The Southern Virginia Regional Alliance has named Linda Hutson Green as the new director of economic development.

Green has an extensive career in the public and private sectors focused on economic development throughout Southern Virginia. She currently serves as Congressman Robert Hurt's District Director.

In her new role, Green will be responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive regional economic development strategy for both the alliance and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. The alliance serves the economic development departments of the Counties of Patrick, Pittsylvania, and Halifax, along with the city of Danville and the Institute.

"For the last three decades I have worked with businesses and localities to improve the opportunities and development, inclusive of federal and state resources and policies. It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to put this into action in support of job creation for our region," Green said.

"On behalf of SVRA and IALR, Linda is a welcome addition to the current regional efforts and progress. Her familiarity with and past contributions to regional economic development initiatives will be great attributes for the work of SVRA and IALR," said Jerry L. Gwaltney, IALR Executive Director.

Green will begin her work Oct. 3.

Solid Stone Fabrics to invest $1.5 million to expand textile manufacturing operation

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Solid Stone Fabrics, a textile manufacturer and distributor of stretch fabrics, will invest $1.5 million to expand its operation in Henry County. The expansion will accommodate new equipment and include building improvements to the existing facility. Virginia successfully competed against California, Florida and New Jersey for the project, which will create 22 new jobs.

"Textile manufacturing is an intricate part of Southside's economy and I applaud Henry County for their business-friendly initiatives and workforce development that attracts high-caliber companies like Solid Stone Fabrics," said Governor McAuliffe. "Solid Stone Fabrics, which started out as a one-man shop 13 years ago and has grown to over a 60-person operation, is a testament to the importance and support of small-businesses here in the Commonwealth. I congratulate Solid Stone on their expansion and will continue our efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy."

"Small business success stories like Solid Stone Fabric are a testament to Virginia's business climate and the hardworking citizens across the Commonwealth," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. "Business expansion is the best way to grow Virginia's economy, and I congratulate Solid Stone on this exciting announcement.

Overfinch to invest $1.82 million to establish manufacturing operation

FARNBOROUGH – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Overfinch, the world's leading creator of bespoke Range Rover vehicles, will invest $1.82 million to establish a manufacturing operation in the City of Danville. The company plans to upfit Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, which will be sold to customers across the U.S. The investment includes an assembly and conversion workshop, vehicle servicing, diagnostics, and parts warehouse. Virginia successfully competed against California for the project, which will create 41 new jobs.

"I am pleased to congratulate Overfinch for their expansion and applaud their decision to establish their new manufacturing operation in the City of Danville," said Governor McAuliffe, speaking at the announcement. "As Virginia expands our global partnerships, this deal exemplifies our advantages as highly skilled, workforce-ready state and speaks to the competitive business advantages of the Southside Virginia region. As a well-regarded international automotive company, Overfinch will be a great corporate partner in our continuing efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy."

"Overfinch's operation is an exciting addition to the City of Danville and the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I want to thank the many partners involved in this win," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. "Advanced manufacturing is a critical sector and essential for the Commonwealth's ongoing success. Danville's robust business environment and talented workforce makes it an ideal home for Overfinch."

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Pittsylvania County has been designated as a Certified Work Ready Community (CWRC). The nationally recognized designation by the Commonwealth and American College Testing (ACT) will help Pittsylvania County attract new businesses and jobs as it signifies job ready skill sets of the county's high school students, job seekers, and incumbent workforce.

Speaking about the announcement, Governor Terry McAuliffe said, "Developing core workforce development skills is an essential component to building a world-class economy. I applaud Pittsylvania County for its leadership and continued efforts to prepare local workers for innovative, high-tech jobs. This certification is the foundation to attracting private sector investments that contribute to our efforts to build a new Virginia economy in every corner of the Commonwealth."

"Communities that prioritize the workforce readiness of their residents position themselves for economic growth," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. "I congratulate Pittsylvania County on their achievement, and I look forward to working with the county to promote their new certification.

Alcoa to invest more than $8 million to expand manufacturing operation

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that lightweight metals leader Alcoawill invest more than $8 million to expand its aerospace forging capabilities at its Alcoa Titanium & Engineered Products manufacturing operation in Henry County. The investment will add a new grinder and two new forge furnaces, doubling the facility's forging capacity and creating 15 new jobs paying above the average prevailing wage in the region. Alcoa expects to complete the expansion by the end of this year.

"Creating good jobs in key sectors like advanced manufacturing is at the very heart of our work to build a new Virginia economy in every region of the Commonwealth," said Governor McAuliffe. "This project represents the third manufacturing expansion in Henry County in 2016, which is a testament to the Commonwealth's business resources and infrastructure. I look forward to continuing to work with Alcoa to promote Virginia as a hub for advanced manufacturing and continued economic growth."

"This expansion is a tribute to the great team at Alcoa and the superior workforce infrastructure and business climate in the Henry County area," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. "Alcoa has been an excellent corporate partner, and we are thrilled that it will continue to grow within the Commonwealth."