~ Carolina Profile Design Corp. to invest $3 million in expansion ~

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Carolina Profile Design Corp., a lithographic commercial printing company, will invest $3 million to expand in Grayson County, creating 55 jobs. The company will add a metal machining process to its existing operations. Virginia successfully competed with Illinois, North Carolina and Pennsylvania for the project.

            “Carolina Profile Design has been a corporate staple in Grayson County since 1990,” Governor Kaine said. “This expansion will enable the company to manufacture high-end metal parts for machinery and after-market products that are in demand around the world. In a region that has been hit by economic the downturn and offers an available workforce, 55 new jobs are significant.”

Carolina Profiles began in 1990 as a machine shop with considerable capability in designing plastic recycling equipment. The company now operates both a sophisticated machine design and production shop and some specialized commercial printing.

“We at Carolina Profiles appreciate the natural beauty, the lifestyle and the friendly attitude of Grayson County and Western Virginia,” said Helmar Nielsen, President, Carolina Profile Design Corp. “The state and county government have been very helpful, particularly with employee training, which is a major requirement of our machining operation.” 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Grayson County and Virginia’s aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Kaine approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Grayson County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $150,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Carolina Profile’s expansion, and creation of 55 advanced manufacturing jobs, is an outstanding example of the results of our strategy to support local businesses and entrepreneurs who are creating employment that is above average pay and benefits, and not easily sent overseas,” said Mike Maynard, Chairman, Grayson County Board of Supervisors. “We are aggressively working to develop additional opportunities for this type of secure employment for the citizens of Grayson County.”  

 “This expansion is wonderful news for Grayson County and southwestern Virginia,” said Senator Roscoe Reynolds, a Commissioner of the The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “I am grateful for Carolina Profile Design Corporation’s confidence in our community and I commend Governor Kaine, Chairman Maynard, the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance for their efforts in making this project a reality.”

“Carolina Profile Design Corporation’s decision to significantly expand operations in Grayson County, with Tobacco Commission , Governor’s Opportunity Fund and Department of Business Assistance support, clearly demonstrates that our rural communities are competitive even during this season of serious economic downturn,” said Senator William Wampler, a Commissioner of the The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “The Tobacco Commission welcomes opportunities such as this where we can help ensure business growth and prosperity.”

Last week, August 3-8, was the 74^th Annual Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax, Virginia.  That’s right, the Galax Fiddler’s Convention has been going strong since 1935, and this year was certainly no exception.

Every year, hundreds of performers come to Galax to show off their talents, competing with the best of the best.  They come from places as far away as Independence, VA and Mt. Airy, NC…just kidding.  Well, they come from those places, of course, but they also come from Ohio, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Texas and beyond.  In addition to the performers and hopefuls, thousands of people come to see who’s going to be the best in a host of different categories. 

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