Tag Archive for: #dennisjarvis

Dennis Jarvis

Town Talk 06/10/20: Jarvis Talks Move to WV, Future of Economic Dev. in Vance Co.

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Dennis Jarvis II, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

It was announced via press release last week that Jarvis, with H-V Economic Development since November 2017, was recently named the executive director for the Jefferson County Development Authority in his home state of West Virginia. Jarvis begins his new role on July 6, 2020.

Jarvis brings 20 years of economic development experience to his new role and will use his expertise to develop a new strategic plan for the future direction and economic development of Jefferson County.

Discussing his time in Henderson and Vance County, Jarvis said he believes economic development is heading in the right direction. “Almost three years later, we have a stable and professional economic development office, a marketing program that I feel is one of the top in NC, expansion of the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park that will have infrastructure in place by the end of the year and heavy project activity.”

Looking to the future, Jarvis said workforce development and education are the keys to a successful, thriving community.

“In order to have a robust economy, I’d encourage Henderson and Vance County to continue to focus on developing and enhancing workforce skills and education,” said Jarvis. “We have too many organizations in this region that say they are doing workforce development and it’s like putting a bandage over a pothole; you can only traverse it so many times before it gives way.”

Jarvis praised Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Rachel Desmarais and Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson for their work in promoting workforce development and education.

“I credit Rachel Desmarais and Anthony Jackson for moving the needle and changing the way that workforce development is talked about and the way skills enhancement is viewed,” said Jarvis. “The community college is now back to its basic core functionality, which is skills assessment and workforce preparedness. I also think you are going to see the school system continue to progress and move forward. When you’ve had 20 years of stagnation and getting away from core missions in both institutions, you don’t change things overnight.”

To hear the interview with Jarvis in its entirety, including additional discussion on the local economy and organizations making strides to improve workforce development, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Dennis Jarvis

Dennis Jarvis, H-V Economic Development Director, Accepts Position in Jefferson Co., WV

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-Press Release, Jefferson County Development Authority

The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. Jarvis will lead the organization as it develops a new strategic plan for its future direction and focus on economic development efforts in Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County Commission approved the employment of Jarvis today upon the recommendation of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) Board of Directors. Working with a national firm, JCDA board members began the search for a new executive director six months ago. After seeking input from community stakeholders regarding the type of candidate to pursue, Jarvis was selected following an extensive screening and interview process.

The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II, currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina, will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. (Photo courtesy JCDA)

Jarvis has 20 years of community and economic development experience in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. He started his career as the deputy director of the Logan County Development Authority in West Virginia and is currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina.

His background with business development, job creation, small business and entrepreneurial assistance programs as well as marketing and grant writing will be instrumental to the JCDA, said Neil McLaughlin, president of the JCDA. “We were impressed with Dennis’s enthusiasm for this area, his motivation and creativity for the role in general, and his stalwart Mountaineer spirit.”

“We look forward to Dennis joining the county,” said Jefferson County Commission President Jane Tabb. “This position is key to increasing and diversifying the tax base for Jefferson County and strengthening the economic well-being of our county, our businesses, and our residents.”

Since being reconstituted a year ago, McLaughlin noted the JCDA Board has been working to move forward, increase transparency, and grow relationships with the community, business leaders, and regional and state officials. In January, the JCDA hired a consultant to facilitate the development of a new strategic plan to guide JCDA leaders in establishing the direction of the organization.

“We’re looking forward to having Dennis on board as we begin this new chapter of the JCDA,” McLaughlin said. “His engaging personality, pro-active attitude, and relationship-building skills will be assets as the JCDA incorporates community involvement into the strategic planning process in the next few months.”

Jarvis welcomes the opportunity to come back to West Virginia. “I am honored to return home to West Virginia and the eastern gateway to our great state,” he said. “The choice to relocate to Jefferson County was easy. This is a progressive, dynamic community with a strategic location and vibrant workforce.”

