a game changer for the Greater Richmond Region. It will enable the region to compete in an arena which we have not in the past. The jobs and additional investment opportunities that a major project attracted to this site can bring will benefit to all.”

Dr. Edward “Ted” Raspiller, President of John Tyler Community College described the importance of preparing the workforce for advanced manufacturing jobs. He said, “Building a strong, responsive workforce to meet business and industry needs in sectors such as advanced manufacturing is a top priority for John Tyler Community College. At our Chester Campus, located in close proximity to the Matoaca Mega Site, we prepare our students for these in-demand jobs through programs that provide hands-on learning in high-tech labs and lead to industry certifications and licensures. We look forward to partnering with the companies interested in this new site and to providing them with a well-prepared workforce.”

The project is currently zoned for residential use and will need to be rezoned to industrial use. The EDA has already submitted the rezoning application. Industrial use is consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan for the site.

Matoaca Mega Site Project Description

Located in the southeast part of Chesterfield County, the proposed Matoaca Mega Site includes 1,675 acres currently zoned for residential use. The site was rezoned residential in 2007 as part of the Branner Station Project. When the economy suffered the large downturn, the residential project was no longer viable and has sat vacant since that time. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan now shows the parcel is intended to be used as Regional Mixed Use/Corporate Office/Research & Development/Industrial. The Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority currently holds an option on the parcels and is applying to conditionally rezone the entire property to I-3 as part of a strategy to attract a major employer to the region.

The major employers currently targeted by the Economic Development Authority require a site within a convenient drive of a well-educated and prepared workforce, higher education facilities, and an international airport, and that is served by highway and a major north American railroad. They also require a minimum of 1,500 acres to assure that their facility is properly buffered from existing or proposed residential communities. The subject site meets these and other site criteria typically used to evaluate the potential for landing a major employer of the quality targeted by the Economic Development Authority. The plan proposed by Chesterfield County and the Economic Development Authority has been vetted by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and creates a very unique opportunity for the future.

The property, as currently zoned, would allow for thousands of single family homes to be constructed before significant upgrades to the County utility and road infrastructure were required. Preliminary calculations suggest the proposed use will generate less traffic than if the site were developed within the current zoning designation. The Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority intends to construct necessary sewer, water, and road infrastructure, consistent with County Thoroughfare Plan and Overall Utility Master Plan, commensurate with the schedule of the major employer. Not only will this infrastructure allow for the creation of thousands of jobs, the existing citizens of Chesterfield County will benefit from the upgraded infrastructure.

Virginia has not been seriously considered for any of the large-scale automotive, aerospace, or other advanced manufacturing companies projects in recent years because we lack a site with close proximity to a large labor force. The Matoaca Mega Site will be Virginia’s best opportunity to utilize the unique characteristics of this site to attract a major employer to central Virginia.

Interested individuals may sign up for notifications and project updates at MatoacaMegaSite.com.

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Contact:
Garrett Hart, Director, Chesterfield Economic Development (804) 318-8550, hartga@chesterfield.gov

 

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College Connection Extends River City Sportsplex Contract Through 2022

River City Sportsplex will be home to the Shooting Star Field Hockey Tournament through 2022, thanks to recently signed contracts that extended the Thanksgiving weekend event from a three-year to a six-year agreement. This agreement will make the Shooting Star Field Hockey Tournament the largest multi-year contract signed in the facility’s history.

Shooting Star is a competitive youth field hockey tournament showcase, featuring club teams, travel teams and individual player “house” teams in age groups U12 through U19. Teams come from coast to coast to play in this three-day event for top-level competition and excellent visibility to the 170+ NCAA collegiate coaches in attendance.  Though entering its third year at River City Sportsplex, 2017 will be the first College Connection Shooting Star tournament under Chesterfield County operation.

“College Connection is excited to join Chesterfield County and River City Sportsplex for the long term,” said Pam Hixon, president of College Connection. “We are impressed with the facility and chose to extend our commitment with Chesterfield due to the county’s vision and attention to detail at the facility. River City Sportsplex will continue to provide Shooting Star teams, families and college coaches from across the U.S., and internationally, with great experiences.”

College Connection joins an ever-growing group of local, regional and national tournament organizers who have recently signed future tournament contracts with River City Sportsplex.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership and continue hosting the Shooting Star Field Hockey Tournament in Chesterfield through 2022,” said Dr. James Worsley, parks and recreation director.  “River City Sportsplex is a perfect fit for this event, and we’re excited to welcome the many athletes, parents and coaches for many years to come.”

The Shooting Star tournament holds the title as the largest field hockey tournament in Chesterfield County with 174 teams competing in the tournament in 2016. For the 2017 event, Shooting Star is expected to have a full tournament slate of 186 teams.

“The Shooting Star Field Hockey Tournament has provided a significant economic impact boost for the Richmond Region – particularly for our hotel community – over Thanksgiving weekend, which has historically been a low weekend for hotel occupancy,” said Danielle Vincenti, senior sports development manager for Richmond Region Tourism. “Extending this event through 2022 means the region will reap those economic benefits for years to come.”

