Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Edwards presented this year's Captain John Smith Award for outstanding industrial achievement to Service Metal Fabricators. The company is constructing a 60,000-square foot building in James River Commerce Center. It will be moving from 30,000 square feet it currently occupies in Busch Corporate Center, which will allow it to increase production and hire about 50 more employees over the next few years. Ed Roesch, President of Service Metal, accepted the award.

Jon Nystrom, Chairman of James City County's Economic Development Authority, pointed out several other examples of new business locations or expansions, and thanked all the companies being honored by the event for their contributions to the life of the County. He noted that they form the foundation for a business base that already excels in product and practices. It is both from and on this foundation that the Economic Development Authority hopes to build a premier business community befitting the special historic significance and natural beauty of the area. It is through the jobs and opportunities created by these excellent companies, and others that will join their ranks in the future, that our citizens will have the chance to do work that is meaningful and rewarding and which will allow them to achieve their personal best.

The James City County Celebration of Industry is held in conjunction with the state-wide Business Appreciation Week declared by Governor Jim Gilmore for May 17 to 23. State Senator Tommy Norment (R) brought greetings from the Governor's Office. The County's Board of Supervisors also formally proclaimed the week local "Industry Appreciation Week" at its meeting May 12.