Professional Documents
Culture Documents
livability.com/washington-county
Industrial Strengths
CONTENTS
2013 edition
volume 13
Things to Do
0 Outdoor Pursuits 1 Trail Town, USA
Damascus attracts outdoor enthusiasts
10
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Relax
at our Hampton Inn Bristol hotel, located at Exit 74A off of Interstate 81 in Bristol, Tennessee, and directly across the street from Bristol Regional Medical Center. Discover the roots of Bristols country music at the birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum. Explore the wonders of the ancient Bristol Caverns or enjoy a NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway. More than 15 businesses are located within eight miles of our hotel.
e Past Protecting th
ser vation Historic pre
2013 | SPON
OF COM MERC
Start your day right with Hamptons complimentary hot breakfast. Even if youre in a rush, dont miss the most important meal of the day. On your way out, simply grab one of our complimentary Hampton On the Run Breakfast Bags, available Monday through Friday, for a quick, healthy meal to go. Sip on complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day in our warm, inviting lobby, or ask one of our friendly team members for nearby restaurant recommendations. Unwind in an inviting guest room with a clean, fresh Hampton bed. Each guest room is equipped with complimentary highspeed Internet access and a 32-inch TV. Wake up to freshly made coffee prepared just the way you like it from your guest room coffee maker, and get to work using the convenient lap desk. Our spacious two-room suites provide a microwave, mini-refrigerator and a sofa bed, ideal for families and extended stays.
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Located at Exit 74A off of Interstate 81 3299 W. State St. Bristol, TN 37620 (423) 764-3600 www.bristol.hamptoninn.com
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CONTENTS
42
Living
Focus on historic preservation increases quality of life
Business
37 Community Profile
49 Economic Profile
All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste. Please recycle this magazine
2013 edition
volume 13
Livability Washington County, Virginia is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: Washington County Chamber of Commerce 1 Government Center Pl. Abingdon, VA 24210 Phone: (276) 628-8141 Fax: (276) 628-3984 www.washingtonvachamber.org Visit Livability Washington County, Virginia online at livability.com/washington-county Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Ste. 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member Member The Association of Magazine Media Custom Content Council
Wa s h i n g t o n C o u n t y
ONLINE | livability.com/washington-county
Activities Index
MORE ON WASHINGTON COUNTY Go to the links below for more articles and photos about Washington Countys business climate, recreation, food, schools, health care, culture and more. TOP EMPLOYERS livability.com/abingdon/va/ business DEMOGRAPHICS livability.com/abingdon/va/ facts SCHOOLS livability.com/abingdon/va/ schools HEALTH CARE livability.com/abingdon/va/ health NEIGHBORHOODS livability.com/abingdon/va/ living ATTRACTIONS livability.com/abingdon/va/ attractions Looking for a weekend getaway? Weve created an itinerary that includes some of the best restaurants and venues in Abingdon. Whether you stick to our schedule or make you own plans, Washington County is a great place to visit. Check out the itinerary at livability.com/abingdon/va/activities/abingdon-va-weekend. FOOD livability.com/abingdon/va/ food
Photos
Things to Do
GALLERY See more great images from around Washington County. livability.com/abingdon/va/ photos-video
A REAL CATCH Washington County is a popular destination for year-round fishing. livability.com/abingdon/va/ activities/fishing-abingdon-va
LOVE WASHINGTON COUNTY? Share the digital version of this magazine, or grab a widget and post it on your site or blog. livability.com/abingdon/va/ magazine
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At A Glance
Holston Meadowview
19
Emory
11
Glade Spring
WASHINGTON
81 58
Abingdon
u So th Ho o lst n La ke
58
Damascus
Bristol
Location
washington county
Washington County is in southwestern Virginia, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. The county includes Abingdon, which is the county seat, as well as Bristol, Damascus, Glade Spring, Emory, Holston and Meadowview.
