Images Washington County 2012

2012 | livability.com/washington-county/va 速

Washington county, virginia

AHH, FRESH AIR Outdoor recreation options are many

RIGHT OFF INTERSTATE 81 Two prime industrial parks offer shovel-ready sites

Blooming Business Art, stores, theater, charm grace downtown Abingdon

sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce

The Holiday Inn and Bristol Convention Center is the gateway to the tri-cities conveniently located off Interstate 81 at Exit 7 in Bristol, Virginia.

Our award-winning hotel features 226 guest rooms including 16 junior suites, three presidential suites and a honeymoon suite.

We have the largest banquet and meeting room facilities in the area, featuring more than 20,000 square feet of convention space – a perfect location for your social gathering or business conference!

Our hotel also offers an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner in a casual dining atmosphere, as well as a lounge to sit back and enjoy your favorite news or sports program. On Fridays and Saturdays, the lounge features live entertainment (a cover charge may apply).

Additional amenities and services include: • Seasonal outdoor pool and whirlpool • Nautilus fitness center • Free Wi-Fi • Complimentary coffee in the lobby • Safety deposit boxes • Laundry facilities • Business center • Convenience store • Express checkout • Room service • Free parking 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol, VA 24202 (276) 466-4100 www.holidayinn.com

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2012 edition | volume 12 速

Washington County, Virginia co nte nt s F e atu r e s 10 blooming business

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Art, stores, theater, charm grace downtown Abingdon

14 twist of fate Washington County responds to tornado with kindness and generosity

18 right off interstate 81 Two prime industrial parks offer shovel-ready sites

d e pa r tm e nt s 6 Almanac 20 Biz Briefs 22 Chamber Report 23 Economic Profile 24 See the County 30 Health & Wellness 34 Local Flavor 38 Arts & Culture 42 Sports & Recreation 44 Education 47 Community Profile 48 Through the Lens

on the cover Bright red tulips fill planters in front of the Abingdon Municipal Building.

Photo by Todd Bennett

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2012 | lIvABIlITy.COm/WASHINGTON-COuNTy/vA ®

WASHINGTON COuNTy, vIRGINIA

AHH, FRESH AIR Outdoor recreation options are many

RIGHT OFF INTERSTATE 81 Two prime industrial parks offer shovel-ready sites

Facts 150 W. Main St. Abingdon, VA (276) 628-3161

www.themartha.com

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Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more

Living here

Learn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health-care providers

Blooming Business Art, stores, theater, charm grace downtown Abingdon

SpONSOREd By THE WASHINGTON COuNTy CHAmBER OF COmmERCE

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Washington Count y, Virginia editorial project Manager mitch Kline content Director Lisa battles Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Contributing writers Laura Hill, Jessica Mozo, Tiffany Williams Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Rachael Gerringer, Taylor nunley Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier

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color imaging technician Alison Hunter Executive Integrated Media Manager Deshaun Goodrich Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester

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Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner

SEE DO

Senior V.P./business Development Scott Templeton senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing Kim HOlmberg V.P./business Development clay perry V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers

HISTORY, ARTS AND CRAFTS, THEATRE, ANTIQUES AND CHARM ABOUND IN HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN

V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens v.p./Travel publishing Susan Chappell V.P./Sales rhonda graham, herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky

STORY BY LAURA HILL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT

F

or Joyce Ferratt, born and raised in Abingdon, her hometown is more than favorite memories – it’s a place bursting with arts, theater, music, nature, education, great shopping and a history that sets it apart.

We have a wonderful, wonderful town,” says Ferratt, who operates the Shepherd’s Joy bed-and-breakfast with her husband, Jack, in the 1910 Queen Anne country home she grew up in. “People care about each other here.”

Controller Chris Dudley Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman sales support Coordinator alex marks

Abingdon for Everybody That kind of personal warmth radiates to others, too, and has

sales support project manager sara quint system administrator daniel cantrell Web creative director allison davis

helped make Abingdon an outstanding destination for visitors, whether they come for the area’s unique outdoor recreation and scenery or for the pleasures of in-town life.

“There is something for everybody in Abingdon,” says Town of Abingdon marketing and social media coordinator Tenille Montgomery, another native.

For starters, she says, specialty shopping is abundant, from ladies’ clothing and accessories to antiques and collectibles. Holston Mountain Artisans, a cooperative of local artists and craftsmen, sells work in a variety of media. The Abingdon Olive Oil Company – “a must,” says Ferratt –

A couple walk their dogs along Main Street in downtown Abingdon.

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LLIIVA VAB BIILLIIT TY. Y.C CO OM M//WA WAS SH HIIN NG GT TO ON N--C CO OU UN NT TY/ Y/VA VA

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Web Content Manager John Hood Web project manager noy fongnaly Web designer II Richard stevens Web development lead Yamel Hall Web developer i nels noseworthy Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Creative Services Director Christina Carden Creative Technology Analyst becca ary audience development Director deanna nelson new media assistant alyssa dicicco Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

Images Washington County 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 179 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 Phone: (276) 628-8141 • Fax: (276) 628-3984 www.washingtonvachamber.org Visit Images Washington County online at livability.com/washington-county/va ©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

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Almanac

Welcome to Washington County An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

A Thespian’s Trade Robert Porterfield developed Barter Theatre when, as a young actor, he returned to southwest Virginia with the goal of opening a theater. The only problem with his plan was that he wanted to open the theater in the middle of the Great Depression, which meant that people who barely had enough money for food were unable to pay to see shows.

Porterfield came up with a creative solution to this problem by having patrons pay for admission through trade rather than currency. This barter arrangement enabled area farmers to trade produce to see shows and gave the theater its name.

Since this humble beginning, the theater has grown to entertain more than 160,000 visitors each year. In addition to its main building that accommodates more than 500 patrons, Barter Theatre now offers Barter Stage II, which is more intimate with 167 seats surrounding a thrust stage.

Where Hiking Trails Are Home Washington County is a paradise for people who love to hike. Among its hiking trails are the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail, pictured above. The Appalachian Trail is a nationally renowned trail that extends more than 2,100 miles through several states.

The National Park Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy manage the Appalachian Trail and numerous trail clubs along the route to help maintain the trail’s integrity. Virginia Creeper Trail extends about 35 miles from Abingdon through Damascus to Whitetop and accommodates hiking, biking and more.

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A Hole in Fun

Fast Facts

Washington County has several nearby golf courses including Clear Creek Golf Club, Greenway Creek Golf Course, Glenrochie Country Club and The Virginian Golf Club.

