GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN ANNOUNCES
NEW COUNTRY HAM PROCESSING FACILITY IN ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY | | |
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced October 28, 2025, that Darden Hams will invest $1.2 million to construct a new 7,200 sq. ft. facility on a 10-acre site in Isle of Wight County to meet growing demand. The project will bring country ham production back to the area, known as the “Ham Capital of the World,” and expand the market for ham products. Darden Hams is committing to purchase $306,331 (or 300,942 lbs.) of Virginia-grown pork.
Darden Hams will expand production of Darden’s Country Ham, which will be produced as a product line under TLD Hams, LLC, doing business as Darden Hams. In addition to housing a new and efficient curing and smoking operation, Darden’s new facility will offer more than five times the company’s current production capacity, as well as a warehouse, processing area, and a show kitchen for demonstrations and product tastings. Darden Hams will seek a USDA grant of inspection for the facility, which will allow the company to sell products online and through wholesale interstate distribution.
Read the full press release here and view the planned facility here.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the announcement celebration, visit our YouTube page!
| | |
TRANSFORM YOUR HEATING AND
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES WITH HARRISON MECHANICAL, INC.
Harrison Mechanical, Inc. is a locally owned and operated family business proudly serving Isle of Wight County and surrounding areas for over 40 years. Known for reliable, high-quality heating and air conditioning services, they specialize in both residential and light commercial systems. Their services include installation and maintenance of air conditioners, boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, geothermal systems, thermostats and controls, indoor air quality solutions, and more. They also handle filter changes and are replacement specialists. As a trusted Trane dealer, Harrison Mechanical offers top-tier products at competitive prices. Every heating and cooling system they service is treated with the same care and attention as if it were their own.
Special deal: Harrison is offering 10% off service calls for all new customers! Call (757) 357-3028 today!
Learn more about how Harrison Mechanical can help you transform your air conditioning and heating services at www.HarrisonMechanical.com.You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
| | NEW BUSINESS LICENSES: OCTOBER | | |
See the full list of new October business licenses:
PDF Format (.pdf) or Excel Format (.xlsx)
We extend a warm welcome to all of our new businesses.
Thank you for putting down roots to grow in Isle of Wight County!
| | ISLE OF WIGHT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING | | |
Plan now to attend the Isle of Wight Chamber's Annual Meeting and Awards reception, Harvesting Success, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at SummerWind Vineyard, from 4-7pm. There will be music by Jim Masters, business awards, a Chili Cook-Off (please register to participate), and games & prizes! Hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided; cash bar available.
Register here!
| | SUPPLIER ENGAGEMENT FAIR AT CNU | | |
Showcase your business and build powerful connections at the Supplier Engagement Fair on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Join Christopher Newport University for an exciting day of networking and discovery. Meet internal purchasers, local and state agencies, small businesses, and resource partners, all in one place. Whether you're a supplier looking to expand your reach or a business leader eager to connect with decision-makers, this event is designed to help your company grow and thrive.
Register now to join the conversation and explore partnership opportunities. Space is limited! Don't miss your chance to connect with CNU and our regional business community!
| | WHARF HILL BREWING COMPANY NAMED ONE OF 50 BEST BREWERIES IN THE U.S. | | |
Break out the celebratory pints!
Wharf Hill Brewing Company was recently ranked the best brewery in Virginia, one of 50 across the U.S., by the Only In Your State website! Wharf Hill got high marks from Virginia's very discerning group of craft brew enthusiasts. Isle of Wheat Hefeweizen and Old Brick Church Irish Red each received multiple shout outs, and the food at Wharf Hill isn't your typical pub grub—the non wontons and bangers and mash are standouts.
Congrats to Wharf Hill Brewing Company!
View the full list here!
| | |
FORMER RITE AID (CARROLLTON)
13554 Carrollton Blvd.
Freestanding former drug store building with drive-thru, located in high-growth Carrollton corridor at a signalized intersection. One mile from new Publix and Royal Farms development and surrounded by strong upscale residential communities with new residential growth in the vicinity. Property is 11,115 square feet on 2.74 acres.
View the Property Flyer here!
For more information, contact Chris Read, Colliers,
at 757.228.1803 or Chris.Read@colliers.com
| | |
Search the County's available properties database
for more commercial or industrial properties.
If you own or represent a commercial property in
Isle of Wight County that is available for sale or lease, please CONTACT US, and we will add it to our database.
| | Main Street comes alive for Smithfield's signature holiday event on Saturday, November 22, 2025! Join us for three blocks of festivities, including unique items, arts & crafts, foods, gifts and more. Grab a snack at the food court, listen to live music, and enjoy the sunset over our Main St. full of spectacular historic homes. Connect with neighbors and new friends while you shop for everything you need for the holiday season. Open 2-7pm. For all the latest information, stay up-to-date here! | | |
Celebrate small businesses in our community by shopping at a small business on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025!
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011. It is an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.
-
In 2023, the reported projected spending in the U.S. from those who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday was around $17 billion.
-
Since 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during the annual Small Business Saturday is an estimated $201 billion.
Support our nation’s more than 34 million independent businesses this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long!
| | | | |
