Gov. Terry McAuliffe is “very optimistic” that Canon will bring its global research and development center to Newport News, he said Thursday.
“I’m hoping in the next couple months we’re going to have some exciting news,” McAuliffe said during an interview after announcing that the state had approved a second enterprise zone for the city. “We’re still working on it, we’re pushing it, we’re in constant communication, but I am very optimistic and hopeful that we will have some more exciting news and I’ll be back to Newport News in the not too distant future.”
The governor met in October with Canon officials in Japan, where the company has its headquarters.
Canon Virginia, a subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., based in Newport News, was formed in 1985.
In 1998, the company reached peak employment at 2,600 employees. In 2005, laser beam printer production ended in Newport News, causing employment to dip to 1,300 workers in 2006. In 2009, it opened a 700,000-square-foot advanced cartridge manufacturing building.
Today, about 2,000 people work at the Newport News campus and a recycling facility in Gloucester County. In Newport News alone, there are about 700 employees, McAuliffe has said.
Celebration in Lights
Celebration in Lights, the state’s first drive-through holiday light event, is running now at Newport News Park.
The event, which is in its 22nd season, began on Thanksgiving night, transforming the park with animated lights and holiday scenes, and will continue until New Years’ Day.
More than 300 pieces, 70 of them animated, 43 arches and three miles of rope lighting are on display along the two-mile drive along the park’s main road, a city news release stated. All display pieces added since 2007 use LED lights, which decrease the electrical cost by about 30 percent.
The event is open each evening from 5:30 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1. The cost is $10 per car and $60 per bus. Cash, checks and Visa/MasterCard credit cards are accepted. Advance or gift tickets may be purchased at the Newport News Visitors’ Center.
Libraries accepting donations instead of fines
All Newport News libraries are accepting donations of food and personal items this holiday season instead of fines for overdue materials.
Nonperishable, nonexpired food items or personal items are accepted as part of the Can Your Fines program, taking place now through Dec. 31.
The program does not apply to lost or damaged materials or to fees charged once an account had been sent to the collection agency.
All items collected will be donated to the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula.
Clift can be reached by phone at 757-247-7870.
