By DAN TELVOCK
Efforts to attract defense contractors and jobs to Spotsylvania County are paying dividends.
Supervisors recently approved up to $100,000 in economic development incentives for Davis Defense Group to relocate to the Westpark office complex behind Gander Mountain on State Route 3.
And Spotsylvania Technology Center Executive Director Bob Duffy said there's wide support for his campus-style business center planned for 65 acres south of the U.S. 17 Bypass as part of Tricord's Summit Crossing proposal.
"We feel there's a need for this and the talent is already here," Duffy said.
Tricord is expected to submit a rezoning application this summer for the mixed-use development where people can "live, work, play, shop and learn," said Tricord spokesman Hart Rutherford.
Lisa Davis, CEO of Davis Defense Group, said the company works with defense contractors in all military branches, the Department of Homeland Security and first responders. The company of about 22 employees is currently at Quantico. She and her husband, Doug, own the business and have lived in Spotsylvania for 15 years. They expect the company to grow here.
"We are really looking forward to not having to commute," she said. "I think the word is going to get out about what a great location Spotsylvania is."
SimVentions, a high-tech software-development firm that specializes in tactical software for the military, is spearheading the technology-center vision. Spotsylvania Technology Center is operational now and Duffy is in the process of expanding at the current site in the Deep Run Office Park off Bowman Drive. Already there are four companies supporting a Navy Small Business Innovative Research Contract, which allows the Navy and the companies to share resources.
Duffy said the Dahlgren naval base has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Spotsylvania Technology Center to begin working together.
Duffy said the concept is to attract government, colleges and corporations to Spotsylvania County. Duffy said he wants to see people be able to work closer to home. Currently 68 percent of the work force here commutes to work.
The technology center will eventually include up to 100 businesses and thousands of employees, including at least three colleges. Duffy calls it the Collaborative Development Partnership, which has all partners sharing resources.
Currently, 10 corporations and three colleges--Germanna Community College, the University of Mary Washington and Norfolk State University for Engineering and Technology--are supporting the technology center project with letters of intent to pursue a formal agreement. Duffy said other defense-related companies have indicated interest.
"It is a phenomenal concept and one I think is long overdue," said Spotsylvania Economic Development Director Russell Seymour, "It's a nice win for Spotsylvania, not only because it is providing those needed jobs but it also shows these are the types of companies that are very interested in Spotsylvania."
summitcrossingva.com spotsylvaniatechnologycenter.com Dan Telvock: 540/374-5438