26 VIRGINIA FORESTS Agriculture Small Business Loan Fund Available for Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia Small Business Finance Authority in partnership with the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission will offer disaster loans to farmers and agricultural and forestry small businesses located in counties affected by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. The Agricultural Disaster Microloan Program offers loans of up to $50,000 to help farmers and owners of agricultural and forestry businesses recover from the storm’s effects, from revenue loss to the repair and replacement of damaged equipment. The loan fund will be available to any small business in the agriculture and forestry industries within the counties and cities of: Appomattox, Albemarle, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, City of Bristol, Buchanan, Buckingham, Carroll, Charlotte, City of Covington, Craig, City of Danville, Dickenson, Floyd, City of Galax, Lee, Giles, Grayson, Greene, Madison, Montgomery, Nelson, City of Norton, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, City of Radford, City of Roanoke, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe. “Virginia’s farmers and forestry professionals are the backbone of our economy,” said Gov. Youngkin. “Through the Agricultural Disaster Microloan Program, we’re ensuring that these vital industries have the resources they need to rebuild.” Applications for the Agricultural Disaster Microloan Program will be accepted through December 31, 2024. To apply and for more information on eligibility and application guidelines, visit the VSBFA website or contact VSBFA directly at https://sbsd.virginia.gov/disasterrelief/ or calling (804) 786-1049. Resources Available for Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene Those who are seeking information and resources to help with damage and loss from Hurricane Helene can find valuable information from two Virginia agencies. Frank M. Ruff, Jr., 75, of Clarksville, Va., died October 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who will be most remembered for his service to his community and Southside Virginia, first serving on the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors (1988-1991), then the Virginia House of Delegates (1994-2000. Frank’s political career allowed him the opportunity to serve the greater good. His business experience and sharp mind made him someone sought out on the issues, with requests to serve on committees and boards aside from the standing committees he served on during session. He focused largely on workforce training, economic development, and education. He was the driving force behind loan forgiveness on the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission tuition program. He worked with community colleges and businesses to create certification programs that would allow a trade to be learned in weeks or months to an industry certification that would allow employment at a much quicker rate than standard degrees. Gov. Glenn Youngkin said that Ruff’s “legacy will be felt across the Commonwealth not for years—but generations to come … Frank’s decades of service to the people of Virginia—spanning the General Assembly since 1993, the Mecklenburg Board of Supervisors before that, and finally as a citizen member and chairman of the Tobacco Regional Revitalization Commission—are matched by few but have inspired many.” Frank was recognized by many organizations and associations and received many awards in his life for his service. Senator Ruff was a featured speaker at the 2022 Virginia Forestry Summit held in Blacksburg, Va. IN MEMORIAM Virginia Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. RESOURCE REVIEW
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=