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Economic development update: presenter cites $25 million manufacturing project and $23.2M in broadband awards for Tazewell County
Summary
A regional economic development official told the Tazewell County Board that a manufacturing project described as roughly $25 million would bring about 90–100 jobs, and that statewide broadband awards tied to local planning could add about 4,400 connections in the county, mostly via fiber.
Chris, CEO of the Greater Pure Economic Development Council, told the Tazewell County Board on Feb. 25 that his organization has helped recruit and support several projects and regional programs that will affect the county.
Chris said the organization assisted a company identified in the presentation as Epic Medical in securing a site purchase and plans that he described as "a $25 million investment and between 90 and 100 jobs over time," and said the company intends to manufacture saline and IV bags at the facility. He said the site purchase was roughly 60 acres and that the project includes plans for later phases.
He detailed an assisted expansion by a company described as Cranes Equipment and Service, noting the group helped arrange a $600,000 grant and local contracting that the presenter said represents a $4.5 million investment and will add about 24 jobs to that operation.
On workforce, Chris highlighted CareerSpark, a multi‑county program for middle- and high‑school students; he said the in‑person expo drew thousands of students regionally and that roughly 1,374 students in the presenter’s count came from county schools.
Turning to broadband, Chris said preliminary awards routed through state programs total about $23.2 million that will be used across multiple counties; he said those awards will enable nearly 4,400 new connections in Tazewell County and that "82% of the connections will be made via fiber" rather than satellite or cellular. He added that multiple providers won awards for different parts of the county and that the technical and economic suitability of certain areas influenced which technology is chosen.
During board questions, members asked why southern and lakeshore/forested parts of the county received fewer planned fiber connections. Chris and other speakers explained that sparse development patterns and the high cost of running fiber make some locations uneconomical for fiber deployment under the current award and business models, and that some providers declined to bid for those areas. A board member noted the feasibility studies used in the award process and credited staff work in developing those studies.
The presentation and subsequent exchange emphasized two points for the board: (1) the county can expect a mix of new private investment and grant‑assisted projects in industrial recruitment and expansion; and (2) broadband funding decisions are shaped by company bids, unit economics and program rules that favor fiber when feasible. The council representative offered to follow up with board members on specific site and coverage questions.
Next steps noted in the presentation included ongoing planning work and continued regional coordination to translate feasibility studies into site preparation and targeted grant applications.
