Date: Apr 30, 2013 Author: Katie Love Source: WSLS.com (
click here to go to the source)
FLOYD COUNTY, VA -
A high-tech bio-medical company is working together with economic development officials to bring more, high-paying jobs to the region.
Erik Gatenholm is the CEO for Floyd's first bio medical company 'BC Genesis'.
He's made it a priority to bring higher education and higher paying jobs to the area.
BC Genesis has brought in more than 1-million dollars in national grants to Floyd County.
The company also pays employees 25% more than the average salary in that area.
"We've been hiring people in Floyd County and the goal is to help the unemployment rates, as well as the economic rates of the county," Erik Gateholm, BC Genesis CEO says. "Hiring people in Floyd has been very helpful. The people are motivated and passionate in what we are doing and this has been an extreme help for BC Genesis for our growth and productivity."
Bill Finley says he's thankful to have a job where he doesn't have to drive an hour to Blacksburg or Roanoke to dig deeper into chemistry and biology.
"Just being able to go to your job right here and not have to worry about how long I have to travelis a great benefit," BC Genesis technician, Bill Finley says.
Lydeana Martin, Floyd's community and economic development director says, she expects BC Genesis to bring in millions of dollars to Floyd over the next ten years.
"We tend to have lower wages for people who work in the community, but this has been a real opportunity to show that we do have folks who work in the lab and who are excited about science and do creative things," Lydeana Martin, Floyd County's Community and
BC Genesis only plans to add more jobs, creating further economic growth in the area.
