Charlotte County will gain an extra 25 jobs with a new $4.2 million dry kiln technological advancement at Morgans Lumber Company in Red Oak. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project.

On Friday, Gov. Bob McDonnell made his first economic development announcement at the company along with the Charlotte County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and Board of Supervisors at a special event at the company.

"I am pleased that my first economic development announcement since taking office is new jobs and investment for Charlotte County," said Governor McDonnell. "A major priority for my Administration is energizing the economy in Southside. The expansion of Morgan Lumber with its 25 new jobs is especially meaningful in this rural community. This is the kind of positive job-creation announcement we need to see taking place all across the Commonwealth. Creating good jobs and getting our economy moving again is the focus of my time in office, and I want to thank Morgan Lumber for their investment in the future of Charlotte County and the people of Virginia."

He added,

"Pursuing the American dream is key for the state when we have 6.9% unemployment statewide and 9.2% in Southside, the hardest hit county of any region in Virginia. This is the first time Ive taken part in an economic development announcement and its a privilege and an honor for me."

He explained that the new technology is "cutting edge hardware" that will increase production by 100% and increase energy efficiency as well as adding 25 new jobs, a 33% increase in the companys employment of 75.

He praised Charlotte County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Guill for "doing a good job of working with economic development to find a good package to expand jobs."

Charlotte County has a population of about 12,500.

McDonnell said, "Were asking the Virginia Assembly to find $50 million in new incentives so we can continue to expand."

The governor introduced owner Robert Morgan.

Morgan said, "We started this company with a dream and a vision. Weve expanded ten fold and its the largest business in the community. In government, we need people with business leadership to lead the state (like Gov. McDonnell). This is an exciting and encouraging time for us. Our employees are the reason we can do this. We began as a mobile unit and now have 75 employees with state of the art optimization. Four generations in 71 years."

Morgan added that he is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable working environment in the companys mission to produce value added products.

"For every $1 of lumber, $48.64 is generated by the time it reaches the final customer. The forestry in Virginia is healthier with more timber than 100 years ago. Were growing healthier forests in a win-win situation for the environment and the economy. Lets work together to improve and promote the industry," said Morgan.

Morgan Lumber Company was started in Charlotte County in the 1940s by J.C. Morgan and his two sons, W.C. and Billy. What began as a small sawmill now stands as a leader in the processing of southern yellow pine. It has grown to a modern, state-of-the-art operation complete with computerized sawmill, dry kiln, and planer mill.

"We consider our relationship with Charlotte County as a partnership," shared Morgan. "The County promotes a friendly and cooperative work environment along with a readily available workforce of good people with strong work ethics. For these reasons it was a logical decision for us to continue to strengthen our roots here in Southside Virginia."

Morgan Lumber Company General Manager Don Bright joined him in accepting the $100,000 grant from the Governors Opportunity Fund

Deputy Director Ned Stephenson from The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission filled in for Senator Frank Ruff who was tied up at the Senate. "No program is more interesting to me than creating jobs," he said before presenting a $125,000 check from the commission.

In a prepared statement from Senator Ruff, he wrote, "Morgan Lumber has been a strong Charlotte County employer for many decades. I am glad that the Tobacco Commission was able to play a role in this expansion, and look forward to the companys continued success in Charlotte County. It is doubly good when we can assist a locally owned company that has been a proven employer in the region for decades."

The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

"The Charlotte County Industrial Development Authority provided invaluable assistance to make this project possible," said Susan Adams, Charlotte County Deputy County Administrator. "This project not only provides needed employment, but greatly impacts the future of the local economy and the wood products industry in Southside Virginia."

Charlotte County Industrial IDA Chairman Ralph L. Moore said he "appreciated working with the Morgan family which started their business with a cart hooked to a mule while bringing out timber." He added, "The next four years are going to be tough, but we will work with the government. I want to recognize the Board of Supervisors and thank Susan Adams and our county administrator R. B. Clark. Delegate James Edmunds couldnt be here today but he said in a time of double digit unemployment, this is welcome."

He presented the company with a $50,000 from the Charlotte County IDA.

State Forester Carl E. Garrison III explained that timber is the number one industry in the state. "There is more than $27.5 million of economic growth in Virginia annually. The governor knows the value of forestry in Virginia...he said so in his campaign. We want to grow and develop our forestry markets. We are proud that this is his first economic development project. Morgan Lumber Company is a leader in the forestry community and theyre coming up with new technology.

About the Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Mexico and Japan.