Clear Creek Golf Club offers a public 18-hole course that extends more than 6,500 yards and features a quiet atmosphere, a pro shop, lessons and concessions. Greenway Creek Golf Course is a public-course-only facility that features an 18-hole course extending more than 5,500 yards. Glenrochie Country Club, pictured, is a private club that provides an 18-hole course covering more than 6,800 yards with Bermuda fairways, bent greens, a pro shop and a restaurant. The Virginian Golf Club is a private club with an 18-hole course that extends more than 7,000 yards.

A 12,000-square-foot putting green is also available, as well as a practice bunker area.

n Barbara Kingsolver, author of The Poisonwood Bible and other bestsellers, lives in Washington County. n Actress Robin Mullins owns a clothing store in Abingdon called Forget-Me-Not. n Film director Scott Cooper is a 1988 graduate of Abingdon High School.

Washington County At A Glance Population (2010 Census) Washington County: 54,876 Abingdon: 8,191 Glade Spring: 1,456 Damascus: 1,066

Revolutionary War and was named after Gen. George Washington.

For More Information Washington County Chamber of Commerce 179 E. Main St. Abingdon, VA 24210 Phone: (276) 628-8141 Fax: (276) 628-3984 www.washingtonvachamber.org

Location Washington County is in southwestern Virginia, 135 miles south of Roanoke, 130 miles northeast of Knoxville, Tenn., and 150 miles northwest of Charlotte, N.C.

What’s Online

Beginnings Washington County was established Dec. 7, 1776, in the throes of the

Take a virtual tour of Washington County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at livability.com/washington-county/va.

Washington County

S Saltville

n Cornerstone Christian Academy, a private, classical, non-denominational Christian K through 9 school, opened in 2001. www.corner stoneabingdon.org n Abingdon’s Arts Depot is a nonprofit art gallery including working artist studios that are open to visitors. The gallery is housed in a 19thcentury freight station. n Approximately one dozen new businesses are getting a competitive advantage by being located in the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator in Stone Mill Park.

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abingdon, Virginia

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www.hampton.com

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A Racing Legacy Anyone who knows racing knows that Bristol Motor Speedway is a legend. Bristol opened in 1961 after an exhaustive search to find the best place to build the track. Bristol was built to be about one-half of a mile in length and about 75 feet wide in the turns, which were banked at 22 degrees. Over time, the track has seen numerous renovations to improve seating and track surfaces as well as to increase the turn’s banking to 36 degrees. Despite being comparatively smaller than some of the tracks in automotive racing today, Bristol remains a crowd favorite thanks to its extremely sharp banking, concrete track surface, two pit roads and stadium-style seating. After countless races, the speedway celebrated its 50th year of racing in 2011.

Photo Courtesy of Cameras In Action

A Room With a Past Martha Washington Inn is a legend in Abingdon and renowned for its historical accommodations that take guests back in time to experience 19th-century hospitality and décor with modern amenities. Martha Washington Inn was built in 1832 by General Francis Preston, a hero of the War of 1812, for his family.

The residence remained in possession of the Preston family until 1858 when the family sold the residence to the founders of Martha Washington College.

Since that time, the home served many purposes as a training ground for the Washington Mounted Rifles Confederate unit, a Civil War hospital and an upscale women’s college. Today, the inn offers guests spa treatments and uniquely historical accommodations as the home’s architectural integrity and many of the items within it, such as the Preston family’s nine-foot-tall Dutch-baroque grandfather clock, have been preserved for more than 150 years. Thanks to these deep historical roots, the inn is included in the Camberley Collection of historic places.

A Hard-Fought History Washington County is home to numerous historical places including the Muster Grounds, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, the Andrew Russell House, The Tavern Restaurant and the County Courthouse. Muster Grounds is the place where the Overmountain Men departed to Kings Mountain, where they defeated British soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is a part of the U.S. National Trails System that follows the path of the Overmountain Men on their march to the Battle of Kings Mountain. The Andrew Russell House is a two-story flagstone home built in 1792 by Andrew Russell, the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County for 50 years. Built in 1779, The Tavern Restaurant is located in Abingdon’s oldest building. The Tavern’s building has served a number of functions over the years including being a tavern, bank, bakery and more. The County Courthouse was built in 1868 on the site where the previous courthouse sat, which was burned in 1864. This courthouse contains historical court and land records dating to 1777.

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PLENTY TO

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SEE DO History, arts and crafts, theatre, antiques and charm abound in historical downtown

Story By Laura Hill | Photography By TODD BENNETT

F

or Joyce Ferratt, born and raised in Abingdon, her hometown is more than favorite memories – it’s a place bursting with arts, theater, music, nature, education, great shopping and a history that sets it apart.

We have a wonderful, wonderful town,” says Ferratt, who operates the Shepherd’s Joy bed-and-breakfast with her husband, Jack, in the 1910 Queen Anne country home she grew up in. “People care about each other here.”

Abingdon for Everybody That kind of personal warmth radiates to others, too, and has

helped make Abingdon an outstanding destination for visitors, whether they come for the area’s unique outdoor recreation and scenery or for the pleasures of in-town life.

“There is something for everybody in Abingdon,” says Town of Abingdon marketing and social media coordinator Tenille Montgomery, another native.

For starters, she says, specialty shopping is abundant, from ladies’ clothing and accessories to antiques and collectibles. Holston Mountain Artisans, a cooperative of local artists and craftsmen, sells work in a variety of media. The Abingdon Olive Oil Company – “a must,” says Ferratt –

A couple walk their dogs along Main Street in downtown Abingdon.

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Clockwise from top: House on Main in Abingdon; The Virginia Creeper Trail spans 34.3 miles between Abingdon and Whitetop; A walking bridge leads visitors to the Overmountain Victory Trail at the Abingdon Muster Grounds.

offers dozens of oils and vinegars, which you can taste on site. For ladies, Vagabond Trader, Forget Me Not and All About Her feature boutique clothing and accessories.

Want an Elvis-themed cupcake?

The Babycakes Cupcakery has you covered. Rain Restaurant will serve you a memorable meal.

And farm-to-table dishes utilizing the best from local growers are the star at House on Main, where the shrimp and local grits will delight you. Montgomery recommends a stop at the Wolf Hills Brewing Company on Park Street, where you can sample their new Overmountain Victory brew.

Abingdon for Outdoorsmen For outdoor lovers, Abingdon has become legendary for its birding, fishing, and hiking and biking trails, among them the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and the world-famous Virginia Creeper Trail, which attracts more than 200,000 annual users.

“People have described this as some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere, with farmlands, mountains, forest,” Montgomery says. “We’ve had people come to hike and decide to move here.”

