‘A Shift And A Movement’

VIA Marks Phase 2 Completion

More than 100 people gathered in the Junction 245 Marketplace this past Wednesday to celebrate the completion of Phase 2 of the Virginia Innovation Accelerator, a burgeoning business incubation center in the former Mundet-Hermetite factory building in Buena Vista.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held in the newly opened marketplace space that features about 20 merchants selling locally made products and the soon-to-be opened commercial kitchen that will be fully equipped and made available to foodbased enterprises.

“Today we mark an exciting and significant milestone for Buena Vista, for the Rockbridge region, and for the commonwealth of Virginia,” said Annette Patterson, president of The Advancement Foundation, the entity that established the VIA. “With the completion of Phase 2, we celebrate far more than the redevelopment of a building – we celebrate the renewal of a shared vision for regional innovation, entrepreneurship and community prosperity.”

The completion of this latest three-year construction project, she said, “brings new life to a 40,000-square-foot former manufacturing plant, transforming it into a vibrant ecosystem to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. Phase 1, open since 2022, offers manufacturing space for scaling ag-tech, unmanned systems and technology companies, a conferencing center, classroom and office space. Phase 2 completes the community engaging new marketplace, café and taproom, outdoor recreation, a commercial kitchen designed to support value-added product development and newly constructed ADA-accessible entries and restrooms. This space will serve as a welcoming hub for innovators, creators, residents and visitors alike. It is a place where ideas can be tested, businesses can be built and community can be strengthened.”

Buena Vista Mayor Tyson Cooper described the revitalization project as a “shift and a movement. VIA is a beginning – not an end. This space will evolve with our community’s needs.”

Recalling what has transpired over the past few years, Cooper said Patterson and TAF “stepped into a space with such energy and determination.” Their efforts were “realistic, collaborative and forward looking.” The project, he said, fits in with the city’s “great revitalization story.”

Kristina Ramsey, Buena Vista’s director of economic development, noted that “Innovation belongs in places that know how to work hard, adapt and do more with less. That’s why this project fits Buena Vista so well. The people of Buena Vista work hard, they adapt and overcome challenges, and we know how to do more with less. The people of Buena Vista are incredible and this project is a perfect representation of the character of the community.”

Last week’s event included a panel discussion with four representatives of businesses that are being launched in the VIA.

Diana Warren, CEO and cofounder of Agricision, spoke about how her company is designing and manufacturing drones to help farmers engage in more effective agricultural practices. The drones identify crops in need of treatment to attain better yields and deliver chemical sprays in an efficient manner while protecting soil and water quality.

John Dryden of Maury River Mushroom Farm told of how his company is harvesting locally grown mushrooms and developing innovative mushroom products for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Laura Raschke of Autumn Laurel talked about producing handcrafted candles, wax melts, soaps and home goods that are “designed to bring the calm, comfort and character of mountain life into everyday moments.”

Delilah White of Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers told how she is honoring her “Grandma Nellie Belle with award-winning, handcrafted pies, cobblers and desserts made from scratch with organic ingredients.”

Junction 245 Marketplace is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nickie Hawkins, VIA’s business outreach and education coordinator, explained how the marketplace’s name was derived. Junction is an allusion to Buena Vista’s railroad history and is intended to emphasize the junction of folks joining together with their entrepreneurial pursuits. The number refers to VIA’s address at 245 W. 21st St. in Buena Vista.

VIA’s Phase 2 should be completed early next year with the completion of the commercial kitchen. Phase 3, to be completed in the next 12 to 18 months, includes construction of loft-style apartments and an outdoor recreation initiative. The Buena Vista Visitor Center is to be relocated in VIA next year.

Patterson noted that TAF has raised $2.5 million to make the vision for VIA a reality. Key funding sources have included the Virginia Housing Development Authority, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Industrial Revitalization Fund, the Appalachian Regional Commission, USDA Rural Development, Community Business Launch, GO Virginia Region 8 and the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.

VIA has been a collaborative effort, she said, of many individuals, organizations and the local governments. She recognized individuals in attendance who represented Rockbridge County, Buena Vista, Lexington, Mountain Gateway Community College, Southern Virginia University, Washington and Lee University, Virginia Military Institute, Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and the local chamber of commerce.

Because of this collective commitment,” said Patterson, “The Advancement Foundation has been able to build not just a facility, but a powerful ecosystem – one that will accelerate innovation, cultivate new businesses and provide opportunities for generations to come.”