News Articles

Naturally Historic In Chesterfield County, Virginia

by Ivy Lamb

Located just south of Richmond, Chesterfield County beckons visitors with its rich history and wide-open spaces.

It boasts not only Virginia’s largest state park, but also the second-oldest English settlement in the U.S.

In 1611, English settlers traveled upriver from Jamestown and established the Citie of Henricus. They found the area occupied by the Powhatan Indians – tribe of the legendary Pocahontas. The Indian princess lived in Henricus and married Englishman John Rolfe, forging a treaty between the Powhatans and the English.

Today, Henricus Historical Park allows visitors to experience life in the reconstructed settlement. Explore the living-history museum’s 12 re-created colonial and Native American structures, including the New World’s first hospital. Costumed interpreters encourage visitors to try their hand at harvesting, cooking, and blacksmithing.

There’s much more to explore, though, thanks to the county’s long history – documented in detail from prehistoric times through the 20th century at the Chesterfield County Museum. Or get out and about at historic landmarks such as Falling Creek Ironworks, home to the first iron furnace, and Mid-Lothian Mines Park, site of the earliest coal-mining operation in the U.S.

Then get a taste of the area’s Southern charms by visiting one of the many historic homes. Eppington Plantation hosted Thomas Jefferson more than once. This Georgian-style manse was actually built by his in-laws, the Eppes. Today the Eppington Foundation keeps it well-preserved. Meanwhile, the Chesterfield
Historical Society of Virginia manages Magnolia Grange, another elegant, pre-Civil War home. The circa-1822 Federal-style plantation got its name from the circle of magnolias that once stood proudly on the front lawn.

Civil War buffs won’t be disappointed either. Some of the lesser-known but no less important battles occurred in Chesterfield County. Since Richmond served as the capital of the Confederacy, the surrounding land was an epicenter for fighting. Visit Drewry’s Bluff – located eight miles downriver from Richmond – to see the key defense point against Federal attacks from the James River. Then tour Bermuda Hundred, where Union and Confederate troops battled from 1864 through the end of the war.

No doubt its location between two rivers – the James and the Appomattox – helped make Chesterfield a hot spot throughout history, but today the location offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Take a boat or fishing tour up the James, or visit the Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,329-acre island in the James River. Pocahontas State Park (the state’s largest) covers 7,724 pristine acres and has been ranked one the nation’s top ten campgrounds by Citysearch.

After a long day of sightseeing, relax with a concert at the park’s Heritage Amphitheater. Or take in a show at Swift Mill Creek Theater, housed in what’s believed to be the oldest grist mill in the U.S. Expect professional productions ranging from I Love a Piano: The Music of Irving Berlin to The Marvelous Wonderettes.

With so much to explore, you may not know where to begin. But the best way to travel Chesterfield County is simple – start in 1611 with the settlers in Henricus and work your way forward.

VisitChesterfieldVA.com

,

Chesterfield Wins Innovation in Government Award for “My Business Starts Here”

The Excellence in Virginia Government Awards (EVGA) are presented by VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs to celebrate the accomplishments of Virginians who have made distinctive contributions to the practice of government and to the well-being of our communities and our citizens. Now entering its eighth year, the EVGA has become a hallmark of excellence for both VCU and the commonwealth of Virginia.

At the award ceremony last week, Chesterfield County received the 2012 EVGA Innovation in Government Award for “My Business Starts Here“.

The Chesterfield County Department of Economic Development and the Chesterfield County Public Library combined forces in a unique partnership to develop and implement “My Business Starts Here,” a web-based portal with access to data and information for starting a small business in Chesterfield County.

Potential entrepreneurs can access accurate and specific information needed to facilitate starting a small business. The system is user-friendly and leverages the resources available in the Chesterfield County Public Library with the development information available through Economic Development. The website’s focus is on providing real world solutions. “My Business Starts Here” is an innovative approach that can positively impact not only individuals within the community through potential business success, but also the entire community through improved economic activity.