An equally big draw is the city’s booming arts scene, from the Barter

Theatre, which has been presenting outstanding professional theater since 1933, to the popular concert series in Latture Park from May to September. Special events are another Abingdon signature, and a huge draw for visitors, Ferratt says.

“Things like the Virginia Highlands Festival in July and August bring people in from everywhere,” she says. “We have workshops, antiques, concerts, arts and crafts shows, nature walks. All kind of things. It’s been going on for more than 60 years now – we love it.”

Retire in Style With its cultural life, many activities, low cost of living and convenient location, Abingdon has become an increasingly popular place to retire, Ferratt says. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, which allows students to pursue degrees at a number of institutions without leaving Abingdon, is of particular interest, she says, as is the College for Older Adults, which offers lifelong learners popular sixweek sessions in everything from car repair and computers to opera and history.

“My husband goes every time the door is open,” she says.

Plan Your Trip Must-See festivals, events

Cooked road Youth Music Festival: Enjoy live music from bands and performers from throughout the region. Learn more: (276) 492-2401.

abingdon blues festival: Head to Latture Field in Abingdon for an evening of blues music from local artists. Learn more: (276) 676-2282.

Damascus trail days: Spend time at the largest annual gathering of hikers in the United States. Learn more: (276) 475-3831,

washington county fair: Visit the Washington County Fairgrounds to enjoy games, shows, special events and more. Learn more: (276) 628-6222.

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A Twist

OF FATE Washington County responds to tornado with kindness and generosity

Story By Jessica Mozo

Traffic was completely blocked, and there were storage units tossed across the interstate.”

Glade Spring Tornado Recovery Local citizens and businesses were quick to respond to the overwhelming needs of victims.

“There was a great outpouring of love and support,” Newman says. “Churches, businesses and the news media came together to set up shelters, raise money and donate food and clothing. It was the best I have ever seen a community work together.”

The tornado caused more than $42 million in property damage and $34 million in agricultural damage – a hard pill to swallow in an agricultural community that ranks seventh in the

Allison and Kevin Holmes stand in front of their recently rebuilt home in Glade Spring.

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Todd Bennett

W

hen a devastating EF-3 tornado ripped through the Washington County town of Glade Spring on April 28, 2011, suffice it to say the community would never be the same.

In the tornado’s aftermath, which hit the community at 1:10 a.m. – 10 minutes after the tornado warning expired – four people were dead, more than 50 were injured and upwards of 400 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.

“It was the first natural disaster of this nature – of this magnitude – this community had ever seen,” says Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman.

“I can usually travel to Glade Spring from my house in eight minutes. But that night, it took an hour and 10 minutes. Trees were down, utility poles were blown over and tractor trailers were flipped on their sides.

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Photo Courtesy of United Way of Russell and Washington Counties Todd Bennett

state for dairy cattle and first for egg production.

“This was about as bad as it gets,” says Travis Staton, chief executive officer of the United Way of Russell and Washington Counties. “And when FEMA denied our request for federal help, it really increased our need for local support.”

United Way and Washington County Businesses Unite The United Way of Russell and Washington Counties pledged $100,000 of its own money and helped distribute funds from a state disaster relief fund established

by Gov. Bob McDonnell. The United Way has also raised more than $1 million with the help of local businesses to help victims who were under-insured (or not insured at all) with rebuilding their homes.

Staton says the United Way has helped 150 homeowners rebuild, and they have worked with more than 2,000 volunteers who have helped with reconstruction.

Food City, a local grocery chain with headquarters in Abingdon, set up a donation system in their stores where shoppers could contribute to disaster relief at the checkout.

“More than $50,000 was raised through their efforts, and Food

Photo Courtesy of United Way of Russell and Washington Counties

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City also donated water, supplies and personal care items,” Staton says. “They were a huge support and played a key role in helping the community recover.”

WCYB Channel 5 out of Bristol produced a primetime telethon that raised $250,000.

Bristol Virginia Utilities (BVU Authority) and Appalachian Power provided trucks and technical support for tree and debris removal, helped clear roads and restored power.

“In Glade Spring, they had the power back on very quickly even though the community’s main

power line was still on the ground,” Staton says.

Bristol Compressors International donated warehouse space for donations of lumber and supplies, and Universal Fiber Systems donated a forklift for an entire month.

“To rent a forklift for a month would have cost us at least $8,000,” Staton says. “Every business in the community gave what they could.

It really makes you appreciate your local businesses.”

Alpha Natural Resources contributed $50,000 to relief through the American Red Cross. And Berry Home Centers Inc. contributed

$30,000 to relief efforts and gave numerous discounts on building supplies.

“Everyone pitched in and gave 110 percent,” Staton says.

“So many key relationships were formed that will make our community stronger than ever before.”

Newman agrees.

“Our community was very resilient to bounce back,” Newman says. “People were willing to help other people whom they had never met. I hope our community never loses sight of that. It really did change us forever.”

Left from top to bottom: Tornado damage in Washington County; Glade Spring’s historic town square; Volunteers from Community Heights Helping Hands rebuild a home that suffered tornado damage in Washington County.

Higher and Hire

damage inside our plant, so we got back to manufacturing trailers not long afterward.”

Company expands one year after tornado

A Crew of its Own

T

ornadoes occur often throughout the United States. That’s just the way it is.

Washington County experienced one April 28, 2011 and one of the businesses that incurred damage was Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company. But a year later, the Glade Spring company has rebuilt and is stronger than ever.

In fact, Utility Trailer had 300 employees at the time of the tornado. Today the company has 450 employees.

“The tornado dealt us a rough hit, with dozens of our high-end trailers destroyed plus heavy damage to our building,” says Jack Washburn, plant manager.

“Local authorities did a good job responding, and state authorities also assisted. I thought it would take a lot longer than it did for us and Washington County to get cleaned up.”

Washburn says he also gives much credit to local company Berry Home Centers and its owner, Tom Bishop.

“That company was instrumental in helping us.

They had the resources and equipment to haul away our destroyed trailers and clear debris,” Washburn says. “Also, insurance adjusters responded quickly, and HS Williams Company did a fine job rebuilding our plant. Luckily, we didn’t have any major equipment

Washburn adds that besides reconstructing their own business, Utility Trailers put together a crew of its own to go into the Washington County community and provide help to whomever needed it.

“United Way and civic organizations were vital in assisting with cleanup and rebuilding efforts in our entire community, and we just wanted to do our small part with financial and physical contributions,” he says.

“Today, Utility Trailers is all the way back. We are actually in the process of expanding our Glade Spring facility to add another production line.”

– Kevin Litwin

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Business

A bridge that is part of the Virginia Creeper Trail crosses over railroad tracks in downtown Abingdon’s industrial area.

