Estes Center gets $100,000 donation

CHASE CITY - Freight transportation provider Estes Express Lines (Estes) announced a $100,000 contribution to the Estes Community Center Endowment Fund campaign on Wednesday to help secure the future of the educational facility.

“On behalf of the Estes family I am issuing a challenge to area residents and businesses in the community to do their part to secure the future of this fine facility,” President/CEO of Estes Express Lines Rob Estes said. “Regardless of the amount, every donation is an investment.”

The generous contribution has helped the ECC Endowment Fund to reach over half of the $750,000 goal needed to fund the maintenance and upkeep of the Center’s buildings, grounds and equipment.

“Estes’ generous donation pushed us over the halfway mark to our campaign goal and makes us eligible to receive matching funds from other sources,” said Campaign Chair Dr. Charles Lee. “We are sincerely grateful for their unwavering support of this Center and the community. The joy of being able to do worthwhile things is one of life’s greatest pleasures. The future of this Center is a very worthwhile thing.”

“The Estes Community Center has been training for health and technology professions and has had opportunities for education that they never had before,” said Estes. “My grandfather, W.W. Estes would be so proud of the spirit and determination of Chase City’s residents.”

Special invited guest Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling expressed his excitement about visiting the ECC and gaining further knowledge of the educational programs offered.

“The Estes Community Center is a great example of what the private sector and a local community can do to give their citizens the skills they need to find employment in the current marketplace,” said Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling. “I am delighted to do whatever I can to help support this worthwhile organization, and I commend Estes Express Lines on the significant financial commitment they have made to the Center.”

“Estes Express Lines has long been one of Virginia’s most civic minded corporations,” the Lieutenant Governor added. “And this is just another example of what they have done to support local communities and programs that help improve the quality of life of Virginia’s families.”

As the 40th Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, Bolling said he, along with Governor Bob McDonnell, believe that getting Virginia’s economy moving and creating jobs is the most important issue facing the state today.

“Economic growth and economic development is the rising tide that can help lift all ships out of the grip of this recession that we have been in for the past two or three years,” Bolling said.

Bolling said that he and McDonnell are working as hard as they can at the state level to help create an environment in Virginia where citizens can obtain an increase in employment opportunities. He added in order to further stimulate the economy, the state needs not only public sector partners but assistance from private sector partners.

“That is what excites me so much about a program that you have developed here at the Estes Center,” the Lieutenant Governor said. “This is a great example of a public/private partnership in a large part funded by private sector funds through the contributions of individuals and businesses in this local community that are out there trying to work every day to give people the skills they need to go out and find jobs in what is a very difficult marketplace.”

Bolling said he saw a future economic resurgence in Virginia, noting that after several years of budget shortfalls, including a projected $1.8 billion shortfall in January, the state actually finished the fiscal year with a budget surplus of $224 million. He added in the last six months the state has closed over 100 economic development deals across Virginia. As a result, he said over $1 billion has been created over capital investments in the state allowing Virginia to have one of the third highest job creation rate in the nation.

John Lee, President/CEO of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative said ECC provides local residents with the option of seeking greater knowledge and earning a better living. He said out of all of the advantages and programs the Center provides for the community, it’s most important offer is providing hope.

EEC is located in the former Estes freight transportation headquarters established in 1931 by Chase City resident W.W. Estes. The Center is the culmination of the efforts of the citizens of Chase City and the surrounding area to match a gift challenge made by the Estes family in honor of W.W. and Glady’s Estes. The late Jimmy Garland, a member of the Estes family, was one of the visionaries for the Center, along with the late Bob Jordan and Dr. Earle Moore.

Donations can be made payable to the Estes Community Center Fund and mailed to 109 Campus Drive, Alberta, VA. 23821. For additional information, call Mary Jane Elkins at Southside Virginia Community College at 434-949-1051 or e-mail info@EstesCenterFund.org.