WYTHEVILLE, Va. – The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission recently awarded Wythe County with a grant in the amount of $200,000 for a Multipurpose Agriculture and Event Building which will be used by patrons of the APEX Center in Wythe County.

APEX Authority President Matthew Miller said the new structure will increase the marketability of the APEX Center.

“The new multipurpose ag building will facilitate a number of additional events and add to the capability of the APEX complex,” Miller said. “Thanks to both the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s funding and private donations, it will do so with very little tax payer funds. This new structure will increase the marketability of the APEX and add to its wide range of audiences.”

Wythe County Public Information Officer and Grant Writer Blake Stowers said officials are grateful for the grant. “We are very thankful for this grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission,” Stowers said. “This will help build a much needed asset for the APEX Center.”

The Multipurpose Agriculture and Event Building will accommodate agricultural sales, livestock sales, livestock shows, animal housing and regional youth events.

There is not a Multipurpose Agricultural Building in Southwest Virginia on this scale. For the main arena to function well, officials must have the Multipurpose Agricultural and Event Building. It is a needed home away from home for animals traveling for events at the APEX Center.

According to a study by Virginia Tech, the new APEX center is seen as an important tool for increasing the viability of area agriculture, promoting business recruitment, improving agricultural education, and encouraging agritourism.

The addition of the Multipurpose Agriculture and Event Building will provide patrons with an opportunity to take full advantage of the resources at the APEX Center.

###

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Wythe County officials, please call Blake Stowers at 276-223-4522 or email Blake at [email protected]