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Right Off

Interstate 81 County’s two industrial parks now have shovel-ready sites

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Story By Kevin Litwin | Photography By Brian McCord

ashington County wants to attract more industry, so in 2010, officials arrived at a momentous decision.

The county decided to position itself to be more attractive to industrial developments by making major enhancements to its largest industrial park, Oak Park Center for Business and Industry. Since 2010, the 400-acre Oak Park has undergone a number of improvements including the grading of three land parcels to make them shovel-ready, so any interested company can immediately construct a building on the site. In addition, a second road for ingress and egress has been built at the industrial park.

“Prior to these upgrades, Oak Park already had a lot going for it including being ideally located off Interstate 81 at exit 13, and near U.S. Route 11,” says Christianne Parker, Washington County Director of Economic Development and Community Relations. “There is also a Norfolk Southern railroad main line running along the rear portion of Oak Park, and the park is near Virginia Highlands Airport. The airport is undergoing a runway expansion and is also constructing more hangars to accommodate additional private planes.”

Graded Land and a Second Road Grants from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission were used to help pay for grading the three land pads, and Commission funds also helped fund the second road.

“Interested companies like to see more than one road in and out of an industrial park, so the county has added Oak Park Drive to go along with the existing Westinghouse Road,” Parker says. “Oak Park Drive will be completed in late summer 2012, and along that

road are three brand-new land pads we added to the park. Two of those three pads will be graded, which will ultimately give us a total of five shovel-ready sites.”

Increasing Sewer Capacity Parker adds that a third grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission will be used to help increase sewer capacity.

“Sewage will be pumped from Oak Park to the Town of Abingdon’s treatment plant,” she says. “That sewer installation should be completed in mid to late 2013.

We have been strategic on how the park has evolved.

For example, two companies have installed fiber optics infrastructure, which is ideal for prospects such as call centers or telecommunications companies. Washington County is now in position to attract any kind of industry that wants to make the investment.”

Five companies are currently tenants of Oak Park: AGC Flat Glass, Bristol Home Infusion, Paramount Manufacturing, Universal Companies and Virginia Laser. A sixth tenant, Roger’s Trucking, is scheduled to open a warehouse/distribution center in 2012.

Another Graded Pad Also in Washington County is Highlands Business Park, a regional facility that has a 50-50 partnership with neighboring Smyth County.

“We have a revenue-sharing agreement with Smyth County, to share development costs and then share tax revenues when companies locate,” Parker says. “Highlands also has a shovel-ready graded pad measuring 50 acres.

And like Oak Park, Highlands is also conveniently located off I-81, at exit 29 adjacent to the Town of Glade Spring.” l i va b i l i t y. co m / wa s h i n g to n - co u n t y/ va

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Business

Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define washington county’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$264 million Annual Retail Sales

$33,342 Photo Courtesy of Dawn Denby

Retail Sales Per Capita

$48 million Annual Hotel and Food Sales

1,504 Total Number of Firms

Photo Courtesy of Bob Bellinger of Clemson, SC

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

Photo Courtesy of K.C. St. Louis

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Abingdon Olive Oil Company Biz: Olive oil distributor Buzz: Abingdon Olive Oil Company features 37 varieties of extra-virgin olive oils from the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as balsamic vinegars aged 12 to 18 years. Gourmet oils are also available in flavors such as Roasted French Walnut and Italian Grapeseed. Tastings are offered in the company’s boutique and products can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. www.abingdonoliveoilco.com

Coburn Creative Biz: Advertising agency Buzz: Coburn Creative uses marketing and graphic design to promote their clients, which are located all over the world. The agency creates websites, logos, newsletters, brochures, flash animations, radio spots and more to effectively showcase businesses using print products, online resources and nontraditional media. Founded by Lee Coburn, the company began in 2002 and is based in Glade Spring. www.coburncreative.com Farm Credit Biz: Agricultural lending cooperative Buzz: Farm Credit provides loans for a variety of agriculture-related needs such as homes, machinery, livestock, businesses and land. Other available services include secondary market financing for homeowners, multi-peril and crop hail insurance, truck and equipment leasing, credit life insurance and term life insurance. Owned by its members-borrowers, Farm Credit has been serving clients since 1917. www.farmcreditofvirginias.com Thistle Ridge Soap Biz: Soap and toiletries business Buzz: Offering handmade soaps and bath products, Thistle Ridge Soap is a family-owned business. Each product is created using all-natural ingredients; no synthetic fragrance oils, dyes, petroleum products or animal fats are included. Pumice stones, scrubs, shaving products and gifts are also available. Items can be purchased at Thistle Ridge Soap’s shop in Abingdon, as well as online and through the mail. www.thistleridgesoap.com Creeper’s End Lodging Biz: Hospitality Buzz: Located at the base of the Creeper Trail, Creeper’s End Lodging provides two colonial-style cottage rentals. Both cottages include loft-style bedrooms and sitting areas, as well as gas fireplaces, kitchenettes, televisions, DVD players, wireless Internet and more. The cottages are within walking distance to several attractions including downtown Abingdon, Martha Washington Spa and the Barter Theatre. www.virginiacreepersend lodgingabingdonva.com

Compassion • Integrity • Exceptional Service Washington County’s only on-site crematory Farris Funeral Service Farris Cremation & Funeral Center Forest Hills Memory Gardens Faithful Pets Cremation & Burial Care • Gathering room with catering facilities • Unique memorialization choices • Complete cremation services • Burial, entombment, scattering garden • Separate facility for companion pet cremation or burial Abingdon, VA • (276) 623-2700 www.farrisfuneralservice.com

Services for Remembrance and Healing

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Business

Chamber Report Monthly chamber breakfasts remain popular

S

everal Washington County Chamber of Commerce members are stepping up to the plate once a month to attend a chamber breakfast.

On the third Thursday of each month, from February through November, the Chamber organizes a free breakfast for members. The get-together occurs at the Virginia

Ballroom inside the Abingdon Senior Center, with the breakfasts taking place from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

“We started the series in 2009 as an opportunity for our Chamber members to find out what is happening in Washington County, and now we average 75 to 90 people attending the functions,” says Suzanne Lay, Washington

Unspoiled. Uncrowded.

County Chamber of Commerce executive director. “We can accommodate more.”

Each breakfast is sponsored by a business or organization that rents the ballroom, pays for the food and conducts a presentation while attendees eat.

“Sponsoring the event has become so popular that all of the 2012 breakfasts are booked, and we have started accepting sponsorships for 2013 – with some months already reserved,” Lay says. “There is a still a handful of slots open for 2013, so if any business is interested, just contact us here at the Chamber.”