The Shooting Star Tournament returns to River City Sportsplex November 24-26, 2017.

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About College Connection – College Connection provides quality field hockey programming for athletes who have a desire to learn, enjoy and excel in their sport! Whether participants are beginners, elite, recreational or college bound prospects; we have a program to help you take your game to the next level.

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CCL inks contracts with River City Sportsplex through 2020

River City Sportsplex will play host to the Club Champions League College Showcase through 2020 thanks to recently signed contracts by the Club Champions League (CCL).

This is the second multi-year contract signing for River City Sportsplex following the February announcement of Corrigan Sports Enterprises signing contracts for their events through 2020.

The CCL develops a December and February edition of the CCL College Showcase. Unique to CCL, the College Showcase events are league matches under the club-versus-club format where players can also show off their talents in hopes of being discovered by college coaches.

River City Sportsplex has played host to both of these events the past few years but did not have any future events scheduled at the complex following the most recent event in February.

Brian Kuk, CCL Executive Director said, “River City Sportsplex under Chesterfield County’s ownership was a huge upgrade, and we look forward to working with the county for our College Showcase events for years to come.”

About the CCL — The CCL offers superior competition, a model for player development and a governing board made up of professional soccer directors.  The Club Champions League strives to activate and accelerate youth soccer development through it

Atlantic Constructors Expanding in Chesterfield County

$3 million project supports growth in prefabrication & modular construction services

Atlantic Constructors, Inc., (ACI) the region’s leading commercial and industrial contractor with offices in Richmond, Roanoke and Hampton Roads, is currently undergoing a $3 million expansion to enlarge its fabrication facility in Chesterfield County from 100,000 to 130,000 square feet. The project, which is scheduled for completion in July 2017, enables ACI to seize a competitive edge with its prefabrication and modular construction capabilities.

With the expansion, ACI is adding a significant amount of fabrication capacity, including increased overhead crane capacity, to meet the growing customer demand for “off-jobsite” assemblies and prefabrication. ACI fabricates the ductwork, piping, plumbing and steelwork to the client’s exact specifications while work at the client’s construction site is underway. The finished ACI products are then delivered to the job site in a ready-to-install state, increasing quality control and minimizing on-site installation time.

“A 30 percent increase in size allows us to have all of our fabrication services under one roof, which will result in greater efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness for our customers,” said Terrance Kerner, President of ACI. “We are passionate about providing something extraordinary in terms of innovative and quality solutions for our clients. This expansion is a big step toward achieving our strategic goal to be positioned as the Mid-Atlantic region’s contractor of choice.”

“We are extremely pleased that Atlantic Constructors has made this new three-million-dollar investment in their facility here in the Bermuda District in Chesterfield County. Atlantic Constructors is a top-quality employer that truly lives their mission of being Extraordinary through Innovation, Collaboration, and Diversity,” said Dorothy Jaeckle, Chair, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “We appreciate Atlantic Constructors’ commitment to continued growth and we look forward to the new jobs this growth will bring to our community. Atlantic Constructors has been a great corporate community partner and we congratulate them on this expansion and wish them continued success.”

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Atlantic Constructors, Inc. is a full service industrial and commercial contractor headquartered in Richmond, VA (Chesterfield County) with satellite offices in Newport News, Roanoke, and Hampton Roads, VA. Our highly skilled team of over 550 employees serves customers throughout the mid-Atlantic region. For more information, visit www.acibuilds.com.

Contact: Eddie Williams, Director of Marketing, Atlantic Constructors
Phone: 804-523-8795
Email: eddie.williams@acibuilds.com

Contact: Tina Shreve, Senior Project Manager, Chesterfield Economic Development
Phone: 804-318-8550
Email: shrevet@chesterfield.gov

 

 

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Chesterfield EDA Welcomes Richmond Volleyball Club to Stonebridge

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) of Chesterfield County is pleased to welcome Richmond Volleyball Club (RVC) to Chesterfield County. The EDA will build and lease to RVC approximately 50,000 square feet of a new indoor sports facility in Stonebridge. Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department will also lease 5,000 square feet of the building for additional community programs and services. The new facility will be located at 200 Karl Linn Drive, Chesterfield County, Virginia and is expected to be operational by January 2018.

Richmond Volleyball Club is excited by the growth opportunity this additional location can provide. This Chesterfield County location will offer the club’s current members and guests convenient access to RVC. Darcy Carroll, Executive Director states, “We are thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with Chesterfield County Economic Development and Parks and Recreation. We hope to introduce more individuals to the sport of volleyball. To many, it may be a new sport that they have not considered. This additional facility will allow us the opportunity to grow our programs tremendously.”

“We are so glad to welcome the Richmond Volleyball Club to Chesterfield.” Said Board of Supervisors Chair, Dorothy Jaeckle. “This public-private partnership between the Economic Development Authority of Chesterfield and the Richmond Volleyball Club is the latest for the Stonebridge development, one of the most successful public-private redevelopment partnerships in the region!”

