James City County hosts Business Appreciation Event

October 8, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Keith Taylor, JCC Director of Economic Development
(757) 253-6607 or kataylor@james-city.va.us

The James City County Board of Supervisors, Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Office of Economic Development hosted the County’s 11th Annual Celebration of Business Thursday evening, October 7, at Jamestown Settlement. About 90 guests participated in the County’s salute to major industrial, technical, and business service companies.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Bruce Goodson presented this year's Captain John Smith Award to Wythe Will Distributing, Inc., for outstanding business achievement. The RobertsDistrict Supervisor made the presentation on behalf of the County and its EDA. Wythe Will, which was established in James City County in 1971, distributes candies and specialty foods. It also received the Smith Award in 1996.

Wythe Will took occupancy this summer of a new $5.5 million, 110,000-square foot facility in Stonehouse Commerce Park. The original workforce of 60 is expected to grow to 100 over the next few years.

Started in 1994, the Captain John Smith Award honors businesses, organizations, groups or individuals that have made significant contributions to the County and citizens in terms of tax base, employment or philanthropy. Past recipients have included: The Williamsburg Pottery, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Wythe Will Distributing, Ball Metal, Service Metal Fabricators, Solarex, Printpack, John Deere, Wal-Mart Import Distribution Center, and Avid Medical.

James City County Economic Development Authority Chair Vincent A. “Skip” Campana Jr. (left) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Bruce C. Goodson (right) presented Gordon Angles, President of Wythe Will Distributing, Inc., the Captain John Smith Award at James City County's 11th Annual Celebration of Business.