And the Sponsors Are

The Virginian ... a place where man and nature combine to create a setting so unique, it’s not what has been built, but rather what hasn’t.

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 you’ll see what life can be when you’re 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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Lay says examples of three companies that have sponsored presentations in the past include Bristol Virginia Utilities, First Bank & Trust Company and Highlands Union Bank.

“Other examples include the Washington County Industrial Development Authority that spoke about our community’s industrial prospects, and the Washington County Department of Community and Economic Development that discussed plans for new businesses and the development of an industrial park here,” Lay says. “Other companies and organizations that have sponsored or will sponsor breakfasts in 2012 are Waters Dorsey Water Co., TruPoint Bank, Highlands Community Services, Farm Credit and Virginia Highlands Community College.”

Lay adds that the Chamber breakfast slogan is “Building a Better Future Together.”

“The events are fun and informative,” she says. “Plus it’s a free breakfast, and it’s wrapped up by 8:30 a.m. We invite all of our members to join us.”

– Kevin Litwin

economic profile Business climate Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism-related businesses are the main economic contributors to Washington County. The big crops are tobacco, corn, alfalfa, livestock, poultry and dairy products.

The area is also a major manufacturer of crushed rock, fabricated metal products, machinery, consumer goods and food.

HAPCO Aluminum Poles Manufactures Flag & Lighting Poles Paramont Manufacturing Manufactures Molded Truck Components

income

$26,922 Per Capita Income

$49,179

Average Annual Household Expenditure

major employers

Transportation

1,000+ Employees: Bristol Compressors Manufactures Hermetic Compressors Washington County Virginia School System Education 500-749 Employees:

Highways Interstate 81; U.S. Highways 11, 19 and 58; Virginia Primary Highways 75, 80 and 91

Air Tri-Cities Regional Airport, a regional commercial aviation

airport, is 34 miles southwest of Abingdon off of I-81 near Blountville, Tenn. Virginia Highlands Airport, a general aviation facility, is located 1 mile west of Abingdon on U.S. Highway 11.

Rail A Norfolk Southern mainline runs through Washington County. Bulk and mixed freight service, containerized piggyback, and team track service are available.

Water Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is 397 miles east of Abingdon.

Inland container port at Front Royal, Va., is 223 miles northeast of Abingdon.

Resources Washington County Chamber of Commerce www.washingtonvachamber.org

Johnston Memorial Hospital Health Care Mid-Mountain Foods Grocery Distribution 250-499 Employees K-VA-T/Food City Grocery Distribution Universal Fibers Inc. Produces Man-Made Fibers Utility Trailer of Glade Spring Manufactures Dry Freight Trailers 150-249 Employees Columbus McKinnon Corporation Manufactures Electric & Hand Hoists

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See the County

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Midsummer Play sculpture on Main Street in Abingdon Photo By Todd Bennett

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See the County

Washington County Courthouse in Abingdon Photo By Todd Bennett

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Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church in Abingdon Photo By Todd Bennett

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See the County

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Horses graze in a pasture along the Virginia Creeper Trail Photo By Todd Bennett

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Health & Wellness

Green and Good for You Washington County’s new eco-friendly hospital is open for business

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ashington County citizens got a brand-new hospital in July 2011, and it’s bigger, more patient-centered and environmentally responsible than the previous one.

“Our new facility is a LEED-certified building at the gold level – the first of its kind in Southwest Virginia,” says Sean McMurray, chief executive officer of Johnston Memorial Hospital, a member of the Mountain States Health Alliance health-care system. “We paid a lot of attention to the finishes and the layout to try to make the building especially patient-friendly and very non-institutional.

It feels home-like, or many patients tell us it feels like a nice hotel.”

The hospital’s LEED certification means builders used eco-friendly construction materials, devoted 50 percent of the project site for vegetated open space, incorporated water-efficient landscaping, and made a plan for waste reduction and recycling, among other things.

“It will greatly reduce the amount of materials going into the landfill,” McMurray says.

The patient-friendly design of the building means patients will have more privacy and will be able to find their way around easier.

“Registration is right next to the entrance and info desk, so patients

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Todd Bennett

Johnston Memorial Hospital’s LEED Certification

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Brown Dental Associates, P.C. General & Preventive Family Dentistry • Since 1974

Ronnie L. Brown, D.D.S. • Bob L. Brown, D.D.S. • Michael A. Hull, D.M.D. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Adult/Child Prophylaxis Sealants Periodontics (Treatment of Gum Disease) Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Whitening Porcelain Veneers Now Offering Porcelain Crown/Bridges Partials/Dentures CLEAR CORRECT Onlays/Inlays Clear Correct is the clear and simple way to straighten Endodontics (Root Canals) your teeth without wearing Implant Dentistry braces so you can show Extractions off your smile!

Nitrous Oxide Sedation New Patients Welcome Biteguards We File Dental Insurance Sleep Apnea Appliances Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Intra Oral Camera

915 W. Main St. • Abingdon, VA 24210 • (276) 628-9507 • www.browndentalassociates.com

Abingdon

Obstetrics & GynecOlOGy, P.c.

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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Health & Wellness and visitors won’t have to wander,” McMurray says. “Once you check in, you’ll be escorted to your area for treatment or testing.”

All 116 of the hospital’s rooms are private, and a new food service system allows patients to order room service. Operating rooms are larger, treatment areas are more appropriately sized and the new Family Birth Center allows expectant mothers to labor, deliver, recover and receive postpartum care in the same room.

New Services at Johnston Memorial Hospital

The Cancer Center at Johnston Memorial Hospital

photos by Todd Bennett

With the larger facility, Johnston Memorial Hospital was able to add cardiac catheterization services, expand its cardiology department and add a large medical office building.

“Patients can now walk straight over to the hospital from their doctor’s office,” McMurray says.

“We also have a very busy emergency room department, which we have doubled in size from 15 to 29 rooms. And we added a helipad immediately adjacent to our ER department.”

More than 60 acres of the hospital’s new campus are designated for future growth, and McMurray is confident many new services will be added in the future.

“Our new patient admissions are already up 20 percent from last year, and we’ve heard many good comments from our patients and the community,” he says.

“We’ve got lots of great team members and a beautiful facility that overlooks the mountains.

The work we do taking care of patients is very rewarding.”

– Jessica Mozo

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Local Flavor

Fresh Ideas Many sustainable food choices are available

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ashington County is good to the last crop, with farmers markets and food sustainability businesses that are successful. Here are examples:

Abingdon Farmers Market Abingdon Farmers Market maintains a local-only market vendor policy, meaning vendors must have grown, raised or made the products they sell. That policy has created an appreciation for healthy choices, diversity and sustainability of foods produced in Washington County. The market runs from April through November, and approximately 1,600 customers visit Abingdon Farmers Market every Saturday morning. The market also is open Tuesday afternoons.