“The Richmond Volleyball Club is such a great organization and runs such great youth programs, we are thrilled to have our Parks and Recreation department partnering with them to bring additional services and programs to our citizens.” Said Leslie Haley, Vice Chair, and Board of Supervisor for the Midlothian District. “The economic impact on the eastern Midlothian area from people visiting this facility for daily events and weekend tournaments will be tremendous!” she added.

For the past 35 years, RVC has helped residents in the Richmond region maintain an active lifestyle throughout their life by offering year-round programs for adults and juniors. Growing from one four-court facility into two facilities (with a combined 20 courts), RVC has been a home away from home for more than 3,000 members and a champion for the growth of volleyball in central Virginia.

Richmond Volleyball Club has almost 400 visitors daily, participating in adult leagues and junior development programs. RVC supports 140 USA Volleyball and recreational junior teams annually.  They currently host around 51 teams on any given weekend with 57% of those teams traveling from more than 60 miles away.  This new facility will allow RVC to increase their one-day tournaments, which occur almost every weekend from January to May, by approximately 32 teams each day.

RVC also hosts more than 10,000 junior players, coaches, and spectators twice a year in two major tournaments, the combined Boys’ East Coast Championships/Girls’ South Atlantic Championships, and the Monument City Classic. These tournaments are held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and their current Henrico County location. Those two tournaments alone generate approximately $9 million dollars in positive economic impact. “We look forward to now being able to expand these tournaments. In the past, we’ve had to limit the number of entries and look forward to opening it up to more teams,” remarked Skip Weston, Director of Programs and Facilities.

“Sports tourism has been a huge economic driver for the Richmond Region in recent years, totaling more than half of our events bookings. Facilities are the number one factor in attracting lucrative tournaments to the area,” according to Jack Berry, President & CEO of Richmond Region Tourism. “The new space at Stonebridge is an exciting addition to the Richmond Region’s sports tourism offerings.”

In addition to RVC, the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department will also have access to portions of the facility for programming and other services. The Parks and Recreation Department will use approximately 5,000 square feet of the building to hold classes for a variety of groups. Dr. James Worsley, Parks and Recreation Director, is enthusiastic about the partnership. “We are looking forward to being able to add an additional site for programs, the growing senior population in Chesterfield County will benefit from this cooperative effort with the Economic Development Authority and the Richmond Volleyball Club.”

Parks and Recreation is proposing to utilize the dedicated space to provide programs for primarily older adults. These programs include classes, workshops, fitness programs, and special events. In addition to the senior programming scheduled for the facility, Parks and Recreation staff would also make use of the location for community programs, pre-school activities and youth programming.

RVC and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will be the newest tenants to locate in Stonebridge. Stonebridge is a successful mixed use revitalization project which is home to Kroger Marketplace, one of the company’s largest stores in the mid-Atlantic region; the Elements at Stonebridge, a Boyd Homes’ luxury apartment community; and the Shops at Stonebridge.

“Boyd Homes is excited to see Stonebridge continue to grow as a key place to Live, Work, and Play in Chesterfield County. The new volleyball facility will bring new consumers into our community and expand the vitality of this community. This will also provide new recreational and entertainment opportunities to our residents.” says David S. Rudiger, President/General Counsel for Boyd Homes.

Stonebridge was a public-private partnership between the Economic Development Authority and Crosland, Southeast to transform the former Cloverleaf Mall site into a multimillion-dollar retail, residential and commercial center. The project was named “Best Public-Private Partnership Project in Virginia” by Virginia Business Magazine in 2011.

Stonebridge was recently acquired by S2 Capital Partners, LLC. Company officials have expressed their commitment to continue to invest in the project with another potential 15,600 square feet of retail development. “S2 Capital Partners is excited to welcome this regional volleyball facility to the Stonebridge Shopping Center neighborhood. We look forward to partnering with the new facility on future opportunities that will further enrich and engage the local community” said Rob Seidel, Principal.

The investments made to date in Stonebridge have encouraged significant additional private investment all along eastern Midlothian Turnpike, such as the renovation of the adjacent Chippenham Square Shopping Center and the redevelopment of the former Beaufont Mall into Spring Rock Green, transforming this key retail and commercial corridor into a vibrant community.

The project builds upon recent development and expansion of facilities in the region. Richmond SportsBackers’ executive director, Jon Lugbill, said, “Chesterfield County continues to build sports facilities that not only provide awesome recreational opportunities for local residents to promote healthy living, but also provide economic impact through sports tourism. Our region continues to expand on its already impressive array of sports tourism events and one of the primary reasons for this growth is the construction of high quality sports facilities.  Chesterfield County continues to benefit from working together with local non-profit sports organizations to grow sports tournaments that generate funds to aid local youth sports programs and serve more kids.”