,

Uptown Alley Celebrates Grand Opening

Uptown Alley has officially opened in Chesterfield County. The $21 million entertainment complex is not a typical bowling alley. “I have a hard time finding the right words to describe what it is,” said Steven Moore, who co-owns the venture with his wife, Cassie, and Uphoff Ventures.

The 57,000-square-foot facility includes 38 lanes of bowling, a game arcade, pool tables and a upscale causal restaurant. The top floor has a lounge with a fireplace and a full service bar called The Rotunda.

Steve Uphoff president of Uphoff Ventures and Moore’s father-in-law, said, “We are a destination for Chesterfield County as an entertainment, restaurant and bowling facility.”

Chesterfield’s Matoaca District Board of Supervisor, Steve Elswick addressed the crowd and thanked the project’s developers for building a first class facility.

The complex is expected to generate about $8 million a year in taxable sales. One-hundred-forty new jobs were created as a result of the project.

More information about can be found at UptownAlleyRichmond.com

,

Kroger Cuts Ribbon for a New Marketplace Store at Stonebridge in Chesterfield County

Shoppers lined up this morning for a chance to be among the first customers at the new Kroger Marketplace store in the Stonebridge development on the site of the former Cloverleaf Mall. Company representatives and workers were joined by government officials and the general public for a flag raising ceremony and ribbon cutting at 7 a.m. which officially opened the new store.

Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Chairman Dan Gecker addressed the crowd and thanked both Kroger and Crosland Southeast for their commitment to the project and to the community.

The 123,600-square foot Kroger Marketplace store is the largest in the mid-Atlantic region and the first of its kind on the east coast. The new store employs 364 workers. In addition to a wide selection of grocery and perishable items, this store will feature products never seen in a traditional Kroger store. The store has sections such as Baby World, Expanded Home Décor, Toy World, Dyson Vacuum Cleaners, Starbucks, and a Bistro staffed with 2 executive chefs. The Bistro will provide seating for 60 people and offer WIFI along with Direct TV for customers.

Adjacent to the new Marketplace store is the biggest Kroger Fuel center in the Richmond area and one of the biggest in the company. The center can fuel 18 vehicles at one time including diesel fuel.

,

New Kroger Fuel Center Opens at Marketplace Store in Stonebridge

A new Kroger Fuel center opened Monday afternoon at the Stonebridge development on the site of the former Cloverleaf Mall. It is the biggest Kroger Fuel center in the Richmond area and one of the biggest in the company. The center can fuel 18 vehicles at one time including diesel fuel. The fuel center also sells snacks, auto products, lottery tickets, ice, 24-pack and 32-pack water. Kroger’s fuel reward program features discounts up to $2.00 per gallon based on purchases in the store.

Kroger’s newest Marketplace Store is the first one of its kind on the east coast. Besides Kroger’s wide selection of grocery and perishable items, this store will feature products never seen in a traditional Kroger store.

The Marketplace store will carry a wide variety of items ranging from everyday groceries to a living room suit. The store will have sections such as Baby World, Expanded Home Décor, Toy World, Dyson Vacuum Cleaners, Starbucks, and a Bistro staffed with 2 executive chefs. The Bistro will provide seating for 60 people and offer WIFI along with Direct TV for customers.

The grand opening of the new Kroger Marketplace store is scheduled for December 5th at 7AM.

,

Fiorucci Foods Changes Name to Campofrio Food Group America

Fiorucci Foods Inc., a maker of Italian specialty meats at a plant in Chesterfield County, has changed its name to Campofrio Food Group America.

Founded in Italy in 1850, Fiorucci Foods Inc. became part of the Campofrio Food Group in 2011. Based in Madrid, Spain, Campofrio is Europe’s largest maker of processed meats.

Fiorucci products will continue to be sold under the Fiorucci brand name and the firm’s U.S. headquarters will remain in Chesterfield, the company said. The local plant on Ruffin Mill Road produces meats such as prosciutto and salami.