POPULATION
55,190
Distances to three major cities nearby
Knoxville, Tenn.: 130 miles Roanoke, Va.: 135 miles Charlotte, N.C.: 175 miles
Time zone
Eastern
annual rainfall
47
National Average: 30
Accolade
Named the 2006 American Dream Town of the Year
Americandreamshow.com
Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
The Washington County Courthouse , located in downtown Abingdon, includes a Tiffany stained glass window that honors the soldiers who served in World War I. The window was dedicated on July 4, 1919.
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Things To Do
Washington Countys must-do attractions, activities and dining
Trail
Museum
Shopping
Park
get active
Traverse the 34.3-mile Virginia Creeper Trail on foot, bike or horseback. The trail, attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually, begins in Abingdon, stretches through Damascus and ends just past Whitetop Station near the VirginiaNorth Carolina border.
Taste Test
Visit Abingdon Olive Oil Company, a shop in the historic district, to sample organic, fused and infused extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world. Knowledgeable staff guide tasters through an experience of flavors and oil combinations.
Remember Veterans
Pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. military at Veterans Memorial Park . The 13-acre area includes signs with information about various wars, battles and honors, and also has flags, playground equipment and picnic tables.
Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
Things To Do
The library is a great place to unwind at The Martha Washington Hotel & Spa in Abingdon. The inn, which was originally built in 1832 as a private residence by Virginia General Francis Preston, also includes restaurants, a fitness facility and other amenities.
Event
Historic Site
Museum
Theater
see a show
Take in a live performance at the Barter Theatre. The 506-seat venue, which has been entertaining audiences since 1933, features shows such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Les Misrables and Little Women, and offers classes and workshops.
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Things To Do
Trail Town,
Damascus is An outdoor-lovers delight
USA
pend a few hours in Damascus, and its easy to see why its nicknamed the friendliest town on the Appalachian Trail. Located at the crossroads of more than half a dozen hiking, biking and cultural pathways, the town has become a popular outdoor destination thanks to its beautiful mountain scenery and Southern charm. Some visitors find it hard to leave.
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The 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail stretches from Abingdon to Damascus then to Whitetop.
Were a hub where everybody stops, says Linda Brown, the assistant librarian at the Damascus Branch Library and Visitor Center. She and her husband moved to town nearly 20 years ago, after vacationing in Damascus for years. Its quaint. Its got a lot of really pretty, old homes. And people are very, very friendly. Walk the Appalachians Its easy to find yourself strolling along the Appalachian Trail in Damascus. In fact, the towns main street actually runs on top of the world-famous footpath. Lined with historic houses, antique shops and outdoors stores, its a popular gathering spot for hikers as well as cyclists riding cross country along the Trans-America National Bicycle Trail, which is one of the four bike trails that run through the town.
FAST FACT
Damascus was named Trail Town USA and listed among 2012s Coolest Small Towns. Budget Travel
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Kyle Schnepf of Rochester, N.Y., stops in Damascus to take a break from hiking on the Appalachian Trail . The trail, which covers more than 2,100 miles, stretches from Georgias Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin in Maine and is one of the worlds most popular hiking destinations.
So we dont find it strange to have people from all over the world sitting next to us at the coffee shop, says native Michael Wright, owner of Adventure Damascus Bicycles in downtown Damascus. In May, the annual Trail Days festival draws thousands of hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The weekend-long celebration includes music, film screenings and author presentations. One of the highlights is the hiker parade through downtown, where residents and visitors playfully soak one another with water balloons and squirt guns. Bike the Blue Ridge During summer and fall, casual bicyclers and families flock to the Virginia Creeper Trail. The 34-mile bike path, which runs along a former railroad from Whitetop Station past Damascus, is a gentle,
downhill ride through some of Virginias most stunning views. Its probably the most popular thing to do when you come to Damascus, Brown says. I ride it at least three or four times a year. My favorite season is in the fall, when the leaves are in color. Rent a bike and hop a ride to the top from one of the many bicycle and shuttle services in town, such as the Shuttle Shack, a family-run store just a block off the trail. Then spend the afternoon pedaling across old train trestles as you wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are dozens of picnic spots along the river if you get hungry, or pull off at the Creeper Trail Cafe, which serves up burgers and hot dogs as well as delicious chocolate cake. Whether its hiking, biking or just soaking in the views while chatting with new friends,
residents like Michael Wright know how to enjoy nature. If anyone likes the outdoors, he says, theyre going to love Damascus. by Miles Britton by Jeff Adkins
Were a hub where everybody stops. Its quaint. Its got a lot of really pretty, old homes. And people are very, very friendly.
