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Standard Food & Beverage introduced itself to the area Wednesday, June 18, with a groundbreaking ceremony in the Southampton Business Park, as work progressed in the background on what will be the site of the company’s new water canning facility.

Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. (FSEDI) facilitated the ceremony, which featured local and state leaders and economic developers in attendance.

“We’re proud to welcome you today to this exciting groundbreaking, featuring new business development right behind and around us — as you can hear from the trucks — that will bring Southampton County water to the world,” FSEDI President and CEO Karl T. Heck said.

He noted that no resource in the community is more vital than water. 

“Our farmers and forests use some of it to grow the crops we provide to the world,” he said. “Our citizens count on it for all of our daily usage. Now Standard Food & Beverage will package Southampton County water for consumption by consumers in the commonwealth and beyond.”

He said it has been a pleasure to get to know the people at Standard Food & Beverage.

“In their journey to our area, which included more than one site, as well as several interactions with the county, VDOT and other agencies, they made the decision that was best for them,” he said. “The final result is our work and their moving ahead with this building. We’re very excited to have this day come. 

“Standard Food & Beverage is an excellent example of a business that embodies our slogan of ‘where tradition meets progress,’ where you’re using a traditional resource in a new way to bring new jobs and opportunity to Southampton County,” he added.

He explained that eight new jobs and about $1.5 million is the initial investment for this project. “We hope for more as it goes as they’re building a brand and a product,” he said.

He noted that First Line Construction will be building the new facility at the Courtland-based business park.

Standard Food & Beverage Executive Director of Operations Kathy Nowlin said, “It’s a true honor to be here in front of you today on behalf of Standard Food & Beverage as we mark a milestone not just for our company but for the incredible community of Southampton County. Today’s groundbreaking is far more than just the start of construction — it’s the beginning of a shared journey with Southampton County toward innovation, sustainability and prosperity.

“When we first considered Southampton County as a potential home for our new water canning facility, we hoped to find a place that shared our values, a community that believed in the future we’re building,” she continued. “What we found here far exceeded those expectations. From the first day that we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms. The warmth, the sincerity of the community and the integrity of the people here is what left a lasting impression on us.”

She said there is a true sense of community in Southampton County, and she has met many wonderful people within the locality.

“So whether it was drawing the boundary lines or navigating the permits with our friends (in attendance here), addressing technical hurdles or simply just understanding the layout of the land here, someone has always been willing to step in and help us,” she said. “And the spirit of the collaboration is what made this day possible, so thank you.”

Continuing expressions of gratitude, she said, “To the state and local officials who have supported us, from the economic development team, thank you, to the county board, thank you, and to each and every one of you here today, we deeply are just truly grateful. Thank you for believing in our vision and for inviting us to be a part of this county’s future.”

She said the site being developed in the Southampton Business Park will be the cornerstone of Standard Food & Beverage’s green manufacturing effort.

She noted that the company has long-term ideas and dreams that it will bring to life and maximize its positive impact on Southampton County

“Most importantly, we’ll be creating jobs, green jobs, forward-looking jobs that give families security today and for the future for tomorrow,” she said. “We believe in building an economy that works not only for the planet but for the people here in Southampton County, and this facility is a major step in that direction.

“As we look ahead, we do so with optimism and commitment,” she added. “We’re not here for a moment; we’re here for the long haul. We hope to grow alongside Southampton County … and contribute meaningfully to this economy.”

FSEDI Board Chair Meghan Councill said, “I’m here as a cheerleader for our community. I’m so fortunate to have moved here in 2008 and watched a real, amazing small-town story of economic development, and it’s not without all the people sitting under this tent today that have worked so hard.

“I really do applaud businesses, like we have today, that are coming in and we are breaking ground to have a wonderful partnership and future with,” she said. 

Southampton County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dr. Alan W. Edwards said it was a privilege to be at the groundbreaking to see the start of something in the business park.

“I can tell you from the Board of Supervisors and the county administrative end that we will do everything possible to assist this company in being successful, because if this company is successful, the county will also be successful, so it’s a win-win for everybody,” he said.

He praised area economic development personnel for doing an excellent job in drawing Standard Food & Beverage to the county.

State Sen. Emily Jordan, R-Isle of Wight, said, “Thank you to Standard Food & Beverage for deciding to locate here and set up shop here. When we invest in rural places, I think that says volumes, right?”

Later she added, “Specifically, thank you to all the stakeholders in economic development, tourism, everybody from the county board to the town for coming together to have a shared vision, and when everybody is on the same page, isn’t it great to see what can happen?”

She indicated that she thinks Standard Food & Beverage’s impact on the county will be momentous in reference to investment, job opportunities and helping keep the community going.

Her charge to leaders and developers at the groundbreaking ceremony was, “Let’s keep on meeting like this.”

Southampton County Administrator Brian S. Thrower said, “It’s a beautiful day in Southampton County.”

He extended thanks to the county’s Board of Supervisors for being instrumental in Standard Food & Beverage coming to the area, and he made a point to thank the Industrial Development Authority, as it had been very involved in the project.

“Lastly, thank you to Standard Food & Beverage for choosing our community, investing and creating jobs in our community, which is what it’s all about,” he said. “So thank you all again, and we appreciate everybody’s help and assistance in this project.”