Jim Scanlon, an experienced grocer with more than 40 years in the industry, opened a full-scale grocery store in the city of Newport News in May of 2016 with VCC’s help. This community-focused private/public partnership was established to create living wage jobs, stimulate economic activity, and provide access to healthy and affordable foods. The store is 28,000sq ft. full-service grocery store offering fresh produce, prepared foods, salad bar, deli, traditional grocery staple items. Jim’s Market …
Solar at University of Richmond
In May, 2016 Secure Futures LLC completed a solar power generation system on the campus of the University of Richmond (UR) in Richmond, Virginia. Totaling 205 kW, the array was installed on the roof of the Weinstein Recreation and Wellness Center. The UR project is home to the first commercial application of SolarWorld USA bi-sun solar panels, which increase efficiency by taking advantage of solar radiation from both direct sunlight on the front and ambient …
Enhancing quality of life… In the heart of Clifton Forge, about a half hour west of Lexington, is the historic Masonic Theatre. Up until 1987, the Masonic was the oldest operating theater in Virginia. It reopened in 1990 and was donated to the town of Clifton Forge in 2003. The architectural masterpiece has hosted such stars as Gene Autry, Tex Ritter, Burl Ives, the Drifters, and the world-famous Count Basie Orchestra. In 2016 the theatre …
Richmond Realtors Association’s Quality of Life Strategy
Richmond Association of REALTORS® (RAR) launched their “Quality of Life” investment strategy in May of 2016. This strategy is funded through a loan to Virginia Community Capital (VCC) and donations to The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia (TCF). In this model, RAR is bringing together impact investing and philanthropy to tackle affordable housing and education issues in the Richmond region. How does it work? RAR has invested $1 million into a three-year LION …
Sustaining jobs in a hard-hit Virginia town
Essel Propack America opened its Danville factory to supply laminated tubes to companies such as Sundial Brands, Proctor & Gamble and Unilever. These tubes and caps are used in packaging products for oral care, cosmetics, and food service. Today, if you brush with Crest toothpaste you may have handled a Danville-made tube. The Essel Group, Essel Propack’s parent, is the largest specialty packaging company worldwide with 35 percent of the global market and manufacturing locations …