linda brown, resident
Find more opportunities to get active in the Washington County area at livability.com/ abingdon/va/activities .
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Jennifer Camper prepares bicycles at downtown Damascus Shuttle Shack , which provides bikes for rent and shuttles for the Virginia Creeper Trail. Damascus is known as Trail Town, USA because of the trails that pass through the town, including the Appalachian Trail, TransAmerica National Bicycle Trail, Iron Mountain Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail.
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Chow Time
Food in Washington County satisfies different tastes With a collection of local restaurants and farmers markets, Washington County offers an authentic dining experience that appeals to many palates. Even President Barack Obama came to town to grab a bite.
This destination on West Main Street in Abingdon is known for great service and an excellent wine selection and they make a mean martini, too. The menu at The Peppermill has creative twists, with items such as mushroom soup with orange marmalade, balsamic ravioli and braised rainbow trout. There are also Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and crab cakes.
Farmers Market
Farmers Market
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When Barack Obama was campaigning for president in 2008, he stopped at Pop Ellis Soda Shoppe & Grill for a to-go order. What did he get? A burger, fries and vanilla milkshake. Today, the West Main Street eatery has a soda fountain look to it, with appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers and Mississippi Mud Pie for dessert.
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Washington County attractions entertain visitors, residents Arts and culture are alive in Washington County, where residents enjoy live entertainment, history and creations by local artists among numerous top-notch cultural attractions.
Arts Depot
Live Performances
The Barter Theatre opened during the Great Depression, when the price of admission was 40 cents or the equivalent in food which gave the venue its name. Today the Barter Theatre company puts on 16-17 productions per week February through December and is one of the few remaining nonprofit resident acting troupes in the U.S. In addition to the 506-seat main theater space known as the Main Stage the complex includes a second stage called Barter Stage II which seats 167 people. By Tiffany Williams
Heartwood, located in Abingdon, is a thriving arts community that includes The Crooked Road: Virginias Heritage Music Trail, where musicians perform and a variety of live events take place. It is also home to The Crooked Road Store, which features a collection of old-time, bluegrass and gospel music CDs and DVDs created by local musicians, as well as handmade instruments. On first, third and fifth Thursday nights, Heartwood hosts open jam sessions in The Crooked Road area, enabling residents and visitors to bring an instrument and join in the fun.
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
Abingdons Arts Depot features three sizable galleries including the Spotlight Gallery, the Members Gallery and the Founders Gallery. The facility also features art from local students, as well as the works that are part of the annual Virginia Highlands Festival Juried Fine Art Show. In addition, the Arts Depot is home to seven resident studio artists, who specialize in media such as watercolor, weaving, clay, jewelry and acrylics. Visitors can explore the studios and interact with the artists, and all of the art is available for purchase.
Residents find recreation naturally in the great outdoors Located in the Great Appalachian Valley, Washington Countys well-preserved natural attractions lure many outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, fishing, biking and golf are among the top outdoor recreation options here, with a rec center and extreme bull riding rounding out the opportunities.
Golf Courses Fly-Fishing Spots
The Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center provides a range of exercise options, including some outdoor activities as well. Inside, there is a 1/16-mile walking track, weight room, aerobics room, cardiovascular room, spin bike room, indoor pool and full-sized gymnasium. Outside, the Coomes Rec Center features a 50-meter pool, kiddie pool, four tennis courts, skate park, dog park and walking trail.