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ABOUT RICHMOND VOLLEYBALL CLUB:
Richmond Volleyball Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing athletes of all ages for amateur volleyball competition. RVC is Richmond’s oldest sports & social club and has the largest, volleyball-dedicated facilities in the country. Since 1981, RVC has championed the growth of volleyball in central Virginia. RVC is social, fun and family with year-round volleyball programs for ages 3 – 73.

ABOUT BOYD HOMES:
For over 35 years. Boyd Homes has been creating communities full of heart and life. Boyd Homes builds and develops residential communities in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. They are well known in the industry as an innovative builder/developer who is dedicated to using appealing exterior designs and floor plans that maximize usable space.

ABOUT S2 CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC:
S2 Capital Partners, LLC is comprised of founders and principals Rob Seidel and George Stewart, who have each served Virginia, Maryland, and the greater Washington, DC metro region for more than 30 years. Starting in 2014, S2 Capital Partners, LLC has acquired four shopping centers with a value of approximately $31 million and the goal of significantly increasing value through repositioning, redevelopment and releasing of each property. S2’s acquisition focus is on $10-$15 million grocery-anchored/shadow anchored retail centers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

 

CONTACTS

Economic Development Authority of Chesterfield
Contact: Garrett Hart
Phone: (804) 318-8550
Email: HartGA@chesterfield.gov

Richmond Volleyball Club
Contact: Jonnie Stone
Phone: (804)358-3000
Email: jonnie@RVC.net

Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation
Contact: James Worsley
Phone: (804) 748-1079
Email: WorsleyJ@chesterfield.gov

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Corrigan Sports Signs River City Sportsplex Contracts Through 2020

River City Sportsplex will play host to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association’s Champions Cup and Capital Cup through 2020, thanks to recently signed contracts with Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Inc. These two events are the largest lacrosse tournaments in the Richmond region. They are the first contracts signed with River City Sportsplex since Chesterfield County purchased the facility in December 2016. Corrigan previously was contracted through 2018.

 

Lee Corrigan, president of Corrigan Sports Enterprises, said, “Chesterfield County, and its world-class facilities, have played an integral part in the expansion of the IWLCA’s recruiting tournaments. River City Sportsplex remains the premiere public venue of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic, so we look forward to hosting many more successful tournaments in Chesterfield County for years to come.”

 

 

Both events will bring more than 14,000 visitors to the region, including 350+ NCAA women’s lacrosse coaches to recruit top talent. Teams will travel from across the U.S. and Canada for each of these two events, with 95 percent traveling from out of the Richmond region. Richmond Region Tourism reports that approximately 10,000 room nights in hotels throughout Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties and the city of Richmond are filled for just one of these events.

 

 

Chesterfield County is the only location in the U.S. to host two IWLCA National College recruiting events. Other IWLCA events have been held in such places as the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Disney World and Dicks Sporting Goods Park in Denver.

 

 

County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey said, “Our goal is to keep sports tourism thriving and to attract events that best fit our facilities. We are so pleased that our relationship with Corrigan Sports continues to grow. We want to showcase Chesterfield County as a sports tourism destination … not a place you drive through, but a place to come to.”

 

 

From a regional perspective, sports tourism is making a major economic impact according to Richmond Region Tourism.

“Corrigan events are a boon to our tax base and quality of life, and extending this partnership through 2020 is a major win for the Richmond region,” said Jack Berry, president and CEO, Richmond Region Tourism. “It used to be that the summer months were a ‘need period’ for our hotels. Today, sports events, like Corrigan’s Capital Cup and Champions Cup, drive hotel room nights throughout the year.”

 

 

According to Berry, previously July had been a down time for hotels in the area, but now, due to the increase in sports tourism, it is a peak month for hotel occupancy. The economic impact is bigger than just the hotel rooms the athletes stay in since they travel with their families, eat in restaurants, shop and visit regional attractions.

 

 

In fiscal 2016, sports tourism had an economic impact of $37.7 million in the county and brought in $1.4 million from tax revenue.

 

About Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Inc.

Corrigan Sports Enterprises, CSE, was established in 1991 with the goal of creating, managing and implementing sports and event marketing opportunities for the corporate community From Conception to Fruition. In that time, CSE grew into one of the strongest marketing organizations in the Baltimore/Washington area. In 2010, the addition of the Oakland (Ca.) Running Festival and the partnership with the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association enabled CSE to expand nationally.

Contact Person: Danny Bonifas
Contact Email: BonifasD@chesterfield.gov
Contact Phone: 804-796-7045

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Sports Tourism Season 2017 Kicks off at River City Sportsplex

CCL event last weekend was first at facility since county acquisition

This past weekend represented two firsts for Chesterfield County: the start of the 2017 sports tourism season and the first event to take place at River City Sportsplex since the county acquired and began operation of the facility.

The winter edition of the Club Champions League (CCL) College Showcase took place at River City Sportsplex and Mary B. Stratton Park Feb. 3-5. CCL clubs from Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. sent 128 of the region’s top youth club teams to Chesterfield to compete in front of 70 college soccer coaches.

