Martinsville, Va. — The Harvest Foundation will invest a total of $7 million over the next four and a half years at the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to continue MHC’s upward trajectory of job creation, wage growth, and tourism. 

“A robust economy with diverse businesses offering living-wage jobs is at the bedrock of a thriving community,” said DeWitt House, senior program officer at The Harvest Foundation. “The EDC is our largest recruiter for jobs and industry to Martinsville-Henry County. They work to attract outside investment from national and international companies to bring jobs to the region that pay living wages. It is our hope that this long-term investment from Harvest will support the EDC in its commitment to continued stability and lasting success.” 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, local jobs in the manufacturing workforce increased at a steady clip from 2013 to 2019 following 22 consecutive years of net loss. Up against the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the EDC maintained its highly successful record in job creation and increasing the local tax base. 

Since July 1, 2018, the EDC assisted with eight new company announcements, nine expansions of existing companies, creating 1,358 new jobs, and facilitated $379.5 million in capital investment for Martinsville-Henry County. The average weekly wage rose from $579 in 2010 to $696 in 2020. 

For every dollar The Harvest Foundation invested at the EDC since 2019, $59.96 was brought back into the community. 

“The Harvest Foundation’s continued support of the EDC’s holistic mission is vital to our success and is much appreciated,” said E. Larry Ryder, chairman of the EDC’s Board of Directors. “This multi-year commitment exemplifies the strong partnership that has been forged through the years, and the EDC looks forward with anticipation to what can be accomplished for our region in the future.”

By Holly Kozelsky

The Louise R. Lester Spay & Neuter Clinic is now open at the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA. It will provide veterinarian service for low-income owners of pets and help take care of the animals at the SPCA.

The first neuter was performed on a cat Thursday, two days after the ribbon-cutting on Thursday (Nov. 30), said Interim Executive Director Catherine Gupton.

“We are using December to get settled into the clinic area, get veterinary software (versus paper records) installed, and get the shelter animal spay/neuter caught up,” Gupton said.

“In 2022 we will begin offering weekly Wellness Clinics and will begin offering spay/neuter services to the public. Prices are still being determined.

“The clinic was made possible by numerous grants and donors with the Louise R. Lester Foundation providing the primary grant to establish the clinic.”