The JCDA board is focused, Jarvis noted. “I am pleased to be able to work with the JCDA board. They are an energetic, synergistic group,” he said. “Developing a new strategic plan for the organization with community input is exciting for the future of Jefferson County.”

Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Jarvis received his bachelor’s degree from Bluefield State College and completed his master’s degree at Marshall University. He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at Oklahoma University, the Community Development Institute of West Virginia University, and is a Certified Business Retention Specialist with Business Retention International.

Jarvis and his wife, Lori Daniels Jarvis, are looking forward to returning to West Virginia with their cat, Virginia, and puppy, Buzzie. They enjoy traveling and riding their Indian Chieftain motorcycle. He is also a big fan of college football and likes podcasting.

During the next few months, the JCDA will be planning several events where community officials, business leaders, and local residents will have an opportunity to meet and get to know Jarvis.

The JCDA consists of a 15-member board of directors, including representatives from the county commission and each of the five municipalities within the county as well as industry, business, labor, education, and citizens representatives. The JCDA aims to promote, develop, and advance the economic development of Jefferson County, West Virginia.

For more information about the JCDA, visit www.jcda.net, email info@jcda.net, or call 304-728-3255.

Town Talk 02/24/20: Jarvis Discusses Focus 20/20 Economic Takeaways

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Listen live to WIZS Town Talk on 100.1 FM/1450 AM at 11 a.m. all this week as Dennis Jarvis, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission (Mon); Eddie Ellington, mayor of Henderson (Tues); Michele Burgess, president of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and Diane Cox, executive director of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (Wed); and Pam Hester, director of Vance County Tourism (Thurs), discuss the local economy and last week’s regional economic development summit.

Dennis Jarvis, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

The first in this week’s Town Talk series featuring community leaders, Jarvis addressed last Thursday’s Focus 20/20, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments’ Economic Development Summit held at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson.

Despite the predicted snowy weather, Jarvis estimated over 300 attended the summit, including representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and the local governments of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Person counties.

“We had good participation regionally and great participation locally in the 27536 and 27537 zip codes,” said Jarvis.

Keynote speaker for the event was Doug Griffiths, author of the bestselling book, “13 Ways to Kill Your Community.” Griffiths works with communities across the US and Canada to identify and overcome challenges that prohibit sustainability and economic growth.

Among the takeaways from the event, Jarvis said Henderson and Vance County will need to respond proactively to a national decline in its three largest economic sectors: manufacturing, agriculture and healthcare. “There is a precipitous drop on the national and state level for these three sectors. We have to be cognizant moving forward of how we parlay this 10 years from now versus today.”

Jarvis said despite that challenge, both the service and retail sectors in Vance County have rebounded significantly in recent years as evidenced by the opening of Biscuitville, Sadie’s Coffee Corner, Planet Fitness, Aldi and Badcock Home Furniture, among others.

Starbucks, Harbor Freight Tools and Popeyes are also in the works for Henderson, with Popeyes and Harbor Freight slated for the old Henderson Mall location on Dabney Drive, according to Jarvis.

To hear the interview with Jarvis in its entirety, including more on the local economy and takeaways from the Focus 20/20 summit, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Downtown Henderson

Town Talk 12/18/19: Jarvis Provides H-V Economic Development Updates

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Dennis Jarvis, II, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. to provide updates related to the HVEDC.

Jarvis said it was announced at yesterday’s Downtown Development Board meeting that the City plans to submit its application to reinstate downtown to Main Street Program status by the second quarter of 2020.

A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, a lapse in the completion of requirements cost the downtown area the coveted distinction.

The City has been working diligently towards completing the requirements of reinstatement, Jarvis said, not the least of which was the recent hiring of full-time Downtown Development Director Kathy Walters.

Benefits to achieving Main Street status include technical assistance with building restoration and access to grant money, perks that can go a long way to attracting new businesses to downtown and helping existing businesses renovate.