Unique to CCL, the College Showcase events are league matches under the club-versus-club format where players can also show off their talents in hopes of being discovered by college coaches. One local soccer club, FC Richmond, sent six of their teams to take part in the showcase-style event.

Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation staff did an “outstanding job” in helping the CCL this past weekend, said Brian Kuk, CCL executive director.

“In previous years, my team had to arrive early Friday morning to clean all the fields, address the soccer goals and nets and sweep the concrete pad, among other things, in preparation for the start of the tournament,” Kuk said. “This year, we didn’t have to do any of that, which saved us about three hours of work and allowed us to focus on the most important aspect of our event — our clubs and their members.”

“River City Sportsplex under Chesterfield County’s ownership was a huge upgrade, and we look forward to working with the county for our College Showcase events for years to come.”

The upcoming schedule for River City Sportsplex includes two weekends of the Ultimate Cup, set for Feb. 25-26 and March 4-5 followed by four weekends of the Jefferson Cup, which is known as one of the top-rated youth soccer tournaments in the country.

With tournaments being held for field hockey, lacrosse and soccer throughout the year, Chesterfield County’s economic impact from sports tourism was $37.7 million in fiscal year 2016. This was a $12.9 million increase from the past fiscal year, with $7.1 million of that total a result of new sport tourism events. In tax revenue alone, the county received $1.4 million during that same time period.

Metro Richmond Exports Initiative Lunch and Learn

Join us Thursday, February 9th for the
Metro Richmond Exports Initiative’s Lunch + Learn Session

When:
Thursday February 9, 2017 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EST

Where:
Williams Mullen
200 S 10th St
Suite 1600
Richmond, VA 23219

Our expert presenter:
Rosanne Jacuzzi, Partner, Williams Mullen

Ms. Jacuzzi has more than 12 years of experience advising companies with export controls and international trade law, including U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC) regulations, and similar requirements of other countries. She also advises companies on compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection import regulations. Prior to joining Williams Mullen, Ms. Jacuzzi served as in-house International Trade Counsel for several Fortune 500 companies. In those roles she managed export and sanctions compliance programs and provided advice, support and training to the global business units on compliance with the laws and regulations governing global export controls, sanctions and customs laws. She has advised on the appropriate control jurisdiction for products, conducted risk assessments, prepared compliance programs and prepared voluntary disclosures for risk mitigation. Ms. Jacuzzi frequently speaks and provides training on export controls, economic sanctions and import compliance.

Boxed lunches will be provided by MREI for all registered attendees. We hope you will join us!

Who should attend: Any business owner/manager in the Richmond MSA interested in export growth opportunities for their business.

Why you should attend: Want to start exporting, or increase your export sales, but don’t know where to start? Interested in hearing from subject matter experts and businesses who have been in your shoes? The MREI Lunch + Learn series is a monthly informal seminar which will provide local business leaders with a social and educational venue to learn more about exporting. Lunch + Learns will focus on a different topic each month, bringing together subject matter experts and experienced exporters – your peers who are willing to share their stories to guide businesses like yours toward exporting success.

Register Today!

What is the Metro Richmond Exports Initiative? The Metro Richmond Exports Initiative (MREI) is a partnership between the Greater Richmond Partnership (GRP), Virginia’s Gateway Region (VGR), and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center for Urban & Regional Analysis (CURA@VCU). Funded by JPMorgan Chase and Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s International Trade division, MREI was established to educate central Virginia businesses about the benefits of exporting and drive increased levels of exporting in the Richmond MSA. MREI provides tools to help businesses navigate the robust export services environment in Central Virginia; programs designed to help businesses begin exporting or increase export sales; grants and scholarships for export-related activities; and outreach to local businesses to increase export awareness.

For more information visit, metrorichmondexports.com

Kroger Completes Remodeling of Chester Store

Kroger has completed an extensive remodeling of its store in Chester.

The company said it invested $3.5 million in the Chester store located at 12726 Jefferson Davis Highway in Chesterfield County.

The remodel included the addition of ClickList, Kroger’s new online ordering service. The store celebrated with a grand “reopening” on Tuesday, January 17th.

The renovations included a new décor, paint and updates to many departments.

The Chesterfield Kroger store opened in 2007. This is the first remodel for the store.

Kroger’s mid-Atlantic division operates 121 stores, 116 pharmacies and 87 fuel centers in Virginia.

Metro Richmond Exports Initiative Looking for Chesterfield Companies

The Metro Richmond Exports Initiative (MREI) is in search of local businesses interested in participating in an upcoming Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) international trade mission. They have several grants that will cover the $2,500 trade mission registration fee for qualified trade mission attendees – businesses are only responsible for travel costs. This is a wonderful opportunity which we would encourage you to pursue, or share with your clients and business partners.

