Governor Northam Announces Expansion by Henry County Farm Brewery
~ Mountain Valley Brewing to create new jobs, double production ~
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Mountain Valley Brewing will invest $174,000 and create five new jobs to more than double production, sourcing over 65 percent of its agricultural inputs from Virginia farmers.
After establishing a hop farm in 2014, owners Herb Atwell and Peggy Donivan opened Henry County’s first craft brewery in spring 2017. Now, in response to surging demand from locals and visitors alike, the couple is constructing a new brew house to double production capacity, adding an event space, and increasing the size of its tasting room.
“Investments like this brew new jobs, tourism opportunities, and tap new markets for Virginia’s farmers, as craft breweries source products like grain, hops, fruit, herbs, and other agricultural products,” said Governor Northam. “The success of farm-based craft breweries like Mountain Valley Brewing demonstrate the key role that agriculture and tourism can have in bringing prosperity to every corner of our Commonwealth.”
“Craft beverages are serious business for the Commonwealth and an important part of our agribusiness economy. Virginia’s beer industry alone has a $9 billion annual economic impact,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “I am pleased we could partner with Henry County through the AFID Program to support this local business in a quickly growing industry.”
“We are very grateful for the support of Governor Northam, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation,” said Mountain Valley Brewing owners Herb Atwell and Peggy Donivan. “Our local partners, local residents, and fellow business owners have welcomed our farm brewery into the community and we are looking forward to giving back through this expansion. The improvements to our facility and venue will give us the opportunity to help benefit local contractors, vendors, artisans, and farmers and help to create additional jobs to support the local economy. We look forward to helping grow and work with Henry County, to make a better place for all.”
“What has been accomplished at Mountain Valley Brewery since its April 2017 opening is remarkable,” Henry County Administrator said Tim Hall. “We are proud of the company’s success and we are confident more good news will come in the future.”
“Mountain Valley is a great example of a business being invested in its community,” said Valerie Harper, Small Business Director for Martinsville-Henry County. “The company is expanding with new jobs and capital investment, and they love to partner with other local businesses. It has created a wonderful venue for the public to enjoy. This a win for the business and the Henry County area.”
“Since it opened its taproom doors, Mountain Valley Brewing has continued to grow as a tourism hotspot for Martinsville-Henry County, and we couldn’t be more proud of our community’s first brewery,” said Director of Tourism for Martinsville-Henry County Sarah Hodges. “With the popularity of craft beer and breweries on the rise throughout the Commonwealth, Mountain Valley Brewing is helping to attract new visitation to Martinsville-Henry County and enhancing visitor experience.”
“It is always good to hear that a local business is expanding in Southside, said Delegate Les Adams. “I especially applaud their continuing efforts to feature products grown in Virginia.”
The Commonwealth is partnering with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Mountain Valley Brewing on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). Governor Northam approved a $20,000 grant from the AFID Fund, which Henry County will match with local funds.
###
