Wind-Energy Site Could Be Leased off Virginia by years’ end
The Obama administration announced Monday that it could begin leasing sites off the coasts of Virginia and three other states for wind energy development by the end of the year.
Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar also announced that the federal government would spend $50.5 million over the next five years to fund research and development to support offshore wind energy.
Meeting Launches Virginia Offshore Wind Panel
The Chesapeake Light Tower, a 1965-vintage lighthouse 13 miles off Virginia Beach, could find new life illuminating the potential for wind farms off the state’s coast.
Why You Should Start a Company in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA (Oct 18, 2010)
Not too long ago, about fifty years, Atlanta was the size of Little Rock, Ark. About a hundred years before that, it was burned to the ground. Atlanta has proven it can grow (adding 1.1 million residents in the last decade alone). Now, it’s building toward a sort of tech hub in the southeast, against a backdrop that includes the busiest international airport in the world; a healthy cluster of corporate giants in Coca-Cola, UPS, Delta and The Home Depot, among others; and a spur of entrepreneurial activity that put Atlanta in the top ten on this year’s Kauffman Entrepreneurial Index, which tracks new business creation.
But in a place where half the population isn’t from there, identity is a work-in-progress—the New York Times called Atlanta “corporate stronghold, a Southern belle and a hip-hop capital”—all at once. Add to that: home to Internet security expertise and a key drug in HIV treatment. Alan Taetle, general partner at venture capital firm Noro-Moseley Partners, spoke with Fast Company about what makes Atlanta’s startup scene unique.
Honda Plans Expansion at Ohio Plant
Washington Township, Ohio (Oct 15, 2010)
Honda Motor Co. plans to expand its transmission plant in Washington Township, Ohio, creating more than 100 jobs.
The automaker said Thursday its Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America unit had applied for authorization to acquire 60 acres adjacent to the plant to proceed with a “significant expansion” of the facility.
Underwater Power Line Could Spark Hampton Roads Jobs
Hampton Roads, VA (Oct 14, 2010)
The proposal to build an underwater electricity transmission line to serve wind turbine farms off the East Coast could stoke efforts to lure renewable energy companies to Hampton Roads, local officials said Wednesday.
Trans-Elect Development Co. LLC, a Maryland-based transmission-line firm, on Tuesday proposed building the $5 billion line from New Jersey to Virginia. At the same time, the company announced its project has gained the backing of Internet search giant Google Inc. and a New York-based investment firm.
Belgian Knitting Company Opens in South Carolina
York, SC (Sep 9, 2010)
YORK — Lava USA Inc., a manufacturer of knitted fabrics for mattress covers, has located its new operations in York County.
The company invested more than $3.8 million to renovate a former plastics manufacturing facility and expects to add 30 new jobs over the next five years.
Wisconsin Awards Energy Funds to Two Firms
Madison, WI (Oct 12, 2010)
The state of Wisconsin is awarding $4.85 million in State Energy Program funding, including $3.75 million to a Germantown firm, to support business development projects that are expected to create and retain jobs, Gov. Jim Doyle said Tuesday.Sabra Opens the Door to New Manufacturing Plant in Chesterfield County
Richmond, VA (Oct 8, 2010)
Dupont to make $20 million investment in Chesterfield
Richmond, VA (Aug 3, 2010)
DuPont announced Tuesday that it will invest $20 million to start manufacturing parts for batteries used in electric vehicles at a leased facility in Chesterfield County.
The company said operations will begin in early 2011.
From the company’s release:
The facility will further refine and develop DuPont™ Energain™ separators, a nanofiber-based material that improves safety by allowing high-performance lithium-ion batteries to operate at higher temperatures and can increase power up to 30 percent.
“DuPont™ Energain™ separators will be key to battery manufacturers making huge advances in lithium-ion batteries,” said Thomas G. Powell, President, DuPont Protection Technologies. “DuPont enjoys a great, long-term partnership with Virginia and the technology development it enables enhances our presence here as a major employer.”