Benefits from participating in the VEDP trade mission include:

  • Assistance identifying which international market is best suited for your product or service
  • In-country support to identify the best potential customers and partners
  • Scheduled one-on-one meetings with prospective customers and partners
  • Translation services and culture coaching where necessary

Interested businesses do not need to know where they would like to travel (VEDP can help them through that process), but should be ready to spend a week abroad and have the capability (or the ability to develop the capacity) to fill international orders. This opportunity is for businesses who produce both services and goods.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Grace Festa with Greater Richmond Partnership via e-mail at gfesta@grpva.com or by phone at (804) 643-3227. Companies must travel by the end of June to qualify.

For more information visit, metrorichmondexports.com

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Chesterfield County to Purchase River City Sportsplex

Community Open House to be Held to View Property

Today at Chesterfield County’s Board of Supervisors work session an announcement was made about the county’s intent to purchase the 115 acre River City Sportsplex, formerly known as Sports Quest and currently owned and operated by Sports Complex Holdings LLC.

river-city-sportsplex

“This is a huge opportunity for the county residents to get more use of this facility and increase sports tourism,” said Dr. Joe Casey, county administrator. “With sports tourism being a growing business in Chesterfield, the upcoming community open house will give residents a chance to view the property and ask questions about the purchase and the future potential of the complex.”

A community open house for residents to ask questions about the planned purchase of the River City Sportsplex is scheduled for Nov. 2 at Clover Hill High School, in the Student Commons. Residents may come at any time to the school and the sports complex between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to ask questions and tour the facilities.

river-city-sportsplex-concessions

The county is offering Sports Complex Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Shaw Industries Group, Inc., $5.5 million to purchase the property. This is below the 2012 property’s appraised value of $17.2 million. Funds currently allocated for recreational development sports tourism will be used for the purchase.

The Board of Supervisors will vote whether to purchase the property at its Nov. 16 work session scheduled at 3 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

river-city-sportsplex_9-7-2010

Local sports organizations and school teams use the facility heavily all year and are at capacity. With tournaments being held for field hockey, lacrosse and soccer throughout the year, Chesterfield County’s economic impact from sports tourism was $37.7 million in fiscal year 2016. This was a $12.9 million increase from the past fiscal year, with $7.1 million of that total a result of new sport tourism events. In tax revenue alone, the county received $1.4 million during that same time period.

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“Shaw is pleased that the River City Sportsplex will continue to grow and benefit the community as the centerpiece of local sports tourism under the Chesterfield County’s ownership,” said Susan Farris, Director of Corporate Communications with Shaw Industries Group, Inc. “In the wake of the project as initially envisioned not coming to fruition, Shaw improved the complex and worked closely with the community to attract significant sports events and millions of dollars of economic impact to the greater Richmond area. We are pleased that the availability of a dozen Shaw Sports Turf fields in one location is – and will continue to be – a draw for large regional and national youth sports tournaments.”

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The property is centrally located and there is easy access from the Interstate and major highway systems. Management and operations of the River City Sports Complex, if purchased, will be by the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Revenue from rental fees and tournament charges will be used to pay for the operating costs. The undeveloped portions of the property will allow for the expansion of the sports fields to meet future growth in the county along with the possibility of developing other compatible recreational facilities on the site.

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In 2010, the county originally invested $4.3 million to assist in development of the complex and lease the use of eight lighted all-weather synthetic turf fields Monday thru Thursday. Currently, Chesterfield is in its sixth year of the 20 year lease. Purchasing River City Complex would provide the county seven day a week access providing the opportunity to increase resident’s use and grow sports tourism.

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Kroger Marketplace Has Grand Re-Opening in Midlothian

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Kroger held a grand re-opening for its store in the Ivymont Square Shopping Center in the village of Midlothian.

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Leslie Haley, who represents the Midlothian District on the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors, thanked Kroger for its investment and new jobs and helped cut the ribbon for the expansion.

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The expanded Kroger Marketplace will enhance the exciting and convenient grocery and dining experience for the residents and workers in the area. The special amenities, cooking demonstrations and sampling bars will make the Marketplace a destination for local residents.

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The 19,700 square foot expansion enlarges the store to 106,000 square feet. Kroger invested $14.8 million in the facility and added 70 additional jobs.

Vastly Awards Contract to Jacobs Engineering

$2 Billion Project Advances To Environmental Permitting & Site Engineering Design Phase With Jacobs Award

vastly-logoVastly, also known as Tranlin, Inc., today announced it has awarded a contract to Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.  The award was issued to further develop Vastly’s greenfield construction mega project in Chesterfield County, VA. The project scope includes preliminary engineering and design, as well as environmental permitting, of the new Vastly facility, which will produce biostimulant, soil amendment fertilizers and paper tissue products, made from straw sourced from local farmers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Jacobs is responsible for supporting permit acquisition and developing the overall site design, which includes pulping facilities, tissue making, and fertilizer production using Vastly’s proprietary technologies.  Significant engineering is required to file for over 20 permits that will involve at least five regulatory agencies. An exhaustive examination of the company’s activities and their implications on the environment will be required in order for the company to receive the necessary environmental permits.