Campofrio said it plans to “utilize and invest in the existing production facilities and distribution platform developed by Fiorucci Foods to introduce its European specialties to the American market.”

– Richmond Times-Dispatch – October 13, 2012

, ,

Amazon’s Chesterfield Site Now Shipping Products

The Richmond-Times Dispatch is reporting Amazon shipped it’s first products from the Chesterfield Fulfillment Center.

Online retailer Amazon.com said Thursday that its fulfillment center in Chesterfield County shipped its first package late Wednesday.

The shipment, a pair of over-prescription shooting glasses for $8.10, went to a customer in Virginia, the company said.

The startup of the Chesterfield plant comes just a week after another new Amazon distribution center in Dinwiddie County shipped its first product — a Crock-Pot slow cooker for $19.99 — to a customer in Michigan.

Amazon said about 750 people have started work at the Chesterfield fulfillment center in Meadowville Technology Park, while about 250 are working at the plant in Dinwiddie Commerce Park.

The company said it expects to hire more people for seasonal jobs at both sites to help fill orders during the holiday season.

Amazon has been taking job applications at the website www.workatamazonfulfillment.com. On Thursday, the site did not list any open jobs in Virginia, but a company spokeswoman said the site will be updated as openings become available.

The Meadowville fulfillment center has 1.1 million square feet of space and ships packages that range from auto parts and consumer electronics to office supplies and books, the company said.

The Dinwiddie plant is 1 million square feet and ships larger items.

Amazon announced plans to open both plants in December. The $135 million investment is expected to create 1,350 jobs.

Richmond Times-Dispatch – October 5, 2012

jblackwell@timesdispatch.com (804) 775-8123
(c)2012 the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)
Visit the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Va.) at www.timesdispatch.com

, ,

Sports Tourism Generated at Least $20M in Chesterfield

Richmond Times-Dispatch reporter, Jeremy Slayton, has posted an article about the economic impact of sports tourism in Chesterfield County.

In the article, Jeremy writes

Sports tourism is a major moneymaker for Chesterfield County.

In fact, there was a 46 percent increase in the economic impact for the many athletic events held in the county during the fiscal year that ended June 30, Richmond Sports Backers Executive Director Jon Lugbill said Wednesday during a briefing with the county’s Board of Supervisors.

Sporting events, ranging from soccer tournaments to lacrosse tournaments to mud runs, attracted 60,884 out-of-town visitors and were attended by 116,135 people.

All told, sports tourism had an economic impact of $20.3 million in Chesterfield. Despite the increase, Lugbill cautioned county leaders not to expect it each year.

“Sports tourism is thriving … but you’re not always going to see growth like this,” he said. “With time, there is a real opportunity, if we keep building on this year after year and we do it the right way, it won’t just be a flash in the pan.”

Read the entire article on the Times-Dispatch web site. >>>

A copy of Jon Lugbill’s presentation can be viewed below.

, ,

Capital One Investing $150M+ in Chesterfield Data Center

capital_one_logo

Virginia-based Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) will invest more than $150 million to establish a new data center in Chesterfield County. This Virginia data center is part of Capital One’s core IT infrastructure that incorporates new technologies to better meet customer needs. Capital One recently completed the acquisitions of ING Direct and HSBC’s US credit card portfolio. The project will create at least 50 new jobs.  Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina and Texas for the project.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Virginia has been home to Capital One for more than two decades, and the company continues to grow its foundation. As our 9th largest private sector employer, Capital One is a major corporate partner to the Commonwealth. We are proud that the company will make this tremendous investment to enhance its IT infrastructure and establish a new data center in Chesterfield County.

“Cutting-edge information technology is now a priority for all companies in the domestic and global marketplace,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Capital One’s new data center in Chesterfield County will give the company a competitive edge as it continues to expand. Winning this project was a priority, and we are thrilled to gain an investment of this magnitude and 50 new jobs.”

“This project is another great example of how the IT industry helps fuel Virginia’s economic engine, and we warmly welcome Capital One to Chesterfield County,” said Jim Duffey, Virginia Secretary of Technology.

