Lancaster County EDA approves $10,000 match for CNC training, denies yoga signage request and tables garage funding

The Lancaster County Economic Development Authority on Jan. 15 approved a $10,000 local match to help TurnDynamics and Rappahannock Community College (RCC) compete for a $634,000 Go Virginia Region 6 implementation grant to stand up a CNC training program.The board voted to deny a request from Risha Yoga & Wellness for signage funding and tabled a request from Shevell's (Chevels) Garage for a mobile travel lift.

Why it matters: The TurnDynamics-RCC partnership aims to provide hands-on CNC training and three certificates to about 40 students a year, which backers said would help local employers hire workers with modern machining skills. The EDA said a local match would make the Go Virginia application more competitive at the state level.

TurnDynamics owner Doug Bischoff told the board his company has grown from a single machine to 10 and aims to expand to as many as 20–35 employees. “We're in the right arena,” Bischoff said, adding the company is pursuing aerospace work and described a potential decade-long contract as “a $10,000,000 contract guaranteed buy.” Carrie Wiersma of RCC said the Go Virginia request totals $634,000 and would buy equipment, pay an instructor and fund space to host four cohorts of about 10 students each once the program runs in Kilmarnock.

The board voted to provide the requested $10,000 to serve as local match. Board members discussed the program’s workforce benefits, scholarship availability, and the goal of eventually offering dual-enrollment to local high school students.

In separate action, Emily Dawson, representing Risha Yoga & Wellness, asked the EDA for help installing signage to increase visibility for her studio, saying East Coast Custom Graphics quoted $5,000 for three signs and that without assistance it would take her all of 2026 to self-fund the work. After discussion about permits, locations and prior investments the business has made in online offerings, the board moved to deny the signage request; the voice vote passed with one member indicating an abstention because they had not been present for the prior discussion.

The board also considered a $10,000 request from Shevell's (Chevels) Garage for a mobile travel lift, presented by staff after the owner reported illness. The board noted the application lacked a current cost estimate and preferred to hear directly from the owner; members voted to table that request until the next meeting.

The EDA chair thanked applicants and noted the limited cash available for grants; financial staff reported about $24,364 in checking and a short-term CD maturing Jan. 31, 2026, which informed the board’s allocation decisions.

Next steps: TurnDynamics and RCC will receive $10,000 from the EDA as a local match for the Go Virginia grant application. Shevell's Garage was asked to return in person with documentation. The EDA will continue its grant-review process at the next meeting.