INSIDE THE ISLE NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2025

Tidewater Logistics Center Approved

The Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning for Tidewater Logistics Center, a proposed Class A, speculative industrial development located on U.S. Route 460 near Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park. The development will include four industrial buildings with a total of 726,000 square feet for both light manufacturing and warehousing/distribution uses. The property is strategically positioned within 27 miles of the Port of Virginia’s four major Hampton Roads marine terminals.

Smithfield's British Pub The Fiddlin' Pig Hits the "Marque"

The Fiddlin’ Pig, a British pub in Smithfield, Virginia, set out recently to attain a prestigious designation common to many pubs in Great Britain, but one that remains mostly rare in America: the Cask Marque. This coveted designation is given to establishments that not only serve multiple cask-conditioned ales at all times, but also adhere to strict pouring and serving guidelines similar to what one would expect from a fine dining restaurant.

Prior to The Fiddlin’ Pig’s attempt to attain this credential, there were a total of just 14 establishments in the United States that have been granted a Cask Marque. Of this group, there were none in Virginia, until The Fiddlin’ Pig gained accreditation. On January 31, 2025, The Fiddlin’ Pig officially received its Cask Marque after having gone through multiple rounds of unannounced and secret evaluations. Cask Marque means that the establishment serves cask brews that meet the highest standards for taste, temperature, aroma, and appearance. FULL PRESS RELEASE

County Sign Regulation Survey - Input Needed!

We need your input! Sign regulations affect our community - businesses and residents alike. Take this quick survey and make your voice count!

Isle of Wight County Schools will host a Reverse Job Fair on March 26th & 27th where students take the lead in showcasing their skills, talents, and career aspirations directly to industry professionals like you! Unlike a traditional job fair, this event flips the script—students will be showcasing in their individual program spaces, presenting their resumes, projects, and career goals, giving you the opportunity to engage with motivated future professionals ready to contribute to your industry. This is a fantastic chance to visit IWCS' amazing CTE spaces, discover emerging talent, build connections, and potentially identify your next great hire. Please join IWCS and explore the impressive potential of our students. IWCS welcomes you at all or any of the program locations to meet your industry needs! Times and Locations provided in this Registration Link.

The Isle of Wight County Economic Development Department, along with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center (SBDC), are excited to launch a business workshop series for 2025: Elevate and Thrive Inside the Isle. The quarterly sessions are FREE and will be held at the Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church Street, Smithfield, VA. Registration is required, click the links below for each session date. Please contact Nicole Talton with any questions, 757-365-6251.

New Business Licenses February

See the full list of new February business licenses:

PDF Format (.pdf) or Excel Format (.xlsx)

New Business Highlights:

• A1 Seafood & Pho (Carrollton)
• Dashiell Landscaping (Carrollton)
• Great Clips (Smithfield)
• Cool Arrows Art (Hamtown Mercantile, Smithfield)
• Peace & Balance Holistic Center (Smithfield)
• Surf and Turf Tacos (Food Truck at Tractor Supply, Smithfield)

We extend a warm welcome to all of our new businesses.

Thank you for putting down roots to grow in Isle of Wight County!

FEATURED AVAILABLE PROPERTY

33549 Carver Road - Industrial Buildings For Lease

Multi-building industrial complex in southern Isle of Wight County has two buildings for lease - a former manufacturing building with 75,000 square feet and up to 35' ceilings and a former research and development building with 25,000 square feet. Co-located with M&M Milling and P&D Fumigation on a 37.5-acre site near Route 58, the International Paper Mill and the Franklin Regional Airport. The site has heavy power and a large capacity gas line runs along Carver Road. Located within a Virginia Enterprise Zone.

For more information, call Anne Thompson, (903) 701-3835.

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.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT www.InsideTheIsle.com

757-356-1962