Between 2004 and 2008, Economic Development (ED) produced a printed, quarterly newsletter called The Isle of Wight Pages. Well, a few things have changed since then – staff members, the economy and technology. So, we’re changing too. In an effort to stay connected with our existing businesses and development allies, we’d like to introduce you to the first issue of our email newsletter. Our goal is to keep you informed about what’s going on Inside the Isle by featuring local businesses, available properties, and other important developments. Keep Reading. We hope you like it! READ MORE.

By Nicholas Langhorne (Contact) | Tidewater News

Published Wednesday, July 14, 2010

ISLE OF WIGHT—In 2009, commercial real estate tax revenue made up only 15 percent of the real estate taxes collected in Isle of Wight County.

That could soon change if the Board of Supervisors approves an economic development incentive policy.

The proposed incentives include review fee waivers, an expedited review process, connection/tap fee reinvestment, proffer flexibility, an economic development incentive grant, the establishment of a community development authority, the establishment of a tax increment financing district and other incentives the board deems appropriate.

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J. Kirk Ring, owner of RingO’s Donuts in Smithfield, was recently named 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year.  “I am honored and humbled that RingO’s Donuts has been selected to receive Isle of Wight County’s Entrepreneur of the Year award. The support that RingO’s Donuts has received during our first year has been tremendous, and we look forward to continuing to grow and build upon our relationship with the community in the years to come,” said Ring.

RingO’s opened in March of 2009 at 1200 S. Church Street. Ring, a former banker, is now a baker rising at 3 a.m. to make the donuts.  Just two months after opening, RingO’s was selling more donuts per day than projected and running out.  Ring keeps it simple by focusing on making and selling fresh, handmade yeast and cake doughnuts and offering Daily Donut Specials, yummy honey buns and cinnamon twists. Ring has added a few tables and chairs at the request of customers and a large picture window so that children can see how the donuts are made.

This award is given by the County’s Economic Development Department in conjunction with the state’s annual Business Appreciation Week celebration. For more information about RingO’s Donuts visit www.ringosdonuts.com or find them on Facebook.

By Charlie Passut | Tidewater News

Published Friday, May 28, 2010

COURTLAND—Another option for high-speed Internet access will be coming to Southampton and Isle of Wight counties and the City of Franklin within the next year-and-a-half, thanks to funding through two grants.

“We look forward to providing this service and to being the premiere provider of broadband and voice communication in Southampton County,” Mickey Sims, general manager for the Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative, said to the Southampton County Board of Supervisors on Monday.

In April, BIT, which is based in Bracey, Va., was awarded two grants for expanding and improving existing broadband and voice communications networks.

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Tidewater News

Published Friday, May 14, 2010

FRANKLIN—The largest group of International Paper Co. workers, 348 total, will be terminated from their jobs at the paper mill this weekend.

Franklin Mill Communications Manager Desmond Stills said Thursday that after this weekend there would be about 250 workers left at the mill. That figure takes into account employees who have voluntarily left their jobs earlier.

IP announced on March 12 that the company would terminate 350 workers in a letter to Isle of Wight County Board Chairman Phillip Bradshaw. The letter was sent in compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.

Of the 350 terminations, 93 are in maintenance, 69 are in roll finishing, 63 work in the sheet plant, 31 are in chemical recovery and 26 work in the fibers wood yard. Another 18 employees to be let go work in the fibers recycling plant, 13 are in the power and recovery department, 12 are in fibers general operations, nine are paper mill workers, seven work in the environmental department, five work at the Converting Innovation Center and four work in the store room.

The company said it would terminate one employee on Thursday, 212 on Friday, six on Saturday and 129 on Sunday.

Two salaried employees, both in roll finishing, will be let go on June 30.

Most of the affected workers belong to one of three unions at the mill. IP said that of the 350 workers to be let go, 154 are members of Local 505 of the United Steelworkers of America, 144 are with Local 1488 of the United Steelworkers of America and 50 belong to Chapter 176 of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers District of Local 32BJ/SEIU.

The company announced Oct. 22 that it would close the Franklin mill as part of a strategy of reducing production capacity. IP shut down the No. 6 paper machine at the mill on Nov. 9, the No. 1 machine at the end of 2009, and the Nos. 4 and 5 machines on April 15.

By Gwen Albers (Contact) | Tidewater News

Published Wednesday, May 12, 2010

SMITHFIELD -Thousands attended the opening two days of Homearama, which for the first time in its 29-year history is being held in Isle of Wight County.

Traditionally held in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Suffolk, Homearama is expected to attract 80,000 to 100,000 people to the Smithfield area to see eight fully-furnished, custom-built homes at Founders Pointe off Route 17 on James River’s Batten Bay. The event runs daily through Sunday, May 23.

Tidewater Builders Association sponsors the event, which features homes ranging from 2,900 to 3,800 square feet and priced from $500,000 to $695,000. Developed by East West Communities, Founders Pointe includes homes ranging from the mid-$400,000s to $1 million, a community clubhouse, swimming pool, playground, three miles of trails and an 844-foot pier overlooking the bay.

Homearama is open noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $10. Active duty and retired military guests, and seniors 62 and over get a $3 discount Monday through Thursday and $1 on weekends. Children 12 and under are free.

By R.E. Spears III (Contact) | Tidewater News

Published Friday, May 7, 2010

SUFFOLK—Six months after deciding the state could not afford to pay for a replacement of Route 460, officials have issued a new request for proposals for the project.

Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board announced Monday that it had closed the partnered procurement process that it began with private companies in 2008.

On Wednesday, the CTB initiated a new procurement search with stipulations apparently designed to make the project more palatable for the companies that might be interested in building the road.

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Merle Monahan

Published Saturday, May 1, 2010

WINDSOR—When the votes are counted Tuesday, Carita Richardson is expected to be the first female mayor in the town’s 108-year history.

Richardson, a one-term councilwoman, is running unopposed for mayor.

“Well, it looks like I will be the first woman to fill the post,” she said. “Unless, of course, there are a lot of write-in votes.”

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WINDSOR — Businesses are divided about a renewed push by Gov. Bob McDonnell to realign U.S. 460 — a project that would include rerouting U.S. 460 to go around Windsor rather than through the heart of town.

“It’s going to affect business,” said Chiquilla Gholston, assistant manager at Daily Queen. She said her restaurant is a magnet for locals, as well as tourists traveling from the Richmond and Norfolk areas.

“We’re extremely busy in the summer,” she said.

Any construction might hurt restaurants or gas stations, but not all businesses say it would be bad. Many of the businesses along U.S. 460 are dependent primarily on local customers.

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By Charlie Passut | Tidewater News

Published Saturday, April 24, 2010

RICHMOND—Gov. Bob McDonnell has announced that two state agencies will partner with Isle of Wight County to conserve more than 2,500 acres of forested land, some of which is along the Blackwater River.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Department of Conservation and Recreation will help the county preserve 2,507 acres which helps protect a source of drinking water in Hampton Roads.

“The conservation of these 2,500 acres is another step forward toward our goal of conserving 400,000 additional acres of Virginia land by the end of my term,” McDonnell said Friday.

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