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An average crowd of more than 500 fans gather at the Washington County Fairgrounds each Tuesday night between January and April to witness some of the wildest action Abingdon has to offer. The Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association puts on a weekly show featuring more than 30 rides. Its just a good family thing, says show producer Brad Nelms. We do a lot of things for the kids. They like looking at these massive animals and talking to the older cowboys. Trails
go hiking, biking
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 35-mile multipurpose rail trail that stretches from Abingdon to Whitetop near the North Carolina state line. The gentle grade on this well-groomed trail allows hikers and bikers of all levels to enjoy the gorgeous scenery. More than 100,000 people visit the trail annually, and it has helped Damascus located where the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian trails intersect to go from a sleepy town with a slowing economy to a bustling center of recreation-focused activity. Also available for outdoor enthusiasts is the Appalachian Trail, commonly called the A.T. It spans a distance of 2,160 miles and traverses eight national forests and touches 14 states. The A.T., established in 1937, was designated in 1968 as the first completed national scenic trail. Since then, more than 10,000 individuals have reported hiking the entire trail. By Kevin Litwin
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The Historical Society of Washington County, headquartered in the Old Abingdon Train Depot in downtown Abingdon, includes historical photographs and documents that relate to the region. See more photos of Washington County at livability.com/abingdon/va/photos-video.
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Abingdons Barter Theatre is one of the areas top attractions. The 506-seat theater is located inside a former church, Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church, which was constructed in 1831. See more photos of Washington County at livability.com/abingdon/va/photos-video.
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
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abingdon, Virginia
Amenities
Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast Newly Renovated Convenient to Interstate 81 Smoke-free Location Complimentary USA Today Outdoor Pool Fitness Center
Youll be Satisfied.
In-room Coffee Makers In-room Microwaves and Fridges Electric Door Locks on Guest Rooms Outdoor Walking Track 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Free High-speed Wireless Internet
Reservations:
340 Commerce Dr. Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 619-4600 (276) 619-4605 Fax
www.hampton.com
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
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living
Schools, health care and neighborhoods in Washington County
Known as Southwest Virginias Artisan Gateway, Heartwood is home to works created by regional artisans and musicians. Heartwoods 27,000-squarefoot building is located in Abingdon and includes galleries filled with crafts, as well as an area for live music, a restaurant, and a coffee and wine bar. Check out more photos that showcase Washington Countys unique attractions at livability.com/abingdon/va/photos-video.
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LIVING
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
St. Thomas Episcopal Church , located in downtown Abingdon, was founded in 1846. Today, the church holds weekly worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Historic Church
Protecting
the
PAST
t may only encompass a portion of Abingdon (itself just a little more than eight square miles), but the Abingdon Historic District is nevertheless a valuable cultural and economic asset that residents treasure dearly.
The Historic District, listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, is home to century-old brick sidewalks, a canopy of 200-year-old trees, reproduced Abingdon Model streetlamps that camouflage the Towns free Wi-Fi network infrastructure, and buildings which date back two centuries. LongTime Residents Protecting the historical aspect of the structures was so important to Abingdon that, in 1971, the town became the third in the Commonwealth of Virginia to enact an ordinance protecting historic structures that requires all changes be first approved by the town-appointed Board of Architectural Review. As a result of this focus on preserving the architectural integrity of the area, residences within the area can boast values that are higher than those in the surrounding areas, and often set the bar for the sale prices of other, more modern Abingdon homes. What draws people to the district is the historic ambiance, coupled by a strong arts culture and support of Appalachian crafts, says Garrett Jackson, Abingdons assistant town manager and director of planning. In recent years, weve seen an influx of professionals 45-yearsold and younger, who welcome the opportunity to raise their family in a safe, small-town environment, while enjoying the convenience of easy access to Abingdons amenities and services. In 1995, longtime Abingdon resident Betsy White and her husband Ramsey purchased a 29
