RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Classic Creations, LLC will invest $1.4 million to establish a new commercial screen printing operation to provide retail products to the sports industry. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project, which will create 55 new jobs.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Classic Creations was established to fulfill a niche, and we celebrate that the company chose Virginia and Carroll County as home to its retail products operation for the sports and motorsports industries. This project is a great fit for the recreation interests of the region, and the capital investment and new job creation is outstanding for Carroll County. We welcome Classic Creations to the Commonwealth, and remain ready to do what we can to facilitate the company’s success.”
“We commend the hard work and dedication of all involved to show Classic Creations that Carroll County is the best location for their new operation,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “An available facility that meets the company’s needs and allows quick start-up to production, and a workforce trained and available are major factors that put Virginia ahead of the competition. We are confident that Classic Creations will find success serving the motorsports industry that is strong and thriving in Virginia.”
Classic Creations will provide high-tech screen printing, embroidery, art, packaging, warehousing and fulfillment services to the nationwide imprinted apparel market. Classic Creations is a state of-the-art company that will provide contract and full package programs to major retailers, manufacturers, licensing companies and promotional product distributors. Classic Creations CEO Keith Sanders has over 30 years experience in all phases of the apparel industry. Greg Crowder is a Classic Creations partner and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, marketing, wholesaling and distributing products for NASCAR and other related entities.
Classic Creation products will be distributed nationwide for NASCAR, NFL, MLB, and NHL, catalog mail order, Cracker Barrel, College / University, corporate, private label apparel brands and major retailers. All sales, administration, manufacturing, finishing, shipping and distribution will be performed out of the facility in Carroll County, located at 358 Industrial Park Drive in Hillsville.
Classic Creations CEO Keith Sanders said, “Classic Creations came to Carroll County for several reasons. The main reason being the high quality of the workforce, an available facility that fit Classic Creations requirements of square footage and curb appeal, lower startup cost, logistics (excellent transportation routes) and lower monthly operation cost. Also, a main reason was the hard work put forward by the Carroll County Administrator, The Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, The Carroll County Board of Supervisors, The Virginia Tobacco Commission, the SBDC (Blue Ridge Crossroads), Virginia’s aCorridor and the cooperation of the Town of Hillsville administration. All these entities partnered to provide incentives and assistance to open the operation in Carroll County.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Carroll County and Virginia’s aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $175,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.
Carroll County Board of Supervisor Member Dr. Tom Littrell said, “The addition of Classic Creations to our community will not only provide jobs and investment, it will also provide commercial services for other areas. Classic Creations will have customers visiting Carroll County on a regular basis from all across the United States. Keith and Classic Creations will be doing work for folks such as the NFL, NHL, MLB and NASCAR. We are exceptionally pleased that we can utilize our textile talents in other arenas and bring these 55 jobs to Carroll County.”
Mr. Richard Slate, Chairman of the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), said, “With the support of the Board of Supervisors, the IDA has been working hard to fill vacant buildings in our Industrial Park with jobs. We are much more competitive as a community now that we have natural gas. This project in particular could not have landed here if the IDA had not installed the new natural gas system. It is really nice to see the fruits of our labor bring prosperity to the community I love.”
"We are excited to assist Classic Creations in establishing its new operation in Carroll County," said Delegate Terry Kilgore, Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. "The addition of 55 new jobs is great news for the region, and we are confident they will be a great asset and corporate partner."