INSIDE THE ISLE NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 2020 |
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THIS WEEKEND! Kick off your holiday season in charming Smithfield and Isle of Wight County and enjoy fabulous sales and specials at our merchants plus a cheery welcome at our restaurants.
As always, your safety and the safety of our merchants and their staff is our priority. All safety measures will be in place including maintaining safe social distances and wearing safety masks. Thank you for your cooperation.
PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS:
Hours and dates may vary. Call ahead to be sure your favorite shop or restaurant will be open.
(*Online event "Christmas Extravaganza" begins at noon)
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SALES DAY is Tuesday, November 10, 2020
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Smithfield and Isle of Wight County Tourism, Isle of Wight County Economic Development and The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, have united to create the #IsleShopSmall Gift Certificate Program, a joint initiative established to assist local businesses in remaining viable during and after the current COVID-19 pandemic. The program will be administered by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce.
Support Isle of Wight County, Smithfield and Windsor Businesses by purchasing a gift voucher online to participating, locally-owned, for-profit, retail, restaurant and service-based businesses including local franchises and local licensees. The program will match each purchase dollar for dollar for as long as the matching fund lasts.
Learn more by watching the latest Isle Ask & Answer video below:
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Eligibility Expanded Again!
Governor Ralph Northam announced last month that Rebuild VA, a state grant program to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, will expand eligibility criteria and increase the amount of grant money businesses receive. This program has allotted an additional $30 million with expanded eligibility. Any small business or nonprofit with $10,000,000 or less in gross revenue OR 250 or fewer employees may now apply. This grant program is administered by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity.
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IWCS Farm Manager Recognized by Virginia Tech |
Daniel Judkins, the Farm Manager for Isle of Wight County Schools (IWCS), was recently recognized as Virginia Tech’s Agricultural Technology Outstanding Alumni.
“Being the Farm Manager for IWCS has been one of the most rewarding careers I have had,” said Judkins. “I have a passion for agriculture and every day I am able to be outside working around the farm and sharing my knowledge and love for the industry with our students.”
Under Judkins’ direction, and in partnership with Agriculture teacher Jason Brittle, the farm has grown from six acres of uncut grass to multiple pastures with a variety of livestock and a vegetable garden. The property welcomed a beautiful barn and classroom facility in the fall of 2018 and most recently added a cattle handling facility. The next project involves building greenhouses to grow produce for a new “Farm to Fork” program. READ MORE
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Daniel Judkins stands in front of the classroom facility at the IWCS Agricultural Land Lab. Learn more about the farm here.
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County to Invest in Regional Economic
Development Project
Isle of Wight County is one of six localities in Hampton Roads investing in a new regional economic development project as part of its membership in the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (EVRIFA). The goal of the EVRIFA is to initiate specific projects with two or more regional partners. This project, located in York County, represents the first by the authority, which was formed in 2018.
This year, the EVRIFA will acquire a 432-acre tract of land from the Commonwealth of Virginia and will lease approximately 250 acres to a firm planning to develop a major solar facility. The remaining acreage will be named Kings Creek Commerce Center and will be marketed for light industrial development.
All tax and other revenues that would normally have been collected by York County, the host locality, will instead be shared by the participating localities on a basis proportional to their investments. Other participating localities include Poquoson, Williamsburg, Hampton and Newport News.
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Flower Business is Blooming in Historic Smithfield
Located in downtown Historic Smithfield in a restored Victorian house on Main street, is a full-service florist, Fleur de Fou. The shop is owned by Joseph McCain and Jason Camper. In addition to owning and operating the store, Joseph is a paramedic by trade and Jason is a Horticulturist. Their home is controlled and operated by a black lab, Titus, and two cats, Harry Potter and Cersei.
In the conception of Fleur de Fou, Joseph and Jason wanted to create a shop that had the flair and sophistication of the European flower boutiques with a down-home feel. The name translates to “The Foolish Flower”. Joseph and Jason thought they may be foolish for starting a business but pushed forward and opened the storefront in January of 2018 after arranging flowers from home for the previous three years. Joseph and Jason started their business after helping a friend with the flowers for their wedding. The response was so well received that they knew opening a florist in Smithfield was the right decision.
Fleur de Fou provides original floral creations for weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, “just because”, and many other special occasions. The retail portion of the store features, home décor, fine “forever botanicals,” seasonal merchandise, garden ornaments, and other eclectic items. Jason and Joseph enjoy sharing their knowledge by offering workshops throughout the year where participants can sign up and create their own arrangement, holiday wreath or swag, or even a decorative planter.
(757) 651-8235. Hours for Fleur de Fou are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
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FEATURE YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE! |
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We know businesses in Isle of Wight County rock, and we want to tell the world. If you'd like to have your business featured in our newsletter and online for FREE, contact us and be prepared to tell your story!
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FEATURED AVAILABLE PROPERTY
Triad Office Complex - 15221 Carrollton Blvd.
Recently renovated, multi-tenant office building in Carrollton has four individual office suites for lease ranging from 415 to 516 square-feet. Three suites feature open floor plan layouts and one includes a separate interior office. Spaces are carpeted with heat and air condition and 8’ to 9’ ceilings. Rental rate includes utilities, building services and property expenses. Located on Route 17/Carrollton Blvd. in the fastest growing area of Isle of Wight County. For more information, contact Becky Jester or Chris Bailey at 757-745-7111.
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ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
757-356-1962
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