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STREET VALLEY
AVENUE P LUMB
MA
IN
STREET
1923 classic colonial revival home in the historic district. The couple has found the area a practically perfect place to live, Betsy says. Its tree-lined sidewalks and alleys are wonderful walking places, and because its protected, the timeless beauty that is its main attraction is guaranteed. We enjoy living in a beautiful place without worrying what might be built or altered around our property. Historical Attractions While private homes comprise the majority of the structures, the area also includes other commercial, religious and governmental historic locations, such as The Tavern, Retirement, St. Thomas Church, and Washington County Courthouse. The Tavern has the distinction
CH URC H STREET
BREWERS
The Tavern
P ARK STREET
P ECAN STREET
AVENUE
COURT STREET
of being the oldest structure still being used for its original purpose on its original site. Opened in 1779 as a public house, it remains a restaurant today. Retirement gained its name when the homes original owner, Captain Robert Craig, built it in 1808 upon his retirement from active duty. The second oldest brick structure in Abingdon, its located on the only remaining undeveloped remnant of the original 1780 Revolutionary War muster grounds. The home is undergoing renovation to serve as a Civil War museum, with plans to open in 2014. While the current St. Thomas Church was built in 1929, it has its roots in an earlier wooden structure, built in 1846, which burned in the mid-1920s. Designed
after a 14th-century monastery, the churchs notable architectural features include unique woodwork, impressive acoustics and beautiful stained-glass windows. The 9,000-square-foot Washington County Courthouse dates back to 1869 and was the first courthouse reconstructed in the Commonwealth during The Reconstruction after the Civil War, replacing the original courthouse, which was burned by the Union Army in 1864. Two-and-a-half stories tall including its cupola, the front of the courthouse features four Greek Doric columns, with a Tiffany stainedglass window above the front entry, honoring those who had served in World War I. by Nancy Christie by Jeff Adkins
A practically perfect place to live. Its treelined sidewalks and alleys are wonderful walking places, and because its protected, the timeless beauty that is its main attraction is guaranteed.
Betsy White, Resident
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
The Tavern
HOURS
MON.-SAT.: 4:30-9PM
address
222 E. Main St. Abingdon, VA 24210
Contact
(276) 628-1118
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LIVING: Education
Optimal Opportunities
Washington County students enjoy easy access to great schools Getting an education in Washington County is a smart move. The area includes high-quality public and private schools, as well as community colleges and four-year institutions designed to prepare students to enter the workforce.
Private College
Serving the community since 2011, Cornerstone Christian Academy is a private school open to students from kindergarten to grade 11. Located in Abingdon, the academy educates students using a classical approach. Students in kindergarten to grade six focus on reading, writing and mathematics, while students in grades seven, eight and nine primarily study logic and argumentation. During high school, students learn how to communicate effectively. In addition to academics, CCA is home to several athletic teams including cross country, golf, track and field, and volleyball.
Public Schools
I give a lot of credit to my theater professors at Emory & Henry. They helped me every step along the way. They challenged me to be my best and then challenged me to go beyond that.
jamal crowell, e&H class of 2010
Find out more about Washington Countys educational offerings at livability.com/abingdon/ va/schools .
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
Higher Education
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Your Partner
Emory Internal Medicine is accepting all adult patients, with special care for seniors.
in health care
Interna
ry i n e Emlo Medic
www.abingdonphysicianpartners.com
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
LIVING: Health
Johnston memorial hospital expands cardiac services Opened more than a century ago, Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon has continually improved the services and care it provides to southwest Virginia. In 2011, JMH opened the doors to its new hospital building, and in 2013, patients were welcomed to an expanded cardiac catheterization lab.
fast fact
Johnston Memorial Hospital earned Gold LEED certification for its low environmental impact and energyefficient design.