Glade Spring Farmers Market Glade Spring Farmers Market

was established in 2006 to also offer a variety of produce from local farms and gardeners. It operates rain or shine on Saturdays throughout the warm-weather months, and is headquartered at Glade Spring Town Square.

It sells fruits and vegetables from strawberries and apples to green beans, potatoes, sweet corn and melons.

Meadowview Farmers Guild Several area restaurants that use local, organically grown produce, eggs and meats to prepare menu items provide another conduit between consumers and local foods. Among those is Meadowview Farmers Guild general store in Meadowview, which runs a companion Harvest Table Restaurant.

The restaurant has an everchanging menu that showcases the region’s freshest foods

including local grass-fed beef, native trout, organic produce and artisan cheeses.

Harvest was once named the greenest restaurant from Washington D.C. to Atlanta, Ga., by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.

Appalachian Sustainable Development The not-for-profit, Abingdonbased organization provides a support network that newcomers to the local-foods ideal can plug into. Appalachian Sustainable Development promotes a strong local food system that benefits the consumer, the farmer and the environment, encouraging organic farming to help link consumers with local farmers and foods.

ASD owns and operates the Appalachian Harvest packing facility in nearby Duffield, where area farmers – many from Washington County – bring produce and eggs grown organically on their farms to be washed, graded, packed and shipped to grocery stores within a five-state region.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Abingdon Farmers Market

Author Barbara Kingsolver wrote a book in 2007 entitled Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, and it brought widespread attention to a farm-to-table movement gaining momentum throughout the country. The book especially shined a spotlight on Washington County and its transition to a healthier food system that has been occurring here since the mid 1990s.

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– Kevin Litwin

Harvest Table Restaurant in Meadowview

Read more about Washington County’s food scene at livability.com/ washington-county/va.

Todd Bennett

What’s Online

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10 Great

Hiking Trails

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN’S GUILD-HARDY TRAIL Chattanooga, TN TURTLE ROCK TRAIL Cheyenne, WY CAPE FEAR RIVER TRAIL Fayetteville, NC WILDWOOD ZOO TRAIL Marshfield, WI VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL Abingdon, VA PILOT BUTTE STATE PARK Bend, OR GARDEN OF THE GODS Colorado Springs, CO

Abingdon made the list.

10 Great Hiking Trails See more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.

SANDIA MOUNTAINS HAWK WATCH TRAIL Albuquerque, NM PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK Amarillo, TX RIB MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Wausau, WI Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website

Local Flavor

Fresh From the Farmers Market Garden-Stuffed Yellow Squash 6 medium yellow summer squash (crookneck or straightneck varieties) ¹/ ² cup green bell pepper, diced 1 cup onion, finely chopped

¹/ ² cup Italian bread crumbs 4 slices bacon, fried until crisp and crumbled Pinch seasoned salt ²/ ³ teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup tomatoes, chopped and seeded

Ground black pepper f Ph oto

Butter (for sautéing)

Staf

¹/ ² cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1. In large pot, cover squash with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until squash are tender but firm, about 8 minutes. Drain squash and cool slightly. Trim stems and cut squash in half lengthwise. Remove pulp, then chop it into small pieces. Reserve squash shells.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sauté bell pepper and onion in butter until soft. Then, sauté squash pulp (about 1 cup) in separate pan until soft. Combine pulp with onions, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, bread crumbs, bacon and seasoned salt. Place hollowed squash shells in a baking dish, and sprinkle the inside of each with kosher salt and pepper.

3. Spoon squash mixture into each shell. Top with additional bread crumbs and drizzle top with melted butter. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until top is golden.

Recipe by Kristen Winston. Find more recipes like this at FarmFlavor.com.

Innovative Cuisine in a Casual Atmosphere

Handcut SteakS • PaSta • FreSH SeaFood cHicken • daily cHeF’S FeatureS 967 W. Main St. • Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 623-0530 • (276) 619-4811 Fax www.thepeppermill.com

Arts & Culture

Creative Minds Barter Theatre, William King Museum keep residents art smart

What’s Online Learn more about Washington County’s cultural offerings at livability.com/ washington-county/va.

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R

esidents of Washington County are fortunate to have numerous topnotch cultural institutions in their midst.

Barter Theatre Perhaps the most famous is the historic Barter Theatre, an arts facility with a storied past and more than 160,000 visitors each year.

The Abingdon theater opened in 1933 during the Great Depression, when the price of admission was 40 cents – or the equivalent in food – a policy that gave the theater its distinctive name.

Today‚ the Barter Theatre company puts on an incredible 16-17 productions per week February through December and is one of the few remaining nonprofit

resident acting troupes in the United States.

In addition to the original, 507-seat main theater space known as the Town Hall‚ the downtown complex includes a second stage known as Barter Stage II‚ which seats 167‚ along with a café and Stonewall Square.

Famous Barter alumni include Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine, Ned Beatty and Gary Collins, among other notable stars.

William King Museum The William King Museum is a community landmark and a focal point for the arts.

The Abingdon museum is housed

The William King Museum in Abingdon

photos by Todd Bennett

The Depot Artists Association

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photos by Todd Bennett

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Arts & Culture

in an early 20th-century building that served as a school until 1973.

It was converted into an arts facility in 1979 and now offers in-house classes for adults and children‚ with staff members even traveling to educate elementary school students using the center’s “Van Gogh” truck.

Other school programs bring third- and fourth-grade students into the arts center for gallery tours, lessons and related art projects.

Special classes also have been developed for home-school students, and weeklong summer art camps keep young minds and hands engaged even when school is not in session.

The William King Museum, a partner of the Virginia Museum of

Fine Arts, also features art from the region and around the world, with its free exhibitions changing every 10-12 weeks.

Arts Depot Another hot spot for art exhibitions and classes is located in downtown Abingdon in what was a railroad freight depot for more than 100 years.

Today, the Arts Depot is the headquarters of the 300-member, nonprofit Depot Artists Association, formerly the William King Artists Association.

It has two galleries, as well as studio space, workshops and classrooms, and offers lectures‚ demonstrations and discussions.

The Arts Depot is dedicated to making the arts accessible to the community and offers classes for all ages.

Topics range from basic drawing and pastel, acrylic and oil painting to watercolor portraits and silk painting.

Other offerings include scrapbooking, collage and digital photography.

In addition, a partnership between area arts organizations and higher education institutions sponsors Arts Array, a series of foreign and independent films, concerts, lectures, museum exhibits and other cultural events that are open to the community.

