Spark It Up!!!: Senators Attend Ceremony for Crutchfield Facility in Wise County

Sen Allen visited the Coalfields today with Majority Whip Mitch McConnell (R-KY). This is a great story and the press release follows. Bold print by me.

NORTON, VA - Senator George Allen spent his day traveling throughout Southwest Virginia, visiting with Virginians and continuing to talk about his proven record and the issues and ideas that matter to the people of the Commonwealth. The Senator was joined by the U.S. Senate's Majority Whip Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

"It's great to be here with Senator Allen in Southwest Virginia. Traveling with George Allen, it's clearly evident how he became such a successful Governor and Senator. He's got an incredible grasp of the important issues and he cares a lot about Virginians' future. I'm campaigning with Senator Allen today because I believe he is right for the people of Virginia and America. Senator Allen understands the importance of tax relief, better health care options and making sure we become more energy independent, which is also important for jobs in Southwest Virginia, a region with abundant coal resources," Senator McConnell said.

This afternoon, the Senator was in Norton for a ceremony at the Crutchfield Electronics call center, which is being recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as one of their certified call centers. Only 101 call centers in the country have ever received this recognition.

Bill Crutchfield, the Founder and CEO of Crutchfield praised the Senator for his leadership as Governor and Senator and made sure those in attendance knew Allen's role in bringing the call center to Wise County.

"I have known Senator Allen for many years and I believe he has been an extraordinary leader for the people of this great Commonwealth. As a businessman, I appreciate his support for lower taxes, which allows business to grow and creates jobs in communities like this. Interestingly, had it not been for George Allen, there would not be a Crutchfield call center in Wise County and none of us would be here today celebrating our recognition by J. D. Power and Associates," Crutchfield said to Allen.

In 1997, then-Governor George Allen appointed Crutchfield to the University of Virginia's Board of Visitors. After his appointment, Crutchfield started coming down here to work with the University's only branch college, Clinch Valley College, which is now known as the University of Virginia's College at Wise.

"I'm so pleased Bill Crutchfield was introduced to Wise County back in 1997 and saw what a wonderful place this is for business," Senator Allen said. "The people of Southwest Virginia should be proud of the outstanding work that they perform at this facility - this is a truly impressive recognition. In the Senate, I will always be an advocate for hardworking Virginians - fighting to make sure they keep more of what they earn and that they and their children have better opportunities for the future."
"We're glad Senator Allen could join us today for this major validation of our economic development efforts and our work to diversify the economy of Southwest Virginia. Since he was Governor, George Allen has been a major player in making all of this happen and it's great that he could be here to today to bring this all full circle," said Ron Flanary, Executive Director of Lenowisco, a regional planning commission promoting economic development in Southwest Virginia.