Good Medicine Johnston Memorial Hospital has also added a large medical office building for dozens of physicians, allowing patients to walk straight over to the hospital after their doctors office appointment if need be. In addition, the JMH emergency room department has doubled in size from 15 to 29 rooms, and a helipad was added adjacent to the ER department. The hospital also has more than 60 vacant acres remaining that are designated for future growth. New Cath Service The catheterization services at JMH feature various veinopening procedures that
help patients regain optimal blood circulation to and from their hearts. We added a procedure called electrophysiology, or EP, because cath patients dont always have difficulty just with blood flow. There are occasionally rhythm disturbances that our cardiologists can now address and treat, says Sean McMurray, chief executive officer of Johnston Memorial Hospital, a member of the Mountain States Health Alliance health-care system. McMurray says JMH administers catheterizations by appointment and in emergency situations. Our cath lab is open 24 hours a day, he says. We partner with
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a cardiology group that specializes in these procedures Mountain States Medical Group Cardiology. They have an office on our campus that is connected to our hospital. Its convenient for everyone. LEED the Way As for the new JMH building, careful attention was given to the entire construction process, which resulted in a modern 116-bed medical facility that has earned certification as the first green hospital in the region. JMH reached gold-level status for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, which is a U.S. Green Building Council program that rates energyefficient, sustainable buildings. The JMH construction included the use of eco-friendly, lowemitting materials such as adhesives/sealants, paints/ coatings, carpet and composite wood, plus more than 75 percent of
the construction waste materials were diverted from the landfill. In addition, low-flow water closets, lavatories, showers and kitchen sinks were installed to reduce water usage by 40 percent, and efficient heating and cooling systems were installed. Whats New All 116 of the hospitals rooms are private, and a new food system allows patients to order room service. Meanwhile, operating rooms are larger, treatment areas are more appropriately sized, and a Family Birth Center allows expectant mothers to labor, deliver, recover and receive postpartum care in the same room. We paid a lot of attention to the finishes and the layout to make the building especially patient friendly and very non-institutional, McMurray says. It feels home-like. Many patients tell us it feels like a nice hotel. By Kevin Litwin
Read more about Washington Countys hospitals and health-care centers at livability.com/ abingdon/va/health .
Abingdon
Jay W. Lavigne, M.D. Melanie Leight, M.D. Nicole A. Long, D.O. Brett A. Manthey, D.O. Maria M. Briscoe, CFNP Paula K. Wright, CFNP
(276) 628-4335
277 White St. Abingdon, VA 24210
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
Community profile
ethnicity
21% 35% 14% 4% 30% White Black Hispanic Other 2% 1%
cost of living
$46,687
Median Household Income
$205,775
Median Home Price
AGE
19 and Under 20-34 35-54 55 and Over
(percentages based on the total = 8,101) (percentages based on the total = 8,220)
$597
93% Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment
Transportation
Median Travel Time to Work
Temperature
January Average Low July Average High
85
20 minutes
76
31 22
33 miles
Top 10
Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website
business
Info on Washington Countys top employers, jobs and success stories
Zazzys Coffee House in Abingdon offers coffee beverages, as well as sandwiches, salads and soups. The shop, open daily, also sells books and gift items.
Find more images of Washington Countys shops, restaurants and other businesses at livability.com/abingdon/va/photos-video.
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business: overview
A Classic Economy
Longtime local businesses anchor major industries From the down pillows of the service industry to the sooty life-blood of American production, Washington County businesses run the gamut. Washington Countys business scene is a seamless tapestry of historic legacy and modern commerce.
Retail Destination
Snapshot
Ca pos Mu sic Sto re in Ab ing do n is a loc ally ow ne d sho p offering aco ustic ins trume nts and gif ts.
Coal Producer
Certain familiar neighborhood grocers like Piggly Wiggly, Quality Foods, White Stores, Winn Dixie, BI-LO and Food City are owned and operated by K-VA-T Food Stores. K-VA-T began in 1955 when founder Jack C. Smith opened a Piggly Wiggly in Grundy, Va. With the success of this location, the family business expanded by purchasing other store locations. Today the chain consists of more than 93 stores in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee (K, VA, T). The family still owns the business, but shares 15 percent of the company stock with employees, ensuring their investment in their stores quality. K-VA-T gives back to Washington County with charities such as Apples for the Students and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
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The Martha Washington Inn & Spa has served as a private home, a girls finishing school, a Civil War hospital and a womens college before it became a hotel in 1935. The inn has 51 rooms and 11 suites, and includes an art gallery, heated pool, sun deck and other amenities. Visitors can wine and dine at the inns Cabaret Club, the Sisters American Grill or The Market. In addition, the spa offers full-body treatments, fitness facilities, massages, body wraps and salon services.
