Southwest Virginia ESEM Jobs Project Community Analysis Report

139 Highland Drive,Lebanon VA 24266

05 April, 2022

Description

The Energy Storage and Electrification Manufacturing (ESEM) Jobs Project is designed to strengthen Southwest Virginia's local economy. Our region's companies and communities have been challenged by the ever-changing energy economy while simultaneously trying to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the GO Virginia State Board approved the Appalachian Voices Energy Storage and Electrification Manufacturing (ESEM) Jobs project. This Project is designed to create jobs in the region while attracting new capital investments and expanding the local tax base. Some manufacturers in the region have already taken steps to diversify their businesses into energy storage and electrification markets. We hope to help more existing manufacturers break into these markets through data-based, targeted technical assistance with this Project. The Project also seeks to attract new national and global energy companies to Southwest Virginia, creating substantial capital investments, sustainable jobs, and an expanded local tax base to help strengthen the regional economy. In response to this Project, the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute was engaged to develop the SWVA ESEM Jobs Project Community Advisory Plan. The Plan outlines the SWOT analysis, economic and community profile, and recommendations to consider. While the Plan primarily focuses on Buchanan and Tazewell counties, other counties may also find this information beneficial for their communities. As a valuable leader in Southwest Virginia, we are inviting you to attend the Southwest Virginia Energy Storage and Electrification Manufacturing (ESEM) Jobs Project Economic Development Analysis and Community Advisory Plan Presentation on Tuesday, April 5th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, at the Russell County Conference Center (139 Highland Drive) in Lebanon. This event is co-hosted by the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, and Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board. EGI staff will present the Community Advisory Plan at this meeting and discuss their findings and recommendations. The ESEM Jobs Project team members will provide context about the Project’s objectives and progress. We hope you’ll be able to attend and engage in dialogue about ways to strengthen the local economy. Invitees who cannot participate in person are encouraged to join remotely via Zoom.