Founded and headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One is the country’s 6th largest bank based on deposits, and with the acquisition of ING Direct, is now the largest direct bank in the country. Capital One employs over 14,000 associates in Virginia. Capital One Bank has approximately 1,000 retail branches, including 88 in the Commonwealth.

“In today’s environment, information technology is a competitive advantage,” said Rob Alexander, Chief Information Officer of Capital One Financial Corporation. “With the new Chesterfield data center as a key element of the company’s simplified and automated infrastructure, we are proud to continue our strong relationship with Virginia and expand our workforce here.”

“Capital One is a national giant in both banking and technology,” said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chairman Daniel Gecker. “The location of their state-of- the-art data center in Chesterfield County will result in a great partnership for years to come. On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I am pleased to welcome Capital One’s new and continued investment.”

“Capital One is an outstanding company and an outstanding corporate citizen,” said Jay Stegmaier, County Administrator for Chesterfield County. “The opportunities that they provide enhance the economy as well as our entire regional community.”

Chesterfield County and the Chesterfield Economic Development Authority worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Chesterfield. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment, training and retraining activities.  “Dominion Power was a valuable ally and team member during this entire project” said Will Davis, Chesterfield County’s Director of Economic Development. “Their economic development department was critical to our success.”

Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA) added, “I am excited Capital One has chosen to expand its operations in the Fourth Congressional district and bring more jobs to the people of Virginia. Capital One is the largest bank headquartered in Virginia and we are proud they are making this information technology investment domestically at home in the Commonwealth.”

Capital One was recently recognized by FORTUNE Magazine as one the 100 Best Companies to Work For, and named one of the “Top 50 Organizations for Diversity” by Diversity Business magazine. In 2011, Fortune lauded Capital One as a “Best Company for Leaders,” and Working Mother called Capital One, one of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” as well as “Best Companies for Hourly Workers.”

Contact:
Julie Rakes, Capital One,  (804) 284-5800,  julie.rakes@capitalone.com
Garrett Hart, Chesterfield Economic Development (804) 318-8550, ghart@chesterfieldbusiness.com

,

Sabra Expanding And Opening R&D Facility In Chesterfield County

Sabra Dipping Company Will Open A Global “Center Of Excellence” And R&D Facility In Chesterfield County

Sabra Will Also Expand Existing Virginia Manufacturing Facility To Significantly Increase Capacity

Sabra Dipping Company announced two major initiatives to further its growth and leadership in the dips and spreads category today. The company will construct a “Center of Excellence” research and development facility in Virginia to establish best practices on all aspects of culinary, food science, production, engineering, packaging, supply chain and product delivery. The Center of Excellence will also lead groundbreaking agricultural initiatives with local universities, including research on chickpeas, fruits and vegetables, to increase the use of local resources. The facility will feature a state of the art culinary center, ideation space, a pilot plant, offices, and research centers. Sabra also announced an expansion of its existing production facility in Virginia. These and associated investments will total $28 million dollars and create an estimated 90 new jobs over the next few years.

Construction on the 20,000 square-foot Center of Excellence will begin in the second quarter of 2012. The facility will be set on the same campus as the Company’s Silver LEED certified food manufacturing plant, which produces Sabra dips and spreads including the country’s best-selling hummus. Sabra is located on 49 acres in the Ruffin Mill Industrial Park in Chesterfield County, VA.

“The Sabra Center of Excellence will be home to experts in all areas of food technology, agriculture, nutrition, manufacturing and distribution and is the next important step in the outstanding growth of our company,” said Ronen Zohar CEO of Sabra. “The fact that we are building it in Virginia is a testament to our belief in the people, the community and the resources available here. This research and development center will push the envelope and enable us continue to expand and define the possibilities in the dips and spreads category in terms of innovation, taste, health and beyond.”

Sabra also announced that the company would immediately begin a significant expansion of its hummus production capacity. The expansion will enable the addition of two new lines, a packaging automation system, water waste systems and related plant improvements. The factory expansion will increase the Chesterfield plant’s production capacity by 50 percent and is in response to the continued increased demand for Sabra hummus.

