James City County Hosts
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This year's Captain John Smith Award, presented by the County for outstanding business achievement, went to Solarex, a manufacturer of thin film photovoltaic panels. In presenting the award, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Edwards noted that Solarex's decision to locate here in 1996 was good for James City County because of the $25 million capital investment and 100 jobs it brought. It has proven to be good for Solarex, whose business has grown and done well here. "In time, the work Solarex does in alternative energy sources will also prove to be good for the environment," Edwards added. While formerly jointly-owned by Amoco and Enron Corporations, recent developments have resulted in Solarex's becoming a business unit of BP Solarex. The acquisition and merger of resources now makes BP Solarex the largest manufacturer and distributor of solar panels in the world. Dr. Ralph Romero, Director of New Processes and Materials at Solarex's TF1 facility, accepted the award. In further remarks, EDA Vice Chairman Skip Campana noted that this past year has been an excellent one for James City County in terms of existing business expansions, plant openings, and new company announcements. Mentioning Printpack, Greystone, 3-G International, The Barre' Company, AVID Medical, Bay Welding and Fabrication, G & H Enterprises, and John Deere as examples, he pledge the EDA's continued support of the County's efforts to make James City County a world-class business location. The event was held in conjunction with the state-wide Business Appreciation Week declared by Governor Jim Gilmore for May 16-22. Danita Bowman, Assistant to Governor Gilmore's Deputy Chief of Staff, brought greetings and a proclamation from the Governor's Office, and the County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week to be local Business Appreciation Week at its May 11 meeting. |
The James City County Board of Supervisors, its Economic Development Authority, County Administration, and its Office of Economic Development hosted the County's sixth annual Celebration of Business for its major industrial, business service, and technical companies Thursday evening, May 20. More than 70 chief corporate executives attended the event held at historic Jamestown Island.