Funds and assistance from the program will enhance a revitalization movement that is already visibly coming together, an accomplishment that Jarvis said can be seen in the recent opening of Sadie’s Coffee Corner, Calico Paw Books & Gifts, Citizens’ Pub and Grill and the recent relocation of Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant.

Jarvis reported that Dr. Stephen Pearson, co-owner of Sadie’s Coffee Corner, told the EDC Board at its Tuesday meeting that he is considering opening a second business venture downtown and is interested in joining the Board to assist with the revitalization effort.

It takes entrepreneurs investing in the local area, and for the community to support those local businesses, to keep the economy healthy, Jarvis stated.

“The central business district is a driver of things that come off your arteries – US-1 and I-85,” he said. “In the city, we’ve seen Aldi, the announcement of a Biscuitville and a Starbucks and Planet Fitness. All these things drive the local economy forward; entrepreneurs see the ability to grow and invest here instead of elsewhere.”

To hear the interview with Jarvis in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Vance County NC

Local Officials Hold ‘Open House’ for Raleigh Real Estate Team

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Dennis Jarvis, Henderson-Vance Economic Development Director, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss a “familiarization meeting and information exchange” between local government officials and representatives from the Raleigh branch of the commercial property brokerage company, NAI Carolantic Realty.

According to Jarvis, approximately 20 Carolantic professionals heard from a delegation of Henderson and Vance County representatives from the City and County, including Mayor Eddie Ellington, City Manager Frank Frazier and County Manager Jordan McMillen, among several others.

“Our group spoke to the Carolantic team on real estate opportunities in the area from an economic development standpoint,” Jarvis explained. “We discussed the quality of life in this area, the diverse economy and the opportunity for ready-to-go sites.”

Jarvis said McMillen did “an excellent job” in presenting information to the Carolantic team on the County’s recent purchase of 84 acres for expansion of the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park while emphasizing the amenities of the area including water, sewer, natural gas and rail.

“We set the table [by saying] we have the workforce, we have the sites and we have the amenities,” said Jarvis.

As is often touted, Vance County’s proximity to major highways, short travel distance to the Raleigh/Durham area and less expensive operating costs were also mentioned by both groups as a potential boon to business growth.

With an organization that deals with real estate on a national and international level, Jarvis said it would be easy to think representatives wouldn’t be aware of specific opportunities in Vance County, NC. “You think you are going to be speaking with a group that doesn’t have any idea about Vance County, but they had one-on-one knowledge of properties for sale and industry clients.”

Based on Jarvis’ observations, both groups were impressed with what they heard. “I was pleased with Carolantic’s knowledge of the area. They understood the Kerr Lake aspect of the economy, the importance of the community college and were impressed with McGregor Hall.”

“They were also impressed with how the Embassy Foundation and the Perry Library started in a private sense, with no local dollars spent. They said it shows how our community can come together to create a vision, implement change and succeed.”

While no contracts were signed or promises made at this initial meeting, Jarvis said it was a very positive interaction. “Using the real estate context, it was like an open house for Vance County. We showcased who we are and familiarized them with the government officials they will potentially be working with moving forward.”

Jarvis said city and county officials plan to host two similar delegations with commercial brokerages between now and the end of March.

To hear the Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click here. 

Vance County NC

Henderson-Vance EDC Makes New Website Public

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After much preparation, the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission has made their new website public. It can be viewed at https://vancecountyedc.com or by clicking here.

The EDC has been working with marketing firm Marketing Alliance, Inc. for several months to create a “more true representation of what Vance County and Henderson have to offer,” Director Dennis Jarvis, II explained in a recent interview with WIZS News.

Website features include videos, business opportunities, property listings, statistics and growth factors for the local area.

The website heavily focuses on the word “advance” to play on “Vance” County. “The [new] website shows why making an investment in Vance County advances your opportunities,” said Jarvis.