Dan Gecker, chairman of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors said, “Chesterfield is proud to have Sabra Dipping Company as one of our leading corporate citizens. This increased investment and growth will result in new and exciting high quality products and, most especially, jobs. Thank you Sabra for your confidence in and commitment to Chesterfield County.”

“We thank Sabra for their continuing investment. The food industry is one of our economic development targets and this high profile announcement further solidifies Chesterfield’s presence in the market. It is satisfying to see that, even in these tight economic times, manufacturing continues to grow in Chesterfield County,” said County Administrator Jay Stegmaier.

Sabra is known for its lines of authentic, flavorful and healthy dips and spreads. Sabra currently holds 56% of the hummus category in the US, as hummus gains popularity as a versatile dip and spread.

Sabra Dipping Company, LLC is a leader in the refrigerated dips and spreads category and producer of America’s top-selling hummus. Sabra’s award-winning hummus, available in more than a dozen flavors and a wide range of authentic, healthy and vegetable based dips and spreads can be found nationwide in club stores, supermarkets, specialty retailers and through food service. Sabra operates a Silver LEED certified factory in Virginia, and in 2011 received an A-Classification from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) audit board for food safety for its California plant. Visit Sabra at www.sabra.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sabra and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sabra.

Sabra Dipping Company was formed as a U.S./Canadian joint venture between Strauss Group and PepsiCo. The Sabra joint venture draws on both Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, and Strauss Group’s expertise to continue building this growing business.

About Strauss Group
Strauss Group (TASE: STRS), Israel’s second-largest food & beverage company, is an international corporation which comprised of five core business units: Strauss Israel (the second largest food and beverage company in Israel), Strauss Coffee, Strauss Water, Strauss-PepsiCo fresh dips and spreads, and chocolate chain Max Brenner.

Strauss Group has established strategic partnerships with leading multinationals companies including: PepsiCo and Frito-Lay, Danone, Haier, Virgin and TPG Capital.
The company operates in 18 countries and employs 14,000 people globally. In 2011, had a net revenue of $2.2 billion in turnover with 48.8% generated by international activities. For more information, please visit www.strauss-group.com.

Frito-Lay North America is the $13 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo, which is headquartered in Purchase, N.Y. Learn more about Frito-Lay at the corporate Web site, http://www.fritolay.com/, the Snack Chat blog, http://www.snacks.com/ and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/fritolay.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Our main businesses – Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola – make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world. PepsiCo’s people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo’s promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment by conserving energy and water and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support and invest in the local communities where we operate. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

In addition to Chesterfield County Economic Development; the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Jobs Investment Program and the Greater Richmond Partnership will assist Sabra with the expansion process. Governor McDonnell approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Chesterfield County with the project.

Contact: Ilya Welfeld, Public Relations, Sabra Dipping Company (201) 439-1010
Will Davis, Director, Chesterfield Economic Development (804) 318-8550

,

Chesterfield County Announces 2012 First Choice Business Award Winners

In partnership with the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce and the Chesterfield Business Council, Chesterfield County honors local companies annually that contribute to the county’s economy and its residents through the First Choice Business Awards. The award winners will be recognized at an event on June 20th at Henricus Historical Park. The Board of Supervisors will formally recognize all winners at their July 25, 2012 meeting.

The following are the 2012 First Choice Business Award Winners: Environmental Stewardship Award – Hevener’s Tire and Automotive, Community Impact Award – Chesterfield Towne Center, Innovation Impact Award – Proseal America Incorporated and the 2012 First Choice Business of the Year was awarded to Richmond Alarm Company. This award is designed to recognize a Chesterfield County business, which has been a leader in terms of overall impact to the County.

The winners were chosen by a selection committee, which consists of business leaders and other business owners for their community and business knowledge. The intent is to give recognition to businesses that consistently contribute to the local economy through employment, community service, or create and deliver products or services that are innovative to its customers. Other criteria include that a business be a leader in valuing its employees, and to uphold the principles and standards of ethical business practices.

