Tag Archives: Buena Vista

Director of Planning Presents at Rockbridge Area Innovation and Funding Forum

Posted on by

AFCEA Logo

On January 15, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) participated in the Business Innovation & Funding Forum, a collaborative event co-sponsored by the Rockbridge Shenandoah AFCEA Chapter and the Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. The evening forum, held at the Rockbridge Innovation Center, brought together local businesses, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to explore critical funding opportunities and innovation resources available in our region.

CSPDC Director of Planning Jeremy Crute joined an expert panel alongside Chuck Kirby of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), Lee Harris from the Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society (VMPS), and Ryan Hall of the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF). The panel discussion focused on equipping local innovators and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully pursue federal and state funding for business development, workforce initiatives, and innovation projects.

The forum addressed key topics including grant opportunities, funding resources for business initiatives, and workforce development programs. Panelists shared practical insights on navigating the application process and positioning projects for competitive success in securing public and private funding.

The strong turnout reflected the growing interest among local businesses and organizations in accessing funding opportunities to fuel growth, innovation, and workforce development in our region.

A New Chapter for Buena Vista: Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Virginia Innovation Accelerator

Posted on by

The City of Buena Vista officially welcomed a powerful new engine for economic growth on December 3rd, marking the culmination of years of collaborative effort. The Virginia Innovation Accelerator (VIA), housed in a revitalized former cigarette paper printing factory, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by The Advancement Foundation (TAF).

Since 2022, staff from the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) have worked closely with TAF to adapt and reuse this historic industrial building. The result is an inspired business hub poised to become a central force for agriculture value-added product development, small-scale manufacturing, and community revitalization.

The atmosphere at the event was lively, filled with the many individuals and organizations who helped bring the project to life. It was a powerful demonstration of how community partners, coming together, can turn visions into tangible realities. Mayor Tyson Coper of Buena Vista echoed this sentiment.

A key speaker at the event was Senator Chris Head, who highlighted the crucial importance of business hubs in fostering regional prosperity and shared successful examples he has witnessed.

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees gathered in the event space for a panel of entrepreneurs already utilizing the VIA. Testimonials showcased the hub’s diverse potential—from representatives of an agriculture tech company and a hobby mushroom grower who successfully transitioned to a mushroom farmer, to a talented baker. The collective energy of innovation and aspiration was evident.

The future looks bright and truly innovative for Buena Vista and the surrounding region, thanks to the VIA. The Virginia Innovation Accelerator is more than just a building; it is a collaborative platform designed to launch new businesses, support local food systems, and revitalize the community fabric.

Exciting news was shared during the celebration: Phase 3 of the project will include the development of 16 loft apartments, integrating residential living directly into this dynamic center of innovation.

We encourage everyone to visit the new location and witness this inspiring, innovative work firsthand!