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business
Strengths
the County is active for industry
Industrial
T
o get an idea of what makes Washington County such a vibrant location for industry and manufacturing, one might envision a cold glass of beer.
Serving the flooring, transportation and performance textile industries, Universal Fibers produces filamentbased fibers. The global company, based in the Washington County area, offers fibers in more than 250 colors.
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Blue Ridge Beverage, which distributes products such as New Belgium Brewings 1554 Enlightened Black Ale, plans to move to Washington Countys Oak Park Center for Business and Industry off U.S. Route 11.
The image comes courtesy of the Blue Ridge Beverage Company, which is locating its new and expanded Southwest Division distribution center to Washington County. Specifically, the Salembased beverage distributor decided to move to the Oak Park Center for Business and Industry after the industrial site acquired 327 additional acres of industrial land and began construction of a new access road off U.S. Route 11. These improvements helped the Washington County Industrial Development Authority to attract Blue Ridge Beverage, which distributes beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages to 49 counties in the region. Its a move that is expected to create $4.8 million in new private investment and bring some 48 jobs to the county. Location Decision Blue Ridges decision can be seen as a microcosm of why companies and industries find this area so appealing for doing business. Five industrial parks are located in Washington County, with Oak Park being the newest and most active since opening in 2001. Others are BristolWashington County Industrial Park, William Cole Industrial Park, Washington County Industrial
Park and Highlands Park. Its great to have industrial parks, graded sites and industrial infrastructure, says Christianne Parker, Washington County director of economic development and community relations. But beyond that, there is a lot more to making a location decision. She points out Washington Countys proximity to Interstate 81, which provides access to East Coast and Midwest markets. Having Tri-Cities Regional Airport nearby is also a strong selling point, especially from a global standpoint. Many that look at us are international companies and they want to make sure they can get in and out of airports and make connections to destinations where they may have their parent company, Parker says. Tri-Cities Airport is very easy to get in and out of, and offers connecting flights to places like Charlotte, Atlanta and Detroit. New and Old In addition to Blue Ridge Beverage, the Washington County Industrial Development Authority has brought in three other new industries within the last couple of years: Big R Bridge, CavitroniX and WireTough. Several existing
companies in the county have embarked on recent expansions or added employees, including SteelFab Inc., Utility Trucking and Universal Fibers. K-VA-T Food Stores is also growing, and is constructing a new office on the site of the old Johnston Memorial Hospital. K-VA-T has been in Abingdon for many years, Parker says, and this is a $22 million expansion of their corporate headquarters and the addition of a data center. Two mainstays in Washington County recently commemorated milestones. Hapco, which makes aluminum and steel light poles, celebrated 50 years in Washington County in 2012. Universal Fibers, which produces solution-dyed synthetic yarns for the commercial, residential, transportation and textile markets, marked 40 years in the county in 2010. Weve grown into a multinational company, says Howard Bartholomay, vice president of manufacturing for Universal Fibers. Weve been through five major expansions, and had help from the county on the last two. We also have a stable foundation for our workforce. by John McBryde by staff photographer Jeff Adkins
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
Business Spotlight
Lights at Stone Mill
Once serving the community as a flour and corn mill, Lights at Stone Mill has been revamped to provide items such as clothing, gifts, food, toys, pet supplies, and lawn and garden materials. www.lightsatstonemill.com
Shuttle Shack
Located in downtown Damascus, Shuttle Shack offers bicycle rentals and shuttles to and from the Virginia Creeper Trail. The family-owned business is open daily until 6 p.m. www.shuttleshack.com
128 Pecan
Open Tuesday through Saturday in downtown Abingdon, 128 Pecan is a casual restaurant. The eatery offers soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch, while serving items such as seafood and steak for dinner. www.128pecan.com
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
features a membership directory, information about Washington County, a calendar of events, and profiles of Abingdon, Damascus and Glade Spring. There is also data on regional economic development for business and industry prospects, plus tourism information.