“The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors certainly recognizes the importance of maintaining and growing our existing businesses. It is our privilege and pleasure to recognize their contributions to the County,” said Dan Gecker, Chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors.

For more information on this year’s Celebrate Chesterfield Business! Contact Tina Shreve at (804) 318-8550, or email at ShreveT@chesterfield.gov

,

Into the Water – Teaching swimmers at the Richmond Aquatics Partnership

Into the Water- Teaching swimmers at the Richmond Aquatics Partnership from humanstory on Vimeo.

,

Cranemasters Expands into Chesterfield

Cranemasters has purchased a new facility in the Chesterfield Airport Industrial Park in Chesterfield. The railroad services contractor currently is headquartered in Henrico County and has two satellite offices in Indianapolis and Maryland. The airpark location will employ up to 12 in the first phase, with an initial investment of $1.7 million.

Cranemasters has been in business since 1986. Its primary services are derailment recovery operations, load adjustments and transfers, railroad track maintenance and construction, rail car repair, and contract equipment refurbishment and fabrication.

“We look forward to opening our new facility and growing our opportunities in Chesterfield County,” said Barry Isringhausen, vice president of Cranemasters.

“We are pleased to welcome Cranemasters to Chesterfield County and look forward to the company’s continued growth,” said Dan Gecker, chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “Our railroads play a strategic role in our economy, and the support to keep them operating at peak efficiency is critical.”

Porter Realty handled the purchase of the facility. The Chesterfield County Economic Development and Planning departments assisted with site and business requirements.

,

BGB Technology Selects Chesterfield for U.S. Facility

BGB Technology Inc. today announced plans to establish their first U.S. facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia. BGB designs and manufactures electrical and optical slip ring assemblies for rotary applications, including components for wind turbine systems. The company also designs and makes underwater lighting and camera systems and wireless Ethernet bridge systems. BGB has been in operation for over 30 years and is a leader in the slip ring and brush holder market in the United Kingdom. They plan to invest over $2 million and employ 15 as they ramp up their new operation. The new facility will be located on Port Walthall Drive in southern Chesterfield.

Speaking of today’s announcement, Dan Gecker, Chair of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors said, “We are delighted that BGB has made Chesterfield County their U.S. home. The international business community is quite strong in Chesterfield and it is our pleasure to welcome them as our newest member.”

“We look forward to opening our new facility and further increasing our sales to the U.S. market”, said David R. Holt, CEO of BGB. “I would like to personally thank Chesterfield County Economic Development and the Greater Richmond Partnership for their professional assistance. Their pro-business attitude and business friendly environment made the decision much easier”.  Mr. Hemstock, Operations Director, will be moving to Chesterfield and overseeing the new facility.

In addition to Chesterfield Economic Development, the Greater Richmond Partnership assisted BGB in their site selection process. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will be providing workforce assistance.

,

Chesterfield Amazon Site Job Ads Posted

Laura Geller of NBC 12 covers the story in this news segment.

View the video or read the story on the NBC12.com web site.

View local Amazon job postings on RichmondJobNet.com.
View local Amazon job postings on Amazon.com.

Learn more about the Amazon project in Chesterfield at http://ChesterfieldBusiness.com/Amazon.

,

Amazon Construction Update 4-12-2012

The steel is going up for the Amazon fulfillment center in Chesterfield County.

,

The Former Cloverleaf Mall Is Gone

The site work at the new Stonebridge development is impressive. New buildings should be going up soon.

 

,

New Marten Transport Facility Taking Shape

The company’s new facility on Port Walthall Drive in the Walthall Enterprise Zone is progressing nicely.

, ,

Collegiate School Aquatics Center Opens to Public

Splashdown!

