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Pioneer Center to Receive Funds for Roofing, HVAC Renovation

From staff reports

Federal legislators announced late last week that federal funds have been awarded to refurbish a business incubator located in the Duffield Regional Industrial Park.


A roof leak that has seeped down into the
ceiling of one of the tenant spaces in the
Pioneer Center shows the tremendous need
for repairs at the business incubator.

U.S. Representative Rick Boucher announced Friday that, at his urging, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its Rural Development Agency, is providing a federal grant in the amount of $135,500 to the Scott County Economic Development Authority.  The funds will be used to replace the air conditioning system at the Pioneer Center small business incubator in Duffield, as well as to put a new roof on the structure. 

A week following the beginning of his annual “Listening Tour” across Virginia that took him to Duffield, United States Senator George Allen (R-VA) announced a major grant that will help renovate and repair one of the region’s most outstanding facilities, the Pioneer Center. The $135,500 in funding is being awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a center that “is vital to helping small businesses innovate, adapt, and compete and put more Virginians to work in good-paying jobs.”

"The federal funding which I am announcing today represents a significant investment by the federal government in the development of the Pioneer Center,” Boucher explained.  “The necessary infrastructure improvements that this funding will enable will further enhance the working environment at this highly successful business incubator."

The federal funds will be used to replace an old and inefficient air-conditioning system with a new system which will provide enhanced temperature control for tenants at the 46,000-square-foot Pioneer Center. The funds will also allow for the replacement of the Pioneer Center roof, which is old and in need of repair.  The Virginia Tobacco Commission is also providing $114,000 in support of this project.   

The Pioneer Center is among the most successful small business incubators in the region, and earlier this year became home to the new Results call center, which Boucher attracted to Scott County through his showcasing Southwest Virginia program. This company now employs 144 individuals bringing the total number of job created through the Pioneer Center to 270.

"The Pioneer Center has become an outstanding asset and resource in our efforts to create new jobs and attract new businesses to Scott County and expand the economic opportunities for residents of our region,” Boucher added. “I am pleased that the Rural Development Agency has agreed to provide these federal funds to further enhance the Pioneer Center."

The purpose of an incubator facility is to provide a sheltered environment conducive to the growth and development of small businesses. The Duffield facility is a 46,000-square-foot structure located in the Duffield Regional Industrial Park serving the entrepreneurial communities in and around the Lenowisco planning district. The Pioneer Center offers professional offices with 150-820-square-feet of space.

The center also has manufacturing bays available with 950-2,200-square-feet of space.  Heating, cooling and lighting are included in the monthly rental/lease fee. 

Allen said the funding will help the Pioneer Center complete important updates and renovations to its heating, ventilation and cooling systems as well as make repairs to the facility’s aging roof. He views the work as necessary to keep the Pioneer Center “running and in good condition which is so important to the growth of small businesses in Southwest Virginia and the individuals and families who own and depend on them.”

“I’m altogether very pleased that this project will help maintain a growing economy and promote Virginia businesses,” said Allen. “With these funds, three businesses will be assisted and 86 jobs will be created. The people of Duffield and Scott County will be better prepared to provide for themselves and their families by growing their local businesses in a safe and supportive environment.”

While serving as Virginia Governor, Allen is widely credited with bringing $14 billion in private sector investment to Virginia along with hundreds of thousands of jobs through expansion and relocation.

One of those companies, VFP, Inc. was visited by the senator as a part of his tour last week. He includes the support of such incubators as a top priority to help attract, support and retain businesses throughout Virginia, especially in Southwest. That’s why during last week’s visit to Duffield, he stopped by VFP, Inc.

“It was so invigorating touring the Duffield facility of VFP which is doing such outstanding work in concrete manufacturing and lightweight shelters,” Allen explained. “I’m so pleased that one of the businesses I encouraged to expand in Southwest Virginia as Governor is doing so well.  I hope that with the renovations of the Pioneer Center, even more companies will find Scott County a great place not only to build a business, but also to live, learn, work, and raise a family.”

The Pioneer Center at Duffield also hosts a satellite office of the Small Business Development Center. Professionals from the SBDC provide invaluable support in financial management, tax planning, marketing, and much more.

To learn more about the Pioneer Centers for Business Opportunity, visit <www.pcbo.org>.  If you have specific questions, or are interested in becoming a tenant, contact them at 431-7226.

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