Vance County NC

Jarvis Discusses Mako’s First Year in Vance Co.; Provides Updates on EDC Initiatives

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Dennis Jarvis, II, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide updates related to the EDC.

Mako Medical Laboratories:

The segment began with a discussion on Mako Medical Laboratories and their progress since opening their new location in Henderson in late 2017.

According to Jarvis, since December of last year, the company has met or exceeded the investments initially outlined to them by the State, County and City for a five-year time period.

For the same five-year period, Mako is already approximately halfway to filling the 153 jobs initially promised. “They are already at 70+ jobs in year one,” Jarvis said.

In addition, Jarvis said Mako has spent much of their first year supporting various community endeavors, including the school system, with initiatives such as The Daily Dispatch’s monthly Student Spotlight recognition.

As for the future, Jarvis said he is confident the community will continue to watch Mako exceed criteria and grow. “Mako was recognized by the Triangle Business Journal as being amongst the Top 50 fast-track companies in the region; Top 100 privately-held companies in the state,” Jarvis said.

“We are truly blessed Mako Medical is a part of our community.”

New EDC Website:

According to Jarvis, the new Henderson-Vance EDC website will be open for public viewing later this week pending endorsement and affirmation.

The EDC has been working with a marketing firm for several months to create a “more true representation of what Vance County and Henderson have to offer.”

Website features will include business opportunities, properties, business locations, financial institutions and growth factors, according to Jarvis.

Jarvis also explained that the website will focus on the word “advance” to play on “Vance” County. “The [new] website will show why making an investment in Vance County advances your opportunities.”

 Phase III of the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park:

With the County’s recent purchase of 84 acres of land to expand the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park, a master plan is in the works for land development. According to Jarvis, the plan will be available by the second quarter of 2019. “The master plan will give us a visual representation of how property, road and infrastructure could be laid out,” said Jarvis.

Earlier this year, Vance County received a $2.45 million grant from the Rural ReadySites program for development of the industrial park located at the intersection of Bear Pond Road and US-1 Bypass in Henderson.

Jarvis said the County is currently working with a contractor to remove asbestos on the front half of an existing structure within the Industrial Park. Investment opportunities will be reviewed upon completion of clean-up on this property.

To hear the interview in its entirety, please click here.

Vance County Logo

Economic Dev. Director Jarvis Talks Phase III of H-V Industrial Park

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Dennis Jarvis, II, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss, among other topics, updates to the development of the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park.

Earlier this year, Vance County received a $2.45 million grant from the Rural ReadySites program for development of phase III of the industrial park located at the intersection of Bear Pond Road and US-1 Bypass in Henderson.

The grant money will cover development costs to include construction of a new roadway and extension of water and sewer infrastructure through the site. The land will be zoned for light industrial and general commercial use.

The Henderson-Vance Industrial Park began in 1988 with the purchase of 150 acres for development. According to Vance County officials, the site has been filled since that time with nine businesses contributing approximately 600 jobs, $5.5 million in tax revenue to the county annually and a total value of over $62 million.

“Commissioner Hester and the Vance County Commission, both, as a team, understand that having available product – pad-ready, building-ready product – makes you more competitive regionally, nationally and globally,” said Jarvis.

The park’s development has been a priority for Vance County Commissioners and Jarvis is pleased to see it come to fruition in a short period of time.

“At Monday’s Commissioners’ meeting, we received an update that the engineering firm had been awarded and they are now going through a design phase,” said Jarvis. “Potential contracts for water, sewer and road development should be met by the mid-point of next year. We’re about nine months away from being complete.”

Along with the perks of access to rail and natural gas and the close proximity to US-1 and I-85, the park is expected to draw industries that seek to be near Raleigh without the Wake County price tag.

“If you want an RTP address, you pay RTP prices,” Jarvis said. “If you want to be in the Raleigh market, there are opportunities in the region – especially in our Kerr-Tar region with Franklin, Granville, Warren and Vance – to cut that operating cost by almost half.”

 To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.