– Tiffany Williams

Clockwise from top left: The Depot Artists Association; The William King Museum; An artist works on her creation at the Depot Artists Association.

Sports & Recreation

Dull Moments?

Never.

Outdoor recreation options are abundant

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ashington County is beautiful on the outside, and offers a number of recreation options for those who enjoy fresh air and fun. Here are examples:

A Fine Kettle of Fish Anglers enjoy flocking to Washington County on a yearround basis, but from early spring through late summer, the focus is on fly-fishing. Sites that are best for fly-fishing fanatics are Big Tumbling Creek, Green Cove, Hidden Valley Lake, Holston River, Taylor’s Valley and Whitetop Laurel Creek. All those fishing spots are ideal for good catches of brook, brown and rainbow trout, and several other species.

Whitetop Laurel Creek is perhaps the area’s best-known spot for the sport of fly-fishing, with the most active months being from late March through most of June.

Hit ‘Em Straight and Far Washington County golf courses are on par with any throughout the region. Abingdon is home to Glenrochie Country Club, an 18-hole course that measures 6,887 yards. The Greenway Creek Golf Course in Glade Spring is a public 18-hole course, while golfers in Damascus can play nine holes at Deer Field Golf Course.

Nearby Bristol also has two venues – the public Clear Creek Golf Club and The Virginian Golf Club, a private course. Clear Creek is an 18-hole championship venue that is regarded as one of the Tri-City’s finest-conditioned public golf courses. The Virginian was designed by renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, and has been honored as one of the Top 100 Courses in America by national publications.

Bike, Hike, Camp The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 35-mile rail trail that stretches from Abingdon to Whitetop. It is well-groomed, has gorgeous scenery, and is gentle-grade friendly to bikers and hikers. More than 100,000 people visit the trail annually, and it has helped Damascus to go from a sleepy town with a slowing economy to a bustling center of activity.

Also available for outdoor enthusiasts is the Appalachian Trail, commonly called the A.T. It is sometimes referred to as the granddaddy of all U.S. hiking trails because it spans a distance of 2,160 miles, and traverses eight national forests and touches 14 states. The A.T. was designated in 1968 as the first completed national scenic trail. Since then, more than 10,000 individuals have reported hiking the entire trail.

– Kevin Litwin

Clockwise from top: Virginia Creeper Trail; “Old Mollie,” Norfolk & Western Engine 433, at the head of Virginia Creeper Trail; Virginia Creeper Trail

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Sports & Recreation

photos by Todd Bennett

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Education

Love to Learn Washington County education offers wide variety of options

S

tudents, please take your seats. Today’s lesson is: Washington County offers topnotch education opportunities at all levels of learning including a strong public school system and a variety of colleges.

Washington County School System Quality education begins with the youngest students, and Washington County School System ensures that students will receive a safe, supportive

and engaging learning environment, which challenges all students to achieve their own maximum potential. Through partnerships with families and community organizations, each student acquires basic education skills and receives a diverse array of educational opportunities that promote healthy social, physical and intellectual growth.

All schools are members of the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. The system includes seven elementary schools, four

middle schools and four high schools. The school system offers various programs such as Advanced Placement classes, dual enrollment, Gifted and Talented Education or GATE, and Governor’s School, in addition to two vocational schools for students to attain technical skills and certification through training and on-the-job experience.

Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, which is located on the VHCC campus, opened in 1998 and partners with local colleges and universities to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs and professional development courses primarily for adult learners. The center has more than 60 graduate and undergraduate degree pro­grams and more than 1,000 students.

In addition to providing educational offerings, the center is the go-to site for local business and industry for meetings and staff development. The center boasts a conference facility and auditorium, more than 25 class­ rooms, computer classrooms, Internet access, a science lab and more.

Emory & Henry College

Above: Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon Right: Emory & Henry College in Emory

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The oldest college in Southwest Virginia, Emory & Henry opened in 1836 and is a four-year institution focused on providing a transformative academic environment for its students. With an average enrollment of approximately 1,000 students, the school provides small classroom sizes

visit our

advertisers

What’s Online Read more articles about Washington County’s diverse learning environments by going online to livability.com/ washington-county/va.

Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau www.abingdon.com Abingdon Hampton Inn www.hampton.com Abingdon OB-GYN www.abingdonobgyn.com Abingdon Physician Partners www.abingdonphysicianpartners.com Arts Association of Abingdon www.abingdonarts.com Barter Theatre www.bartertheatre.com Beeson & Beeson Architects Inc.

Todd Bennett

Bristol Office Supply Inc. www.bos-inc.com

and close working relationships among students and faculty.

“Students might think that because Emory & Henry is a private liberal arts college, it carries a high sticker price – but that’s not true,” says Dirk Moore, director of public relations at E&H. “Compared to other liberal arts colleges in Virginia and Tennessee, and given the financial aid packages we offer, Emory & Henry is incredibly reasonable.”

Included in the school’s more than 25 programs of study are a high-tech mass communications program, a strong education program and interdisciplinary programs that allow students to combine classes from more than one discipline to create a more specialized major. One of its leading programs is public policy and community service, which Moore says is becoming increasingly popular across the country.

Virginia Highlands Community College Also providing an array of classes to more than 3,500 students is Virginia Highlands Community College. Located along Interstate 81 at exit 14 on a 100-acre campus, VHCC is a

two-year college that offers a number of programs for students who will ultimately transfer to a four-year institution. Founded in 1969, VHCC offers programs and services geared to directly meet the needs of the local community.

One program is the Center for Business and Industry, which was created in 1996 to better prepare students for the local workforce.

The center offers retraining, jobspecific and pre-employment training, and plays a large role in the area’s economic development efforts. VHCC’s dual-enrollment program allows high school students an opportunity to earn college credit, and the Tobacco Outreach program provides tuition assistance for tobacco farmers and their families.

VHCC is also involved with more than 30 four-year institutions as part of its Guaranteed Admissions Program, which helps students prepare for their transfer process to a four-year college. The tuition at VHCC is about one-third the cost of attending a public university in Virginia, and each year the college provides more than $5 million in grants and scholarships to its students.