Grand Opening Celebration Marks Arrival of World-Class Aquatics Facility in Chesterfield County Virginia

Over four years ago, a group of local residents had a dream to bring world-class swimming and increased water safety to the greater Richmond area and today, that dream became a reality with the official opening of the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership’s state-of-the-art facility, the Collegiate School Aquatics Center, with the expectation to host an estimated 400,000+ number of visitors annually.

The Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership (GRAP) is the unprecedented collaboration of five long-standing and impactful area organizations that include Collegiate School, Poseidon Swimming, Trinity Episcopal School, Richmond Kickers and the Sports Backers.

“Dozens of community leaders, parents and area residents have collaboratively worked together to elevate swimming as a life-long, participatory sport in Richmond and I am pleased to be associated with the many men and women who have worked tirelessly to bring this facility to our community,” said Bobby Ukrop, President of the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership. “All of us who worked on this endeavor know the possibilities that it brings to our area – especially serving the needs of the thousands of area children who do not have access to swim lessons and water safety programs.”

Photo By SportsBackers

Located in Ukrop Park in northern Chesterfield County, the 54,000+ square foot facility boasts three pools including the 50 meter, eight lane Myrtha Pool from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, a therapy pool with two underwater treadmills and diagnostic video equipment, and a 25-yard, warm water pool for lessons. An expansive 7,000 square foot mezzanine grandstand can hold up to 700 spectators. The fully accessible facility boasts a community room, ample parking and locker facilities. In the future, a 5,000 square foot space is planned for physical therapy and rehabilitation services.

“We are so fortunate to have such a well-constructed center with state-of-the-art equipment, but the heart of the facility is the community-wide focus on water safety, health and fitness, sports tourism and competitive swimming,” said Adam Kennedy, Executive Director, Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership. “The Collegiate School Aquatics Center is open to area residents of all ages and will primarily be available for community use with less than 20% of the pool being used for competitive swimming.”

Among the attendees to the ceremony will be a former Virginia resident very familiar with the Myrtha Pool at the new Collegiate School Aquatics Center, Katie Hoff. The former Olympian, who competed in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympic Games, swam in the pool at the 2008 Olympic Trials in Omaha before earning bronze medals in Beijing. A world record holder, Hoff now resides and trains in Florida.

The Aquatics Center will provide an economic boost to the region with 40 new jobs now and additional ones once the physical therapy facility opens. With the ability to host significant swim competitions; all sanctioned by Virginia and USA Swimming, GRAP anticipates the facility will bring over $2 million to the area annually through sports tourism. It is estimated that the Collegiate School Aquatics Center cost over $14 million to build and will host its first competitive meet on April 20 with Poseidon’s Fresh Start Invitational. To learn more about the water safety and swim instruction programs available to community, please contact Adam Kennedy at 804-334-7669.

,

Amazon Construction Update 3-16-2012

Work continues on the new Amazon fullfilment facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Photo Courtesy of Chesterfield Police Department 3-16-2012

,

Marten Transport, Ltd. Expands in Chesterfield County

Marten Transport, Ltd. is expanding its operation in Chesterfield County. The company is building a new facility on Port Walthall Drive in the Walthall Enterprise Zone.

Marten will invest $7 million and add 50 new positions within the first year of opening the new facility.

Marten is currently leasing space on West Hundred Road in Chester, but will move into their new building as soon as it is completed. The company currently employs 125 workers.

,

Call for Nominations 2012 First Choice Business Awards

Each year, Chesterfield County honors local companies that contribute to the county’s economy and its residents. The intent is to give recognition to businesses that consistently contribute to the community by giving back to the residents of Chesterfield County through community service, or create and deliver products or services that are innovative to its customers.  Other criteria include that a business is a leader in valuing its employees, and upholds the principles and standards of ethical business practices. Past winners have included ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center, Hoover & Strong, Priority Automotive, Iron Bridge Sports Park and Austin Brockenbrough & Associates.

