Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology and UVa-Wise Announce New Regional Office
September 18, 2000

Herndon, Virginia - Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) and the University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVa-Wise) today announced the opening of a CIT office in Wise, Virginia. Located on the UVa-Wise campus, the expansion represents CIT's ninth regional office across the Commonwealth. Like its counterparts, the Wise regional office will serve as a liaison between the region's technology businesses and CIT's partners.

CIT's expansion into the heart of southwest Virginia will allow local businesses greater ease of access to the organization's wide array of services. With the opening of the Wise regional office, CIT will continue its efforts to lead local/regional technology programs initiated by the Office of the Secretary of Technology. The new office will also partner with area businesses and educational organizations to expand CIT services and outreach. By locating an office at the UVa-Wise, CIT continues to support its three-fold mission:

• Providing access to technology research and expetise
  
• Building a collaborative environment among industry, academia, and government
  
• Enhancing technology infrastructure for the Commonwealth

"We are very excited about the opportunities this expansion offers CIT and the businesses served by the new location in Wise," said CIT president, Anne Armstrong. "Southwest Virginia has a burgeoning technology sector, and CIT's services can play an integral part in increasing the technology momentum. We are especially pleased to partner with UVa's College at Wise in this venture. Partnering with academia strengthens the region as a whole, and offers businesses access to a wide range of educational and partnership opportunities."

"I am delighted that CIT has opened a regional office in Wise," said Senator William C. Wampler, Jr. "This region has much to offer the Commonwealth, and CIT's presence will help enhance growth and technology innovation opportunities for regional businesses. It also gives me great pleasure to see the partnership being forged between the University of Virginia's College at Wise and CIT. Southwestern Virginia now has access to valuable expertise, which will serve to spur innovation and strengthen businesses as they grow."

UVa-Wise Chancellor, Dr. L. Jay Lemons stated, "Since its founding, UVa-Wise has been an integral part of this region's economic and technological development. The location of a CIT office on campus adds an exciting new component to our continued efforts."

"We are all excited about the opportunities CIT will bring to Southwest Virginia," said Delegate Terry G. Kilgore. "I believe this will substantially help bring high-tech jobs to our region."

"The opening of the new CIT office in Wise county on the UVa-Wise campus will bring the far southwestern region of the state closer to northern Virginia as it relates to technology," said Delegate Bud Phillips. "More importantly, it gives the region more credibility as a technology destination."

The new CIT office will be housed in UVa-Wise's Resource Center at 1 College Avenue, Room 130, Wise, Virginia 23293. Geographies to be served by the new Wise office include: the counties of Buchanan, Dickinson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise as well as the cities of Bristol and Norton.

About Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology

Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) was created by the General Assembly in 1984 as a 501© (3) nonprofit, non-stock organization that is funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia. CIT is headquartered in Herndon - in the distinctive CIT Tower overlooking Dulles Airport. In addition to its Herndon headquarters, which also houses its Northern Virginia regional office, CIT maintains eight regional offices throughout the state.

About the University of Virginia's College at Wise

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the south's top-ranked public liberal arts colleges, UVa-Wise is home to 1,500 students.

Contacts:

Kelly Liberty
Virginia's Center for
Innovative Technology
(703) 689-3070
(703) 883-9000 ext. 110

Jane Meade-Dean
University of Virginia's College at Wise
Director of College Relations
(540) 328-0130
(540) 328-0255