Design Master Associates and James City County officials held a press briefing regarding the expansion of this growing local company at the construction site for its new facility at Stonehouse Commerce Park. The success the company is experiencing with its products and services has caused its facility needs to increase by five-fold and its employment by 30 percent. Design Master designs and oversees the manufacture of custom gift shop items for major museums in the US and Europe. It is investing $1.8 million in a new 40,000-square foot building, and expects to offer 10 additional jobs once it moves in, bringing its total employment in James City County to 40. Completion is scheduled for July 2001.
The company plans to occupy one-half of its new facility itself and lease out the remaining 20,000 square feet. Glen Duff, a partner in the company, explained that Design Master may need the additional space itself sometime in the future, but in the meantime, it will be looking for a compatible tenant to share its building. Design Master sold its previous 4,000-square foot facility on Point O'Woods Road to Child Development Resources and is presently operating in temporary space while its new facility is being completed.
 Left to Right: Glen Duff, Design Master Associates; Keith Taylor, JCC Economic Development Director; and Byron Whitehurst, Design Master Associates at site of Design Master Assoicates new facility. |
John McGlennon, Chairman of the James City County Board of Supervisors, remarked, "Design Master is a classic example of how local entrepreneurs have turned an idea into a business success through hard work and talent. We look forward to their expansion into this new facility." Among those also on hand were Gil Bartlett, Economic Development Authority Chairman; Sandy Wanner, James City County Administrator; Keith Taylor, James City County Economic Development Director; Andy Hagy, Advantis GVA Commercial Real Estate Agent, and Erral Cutter, Vice President of Courthouse Construction. 
Left to Right: Glen Duff, Design Master Associates; Sandra Barner, JCC Economic Development; and Byron Whitehurst, Design Master Associates
Mr. Wanner commented that he was pleased to see a company that utilizes advanced communications and design technologies continue to expand in the County. He found that to be a positive reflection on the quality of the workforce, the business climate, and the community in general. Mr. Bartlett expressed pleasure that the business environment in the County is conducive to keeping and expanding locally-grown companies like Design Master.
Design Master President, Byron Whitehurst, noted, "The company started as a home occupation in James City County in 1983 and has grown through providing its customers unique products and merchandising programs, one-on-one attention in the design phase, and intense commitment to quality." The company's designers have won numerous national awards for excellence and have produced commemorative gifts for world leaders and dignitaries, including three US Presidents. Clients include The Smithsonian Institution, The US Capitol, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Mount Vernon, Biltmore Estate, The Henry Ford Museum, Hearst Castle, the White House Historical Association, and many other well-known organizations.
Courthouse Construction, is serving as the general contractor for the project. Andy Hagy of Advantis GVA Real Estate (804) 644-4066 is serving as leasing agent for the excess space.