On behalf of Chesterfield County, the Department of Economic Development, the Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce, and the Chesterfield Business Council are inviting nominations for the 2012 First Choice Business Awards. Companies may nominate themselves and/or be nominated by any individual or group within the community. Nominations must be submitted by April 13th 2012. All nominated companies will receive a formal application form to be completed by the nominee.

Winners will be chosen by a selection panel, which will consist of business leaders and county staff selected for their business and community knowledge. The selection panel will then interview businesses that meet the general eligibility criteria before final winners are chosen.

The winners will be recognized at Chesterfield County’s Celebrate Chesterfield Business! event.  The Board of Supervisors will also recognize this year’s First Choice Business Award winners at their July meeting. Celebrate Chesterfield Business! is the county’s annual business appreciation event. The Commonwealth of Virginia will celebrate “Business Appreciation Week” the week of June 4th, 2012.

Nominations may be submitted online at www.chesterfieldbusiness.com/award/

,

Collegiate School Expands Footprint into Chesterfield County

New Area Aquatics Center to Be Named After Distinguished Independent School

Collegiate School, a member of the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership (GRAP), announced today that it will lend its name to the new state-of-the-art aquatics center. It will be officially named the “Collegiate School Aquatics Center”.

Located in Chesterfield County, the aquatics center is the latest addition to Ukrop Park, which is the Richmond Kickers Club’s 46-acre sports complex. The new facility will also be the home of Poseidon Swimming.

“We are thrilled to join with our partners in leading the effort to bring a world-class aquatics center to Richmond and Chesterfield County,” said Collegiate Head of School Keith Evans. “Our investment will provide our swimmers with a home pool while giving us a chance to help GRAP reach its goal of teaching every second-grader to swim by 2020.”

Aquatics Center Features

  • Located in Ukrop Park at the intersection of Chippenham Parkway and Ironbridge Road, Dale District, Chesterfield County
  • 54,000+ square foot facility
  • Three pools
  • 50 meter, eight lane, competition pool (the pool used at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, NE where some of the country’s best swimmers set many national records)
  • Therapy pool, complete with two underwater treadmills and diagnostic video equipment
  • 25-yard, warm water pool will be available for lessons
  • 7,000 square foot mezzanine grandstand will seat up to 700 enthusiastic spectators

“Chesterfield County is very pleased to have Collegiate School join the county in this endeavor,” said County Administrator Jay Stegmaier. “Its continued quest for excellence, both in and out of the classroom, has earned Collegiate quite a reputation. We look forward to working with the school to further grow its presence in Chesterfield County.

Collegiate currently holds its swim practices in the evening at St. Catherine’s School. With the opening of the Collegiate School Aquatics Center, the school will shift its practices to afternoons starting next November. “The aquatics center is only 18 minutes from our main campus yet gives us an opportunity to have an expanded presence in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan area. We have terrific partners to work with and have enjoyed the support of Chesterfield County’s leadership from day one,” said Evans.

The Collegiate School Aquatics Center has become a reality due to the collaboration of five of our area’s finest education and sports organizations: Collegiate School, Trinity Episcopal School, Poseidon Swimming, Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club, Sports Backers and the many community leaders who formed the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership (GRAP).

“This new center will have a catalytic impact by providing a community-wide focus on swimming and water safety,” said Bobby Ukrop, Chairman of the Board, Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership.

The Collegiate School Aquatics Center is centrally located in the Dale District of Chesterfield County.

“What a great announcement for both Chesterfield County and the entire region. With sports being a key component of our overall tourism effort, the new facility will have terrific economic impact attracting visitors from up and down the East Coast,” said Dale Supervisor Jim Holland.

The Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership will be hosting a grand opening event on March 13, 2012.

Media Contacts:

Keith Evans
Collegiate School
kevans@collegiate-va.org
804-741-9702

Bobby Ukrop
Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership
bobby.ukrop@ukrops.com
804-340-3105

Will Davis
Chesterfield County Economic Development
wdavis@chesterfieldbusiness.com
804-318-8558

,

New Tourism Video for Richmond Region Posted

The Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau has posted a new video highlighting the best of the Richmond Region.