“We anticipate a concentrated effort in conjunction with the state and federal regulators over the next 18-20 months, which is typical for a project of this scale, to prepare for operations meeting or exceeding all environmental standards,” said Robert Burnley, Senior Advisor to CEO of Vastly and former Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

In order to build the multi-faceted, advanced manufacturing facilities in Chesterfield County, Virginia, Vastly will leverage technology developed by its parent company, Shandong Tranlin Paper Company Ltd., to implement proprietary straw pulping processes to extract fulvic acid and humic acid biostimulants used to restore soil health.

“We are very excited to partner with Jacobs, a firm with an exceptionally strong reputation, expertise and track record in engineering pulp and paper projects all over the world,” said Jerry Z. Peng, Vastly’s Chairman and CEO. “This new award marks a major milestone for the project and it highlights our commitment to building a world-class, eco-friendly production facility in Chesterfield County.”

“This award is the culmination of great collaboration by a dedicated Vastly team from China and the U.S. We were fortunate to engage some of the world’s leading firms along the selection process, and we are excited to engage Jacobs with its extensive experience in complex, large scale projects.  This represents a major step forward in developing a world class earth restorative operating facility,” said Jason Dunaway, Vastly’s Senior Vice President and Project Executive.

Vastly’s Better Roots biostimulant products will be used by farmers to boost yield, improve long-term soil health and enhance nutrient uptake. The straw pulp fibers are processed into premium paper towels, napkins, bathroom and facial tissue products. These paper products will be tree-free, chlorine-free, compostable, and assembled through an earth-friendly production process.

ABOUT VASTLY

Vastly, also known as Tranlin, Inc., applies world-leading proven technologies to produce fine quality tree-free paper and tissue products and highly effective plant-derived organic acid biostimulant, soil amendment fertilizers for consumer and agricultural use. Vastly’s mission is to build a future-friendly company that makes safe, earth-restorative products from farms, not forests, for American families and farmers. Tranlin, Inc. is the U.S. based subsidiary of Shandong Tranlin Paper Company Ltd., located in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Tranlin Changes Name to Vastly

tranlin-to-vastly-logos

Tranlin, Inc.  has changed its name to Vastly.  The company is investing $2 billion to construct an advanced manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia that will create 2,000 jobs in the region by 2020.

They issued the following statement on its website.

As our aspirations have grown, so has our identity. We sought a name that captures the main idea of our mission: to make superior products in a way that gives back to the earth and restores our natural environment.

We’re thinking differently, on a global scale and a local scale, adopting a long-view perspective. We’re focusing our efforts to uncover new and ingenious ways to make products in harmony with natural systems.

We believe in the vast potential of this way of thinking. That’s why we’re Vastly.

Company official,  John Stacey, senior vice president for marketing and sales, said the Tranlin moniker will remain for legal purposes.

“We are in the process of transitioning consumer and public facing branding to Vastly while leveraging the awareness of Tranlin Inc. that has been created over the last couple of years,” said Stacey.

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Niagara Bottling establishing $95 million manufacturing operation in Chesterfield

New Mid-Atlantic operation will create 76 new jobs in county

Niagara-Header

CHESTERFIELD – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Niagara Bottling LLC, a family-owned and operated bottled beverage supplier, will invest $95 million to establish a 557,000 square-foot, manufacturing and bottling operation at Meadowville Technology Park in Chesterfield County. The company utilizes state-of-the-art filtration to produce its Niagara brand and private label bottled water. Virginia successfully competed against Maryland for the project, which will create 76 new jobs.

Niagara-Water-02

“Recruiting companies such as Niagara Bottling is at the heart of our efforts to create jobs, diversify and build a new Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Niagara is a leading bottled water supplier in the United States and has been family owned and operated since 1963. We are pleased Niagara chose Chesterfield County for this significant expansion, and are confident the company will thrive in the Commonwealth, thanks to our strategic location and motivated workforce.”

“I welcome Niagara Bottling to the Commonwealth. Chesterfield will be a strategic location for its new manufacturing and bottling center,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “I am pleased we were able to assist the company in their east coast expansion and efforts to reach a growing customer base. The Commonwealth offers the best overall business environment for a company to grow, and I am confident Niagara Bottling will benefit from our world-class assets. Congratulations to Niagara Bottling and Chesterfield County!”

Niagara-Welcome-600

Niagara Bottling is the largest private label bottled water supplier in the U.S., supplying major retailers across the nation. Headquartered in Ontario, California, the company began as a family business in 1963 by offering five-gallon containers for home and office delivery. Niagara expanded in the early 1990s to offer single-serve private label bottle water for grocery, club, convenience and wholesale customers and has established itself as a national leader in high quality, affordable bottled water.

“Niagara Bottling, LLC is committed to providing a high-quality product with unmatched quality service to its customers,” said Brian Hess, Executive Vice President of Operation for Niagara. “The Chesterfield, VA location allows the company to fulfill that commitment by providing an optimal location that is close to both its existing and growing customer market.”