– Kevin Litwin and Raven Petty

Broadmore Senior Living www.broadmore-bristol.com Brown Dental Associates PC www.browndentalassociates.com BVU Optinet www.bvu-optinet.com Emory & Henry College www.ehc.edu Farm Bureau Insurance – Agent David Leland www.farmbureauadvantage.com Farm Credit Country Mortgages www.farmcreditofvirginias.com Farris Funeral Service Group www.farrisfuneralservice.com Food City www.foodcity.com Hicok, Fern, Brown & Garcia www.firmcpa.com Highlands Union Bank www.hubank.com Holiday Inn Bristol www.holidayinn.com Johnston Memorial Hospital www.msha.com/jmh Ludovina’s Mickey Tyler & Associates www.nwagent.com/mickey_tyler.html The Bank of Marion www.bankofmarionva.com The Martha www.themartha.com The Peppermill www.thepeppermill.com The Virginian Golf Club www.thevirginian.com Virginia Highlands Community College www.vhcc.edu Washington County Industrial Development Authority www.washcova.com

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BOS INC. Charles R. Day (276) 628-5123 (276) 628-7038 Fax

Be eson & Be eson R C h i t e C t s

i n C .

P.O. BOx 650 • ABingDOn, VA 24212-0650

beesonarchts@embarqmail.com

Hicok, Fern, Brown & Garcia cPas Thomas M. Hicok, CPA, CVA, CFFA James H. Fern, CPA, CVA David B. Brown, CPA Juan Garcia, CPA (276) 628-1123 E-mail: hicokfern&co@firmcpa.com www.firmcpa.com

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www.bos-inc.com

BRISTOL OFFICE SUPPLY INC. Office supplies & furniture Canon copiers Canon full line servicing dealer 28 Moore St., Bristol, VA 24201 (276) 669-7131 or (800) 654-7687 511 W. Main St., Wise, VA 24293 (276) 328-2259 or (800) 422-6025

Serving SW Virginia and NE Tennessee since 1932

One of America’s Oldest

THe AReA’S

Dealers

OnlY ITAlIAn FReSH MARkeT

506 Cummings St. Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 525-1627 ludovinas@aol.com

Homemade Ravioli, Pasta & Other Italian Dishes Prepared Meals Ready for Your Oven Italian Specialty Items Gluten-Free Products Wine Catering

www.facebook.com/ludovinas.italian.market

community profile Snapshot Washington County is renowned for its cultural and historical significance. Abingdon features a 20-block historic district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home of the world-famous Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia.

cost of living Climate Washington County enjoys a mild climate, with a snowy winter, warm summer and fall foliage that peaks in mid-October.

85°

July Average High

22°

$38,023

Married

$55,714

46%

Median Home Price

$556

Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

46”

Age:

Annual Rain Fall (vs. National Average Annual Rain Fall of 37”)

40

time zone

22%

Median Resident Age

19 and Under

563

Square Miles

Single Ethnicity:

94% White

January Average Low

land area

54%

Median Household Income

Household Information

Eastern

Marital Status:

3% Black

1% Hispanic

2% Other

47%

transportation

31%

20 minutes

20-54

55 and Over

Median Travel Time to Work

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Ad Index

41 Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau 8 Abingdon Hampton Inn

32 Brown Dental Associates PC

21 BVU Optinet

32 Abingdon OB-GYN

2 Emory & Henry College

C3 Abingdon Physician Partners

46 Farm Bureau Insurance – Agent David Leland

2 Arts Association of Abingdon

46 Farm Credit Country Mortgages

46 Barter Theatre

46 Beeson & Beeson Architects Inc.

46 Bristol Office Supply Inc.

32 Broadmore Senior Living

21 Farris Funeral Service Group 8 Food City 46 Hicok, Fern, Brown & Garcia 2 Highlands Union Bank

Ad Index (cont.)

1 Holiday Inn Bristol

C2 Johnston Memorial Hospital

46 Ludovina’s

46 Mickey Tyler & Associates

47 The Bank of Marion

4 The Martha

37 The Peppermill

22 The Virginian Golf Club

8 Virginia Highlands Community College C4 Washington County Industrial Development Authority

Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced Washington County through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit photoblog.jnlcom.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog: Washington County I’ve been waiting to take this picture (rather, a picture like it) for about three years now. That’s how long it’s taken me to get back to Abingdon, Va. Recently, I had an assignment to take pictures for the Images Washington County, Virginia magazine and lucked upon this scene again. It’s from the playground at Veterans Memorial Park on the outskirts of town.

Last time, I was just a few milliseconds too late to get a picture like this.

Right next to this slide is a swing set, and it lines up perfectly with the afternoon sun. There was a couple swinging and enjoying a warm, sunny afternoon.

It’s a picture I still want to capture. I just hope it doesn’t take three more years.

Posted by todd bennett

More Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at photoblog.jnlcom.com.

48

Wa s h i n g to n C o u n t y

Comprehensive Ear, Nose and Throat Care Including Audiology and Allergy Services

Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of most musculoskeletal conditions ranging from sports injuries to total joint replacement.

Stephanie Alford, MD Jonathan Bielfield, DO Melvin Heiman, MD

Leticia I. Peltzer, MD

16000 Johnston Memorial Dr., Ste. 312 Abingdon, VA 24211 (276) 258-3730

Aileen Bergen, PA-C Jacquelin Greene, NP

Raymond Hinerman, MD

Timothy McGarry, MD Daniel Milam, DO Steve Gardner, PA-C Christy McGhee, NP

16000 Johnston Memorial Dr., Ste. 100 Abingdon, VA 24211 • (276) 258-1760

3170 Linden Dr., Ste. 6 Bristol, VA 24202 (276) 591-3687

3170 Linden Dr., Ste. 6 Bristol, VA 24202 • (276) 591-3687 58 Carroll St. • Lebanon, VA 24266 • (276) 883-8086

Your Partner

in health care

Emory Internal Medicine is accepting all adult patients, with special care for seniors.

Tues.

8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wed.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

y r o m E rnal Medicine

>> Dr. Karen Elmore Dr. Elmore is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is committed to providing high quality, compassionate care.

Inte

12180 Alder St. • Emory, VA • (276) 695-0205

www.abingdonphysicianpartners.com

• 200 acres of shovel-ready pads

• Rail service

• Fiber (redundant)

• Close to I-81

• Electric

• Among lowest workers comp rates in U.S.

• Gas

• Progressive right-to-work environment

• Sewer • Water

Home to these corporate headquarters: Universal Companies (Spa products supplier)

“Oak Park has excellent fiber optic infrastructure. Multiple carriers provide the redundancy that is critical to our catalog sales operation.”

Paramont Mfg. LLC

(RIM Molding Truck, Auto, Construction, Agricultural) “Oak Park puts us within 400 miles of 20 major truck and automotive assembly plants in the country.

Being this close to I-81 makes our distribution much easier.”

Christianne E. Parker, CEcD Washington County Economic Development Office 205 Academy Dr. • Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 525-1300 • Fax: (276) 525-1309 Email: cparker@washcova.com www.washcova.com