The Port of Virginia Guide to Incentives and Tax Credits

The Port of Virginia and Virginia Economic Development Partnership published a guide providing an overview of the incentives and tax credits provided by the Port of Virginia. The information includes:

• Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant (POV Grant)
• Port Volume Increase Tax Credit
• Barge and Rail Usage Tax Credit
• International Trade Facility Tax Credit

View the guide here!

Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity Survey

The Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity is conducting a survey among the small business community in Virginia and could use your help. The purpose of the survey is to identify business development topics that business owners perceive as important. The survey is extensive (takes about 10 minutes to complete), but is very important input from the business community and will be used to help direct their educational / business development efforts.

The survey can be accessed here. 

Goochland Day 2023

Saturday, May 20, 2023 

Goochland Day is a family fun community event for everyone! It starts with a parade down River Road West through the heart of Goochland. Then spend the rest of the day exploring the festival with various vendors, fun activities for children, and tasting local craft beverages! 

Business Spotlight!

Each month we will spotlight a Goochland business! 

Blakemore Construction

Blakemore Construction Corporation specialize in commercial asphalt road and parking lot paving in the Richmond and surrounding areas. Blakemore has been in business since 1967 and sets a goal is to be efficient and timely while getting the job done for their customers. Having their own grading and paving crews allows Blakemore to do just that. Customer satisfaction and a job well-done is what matters at Blakemore Construction. Interested in learning more or joining their team? Check them out online at https://blakemoreconstruction.com/. 

Preserving our Roots:
Agri-Businesses in Goochland

Changes to OTC (over the counter) Antibiotics for Livestock

Article submitted by Nicole Shuman, Goochland Extension Agent

Beginning on June 11, 2023, farmers, ranchers, and other livestock owners will not be able to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotics without a prescription from a veterinarian.  Since 2017, Veterinary Feed Directives have been required to deliver antibiotics to animals via feed.  OTC antibiotic purchases were a loophole in the 2017 legislation.  

These new regulations are essential to safeguard antibiotics for use in treating human disease.  It is easy to misuse antibiotics, and delivering a less-than-lethal dose to microbes promotes the development of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs,” much in the same way that pesticide misuse can promote the development of resistant weeds and pests. Other drugs, such as dewormers, are not affected by the new rules.   

In order to get a prescription from a vet, livestock producers must have a valid veterinary client-patient relationship (VCPR).  Essentially, a vet has to be familiar with your operation. The time to establish a VCPR is NOW, not when animals get sick.  And in case you feel the need to stock up on OTC antibiotics—please don’t.  The drugs do have expiration dates.  Your time will be better spent calling a vet and introducing them to your operation.