Niagara-Water-01

Chesterfield County Economic Development worked with The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Greater Richmond Partnership and Thomas W. Turner, SIOR, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, Hart Industrial Group to secure this project for Chesterfield.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Niagara Bottling, LLC to Chesterfield,” said Steve Elswick, Chairman of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors. “Niagara falls within two of the county’s target clusters, food and beverage and advanced manufacturing. Niagara’s manufacturing and filling facility will be the most efficient and sustainable in the world. The 76 manufacturing jobs are just the type of employment opportunities we want for our Chesterfield residents.

Niagara-Logo

“Niagara is the largest private-label beverage supplier in the country, and bottled water is the number one bottled beverage in the nation,” said Dorothy Jaeckle, Bermuda District Supervisor. “We are extremely pleased that such an outstanding brand has joined the list of leading brands that continue to choose Meadowville. I am particularly impressed with Niagara’s commitment to their employees and to the communities in which they have located.”

“It is great to have Niagara Bottling coming to Chesterfield County,” said Delegate Riley Ingram. “Meadowville is an excellent location and the jobs are very much appreciated and needed in this area.”

Niagara-Bottles-2

“I am extremely grateful that Niagara Bottling LLC has decided to invest $95 million in Virginia, particularly Chesterfield County,” said Senator Rosalyn Dance. “This creation of jobs and the business investment will further diversify Virginia’s economy. An investment of this magnitude doesn’t happen without a tremendous amount of hard work and coordination between the Administration and all of the involved stakeholders. On behalf of the region I am extremely grateful.”

Choate Construction, who has partnered with Niagara on their last seven facilities, will be constructing the new facility.

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Meadowville is a village built at the intersection of roads and rivers, information and infrastructure, power and people. At Meadowville, tomorrow’s businesses are connecting today. Niagara Bottling joins Northrup Grumman, Amazon, Capital One and Medline in this premiere location in Chesterfield County. Meadowville is one of Virginia’s largest, most innovative, and most connected employment centers. Its 900 acres are connected to world markets by the James River, the Richmond International Airport, Interstates 64, 95, and 85 and the tree lined Meadowville Technology Parkway.

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Contact:
Derieth Sutton, Niagara Bottling LLC, (949) 910-3950, dsutton@niagarawater.com
Garrett Hart, Director, Chesterfield Economic Development (804) 318-8550, ghart@chesterfieldbusines.com

Take the Blueprint Chesterfield Survey

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Chesterfield County’s Board of Supervisors and School Board are interested in learning what’s important to Chesterfield’s citizens and businesses. Blueprint Chesterfield, a newly created campaign, is focused around an online, five-question survey encouraging citizens to share their thoughts and feelings about the community.

Feedback from the survey will be used to shape a five-year plan for Chesterfield County’s upcoming budget planning process. Take the Blueprint Chesterfield Community Survey.

Fajon selects Chesterfield for East Coast manufacturing facility

Company will hire 25-30 workers

Fajon_300pxCHESTERFIELD, VA – Chesterfield County Economic Development announces that Fajon Turbine Parts & Repairs will establish a office and manufacturing center in the county.

Fajon will begin operations this month at 8310 Shell Road, near Interstate 95. The steam and gas turbine replacement parts and service company has leased a 43,210-square-foot building. Fajon will use the Chesterfield site to do repairs and manufacture renewal parts. The company expects to be fully operational by September.

CEO and president Jerry Booden said Fajon’s expansion to the East Coast should help the Phoenix-based company grow with greater access to different markets.

“The Richmond area proved to be the best option available because of the availability of similar industries to ours,” Booden said. “Our new location is perfect logistically and we look forward to utilizing the Richmond Marine Terminal.”

“I think it’s a strategic location for them and they saw the value of locating right off Interstate 95. This just was a great fit for them because the facility already housed a similar industry,” noted Tina Shreve, Senior Project Manager with Chesterfield County Economic Development.

The existing facility in Chesterfield had exactly what the company was searching for. Fajon’s new space was the former home to Magellan Systems and is appropriately equipped for the new operation, including a heavy duty crane system.

“I think ultimately, Fajon Turbine Parts & Repairs located in Chesterfield County because they were comfortable with our experience in dealing with industrial-based companies,” Tina Shreve said.

The company’s clients have included independent utility companies and U.S.-based institutional refineries. The company plans to hire between 25 and 30 workers.

“We look forward to further assisting Fajon to make Chesterfield County a successful operation for them,” said Shreve.

In addition to Chesterfield Economic Development, Fajon was assisted in the site selection process by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Greater Richmond Partnership. David Williams and Stuart Cary of Colliers International represented ownership, while Dawn Griggs of Cushman & Wakefield Thalhimer handled the deal for Fajon.

For more information, contact Tina Shreve at (804) 318-8550, or email at ShreveT@chesterfield.gov