Our new building location and fresh website help us promote our member businesses and promote Washington County better than ever before, Lay says. They also make it easier for people interested in relocating to homes or businesses in our area to gather information. by Kevin Litwin
Unspoiled. Uncrowded.
The Virginian ... a place where man and nature combine to create a setting so unique, its not what has been built, but rather what hasnt. Only 250 homesites strategically placed among 538 acres of rolling hills, unspoiled woodlands and meadows carpeted by wild flowers. The Virginian takes pride in its respect for civility and quality of life. A quality of life that is enriched by a Tom Fazio-designed golf course so masterful that the course and community rate as one of the best places in America to live. Enough said. Conveniently located off of exit 10 on Interstate 81, between the historic towns of Abingdon and Bristol. Our gates are more a formality than a necessity. Do yourself a favor. Visit The Virginian, and youll see what life can be when youre surrounded by the beauty of nature and art and not people.
22512 Clubhouse Ridge Bristol, Virginia 24202 Call (800) 452-8065, fax (276) 645-7055 or e-mail varealty@thevirginian.com www.thevirginian.com
A private golf club community of 250 homesites on 538 acres of some of the most breathtaking highlands in North America. Homesites from $70,000 and custom homes from $300,000. Void where prohibited by law, including New York and New Jersey.
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BOS INC.
www.bos-inc.com
Dealers
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Wa s hi n g t o n C o u n t y
Ad Index
17 Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau 24 Abingdon Hampton Inn 36 Abingdon OB-GYN 33 Abingdon Olive Oil Company 4 Allstate Highlands Insurance Agency 48 Barter Theatre 48 Bristol Office Supply Inc. 36 Broadmore Senior Living 34 Brown Dental Associates PC 45 BVU Optinet 24 Eastman Credit Union 24 Emory & Henry College 34 Emory Internal Medicine 48 Farm Credit Country Mortgages 33 Farris Funeral Service Group 3 First Bank & Trust Company 19 Food City 2 Hampton Inn Bristol 48 Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center 48 Hicok, Fern, Brown & Garcia 45 Highlands Union Bank
Ad Index
C2 Johnston Memorial Hospital 48 Mickey Tyler & Associates 37 The Bank of Marion 48 The Office Place 46 The Peppermill 47 The Virginian Golf Club 4 Virginia Highlands Community College 48 Washington County Farm Bureau C4 Washington County Industrial Development Authority
economic profile
Taxes
-500 employees 500+ employees
29% 25%
1%
Local Sales Tax
46%
4%
education level
Associate Degree Bachelors Degree Graduate Degree
(percentages based on the total 1,999)
Top Employers
K-VA-T/Food City, Universal Fibers, Utility Trailer of Glade Spring Johnston Memorial Hospital, Mid-Mountain Foods Bristol Compressors, Washington County Public Schools
5%
Total Sales Tax
Scorecard
household income
$100,000+ 438 $30,000-$99,999 $29,999 and Under
1,680
Transportation
Tri-Cities Regional Airport www.triflight.com Norfolk Southern Railroad www.nscorp.com Port of Hampton Roads, Va. www.portofvirginia.com
$702M
Annual Retail Sales
$59M
Annual Hotel and Food Sales
4,931
Total Number of Firms
Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
1,565
1,000+ employees
200 acres of shovel-ready pads Fiber (redundant) Electric Gas Sewer Water
Rail service Close to I-81 Among lowest workers comp rates in U.S. Progressive right-to-work environment
Christianne E. Parker, CEcD Washington County Economic Development Office 1 Government Center Pl., Ste. A Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 525-1300 Fax: (276) 525-1309 Email: cparker@washcova.com www.washcova.com