The New River Valley Commerce Park, which is an AEP certified site, received support for its efforts to market the park to industries with a $5,000 grant. Plans for the grant include development of a revised master plan and marketing materials.
Organizations in communities affected by a downturn in the coal industry are among the nonprofits and localities that will receive an economic development grant from Appalachian Power. The awards are part of ongoing efforts to promote economic growth in the company’s service territory. Four other groups in Virginia and three in West Virginia also received grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 through the company’s Economic Development Growth Enhancement (EDGE) program. These funds are used for site development or to support marketing and promotion, or new business development and retention.
John J. Smolak, Director of Economic Development for Appalachian Power noted, “Appalachian Power is proud to partner with our local, regional and state organizations on outstanding economic development projects in Virginia and West Virginia. The EDGE Grant’s focus is to help prepare our communities for new job growth and investment opportunities and we want to help them succeed.”
For further information, please contact Christy Straight (cstraight@nrvrc.org), 540-639-9313, ext. 209.