Virginia beats Maryland again, wins $1.3 billion manufacturing facility & 2015 jobs

Could Maryland and Montgomery County use a $1.3 billion corporate investment, 2015 high-wage jobs, and a major infusion of tax revenue? Yes! Did we win the 500,000-square-foot Microporous manufacturing facility? No! But Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will give you three guesses as to who did. Yet again, our rival across the Potomac River has bested us in the economic development sweepstates.

Microporous, a leading manufacturer of battery separators, will construct the $1.3 billion facility in Berry Hill, Virginia. The factory will create 2015 new, high-wage jobs, and will provide more freight traffic for the Port of Virginia. Tennessee-based Microporous was founded as the American Rubber Company, which patented the first rubber battery separator in 1934. Today, their products are in high demand, as adoption of electric vehicles explodes in many countries around the world, even if demand for EVs still lags in the United States. Virginia's port will indeed see a boost in outbound traffic as a result, as Microporous is the only manufacturer of rubber battery separators used in electric automobiles and mobility devices.

“This historic $1.35 billion investment by Microporous in Pittsylvania County marks a new chapter in Virginia's incredible advanced manufacturing story,” Youngkin said in a statement yesterday. “This project not only brings over 2,000 new jobs to Southside Virginia, but also positions the Commonwealth at the forefront of our nation’s resurgence in manufacturing. Microporous' decision to establish their new facility here underscores Virginia's competitive advantages and our commitment to leading the way in innovative industries.” Youngkin's office identified North Carolina as the other finalist for the facility; it's unclear if Maryland even attempted to pursue the opportunity, or was once again asleep at the switch.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome Microporous to the Southern Virginia Megasite and Pittsylvania County," Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Darrell Dalton said Wednesday. “Microporous brings a new level of technological advancement to our business community as well as high paying jobs that offer another opportunity for our young people to remain and raise families in and near their hometowns. Microporous will also provide the County with added revenue to better serve our citizens. We look forward to many years of Microporous’ growth and success and Pittsylvania County is honored to be part of that journey.” 

Photos courtesy Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Bus driver assaulted by passenger in Rockville

A bus driver was assaulted by a passenger in Rockville on the afternoon of November 4, 2024, Rockville City police report. The bus was in the vicinity of the intersection of Hungerford Drive (MD 355) and Frederick Avenue at 2:15 PM, when a passenger allegedly approached the bus driver and spat on him. Police describe the suspect as a Black male, aged 20 to 29, wearing a plaid and black jacket. If you can identify this suspect, call police at 240-314-8900.

Woman assaulted, robbed in Shady Grove Professional Park

A woman was the victim of three robbers at Shady Grove Professional Park in the early morning hours of November 2, 2024, Montgomery County police report. The woman was in the commercial townhome development in the 9000 block of Shady Grove Court on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville when she was approached by three suspects. They allegedly assaulted her, and stole money and unspecified property from her. Police describe the suspects only as a Black male, and two Black females. If you can identify any of these suspects, or have any information about this incident, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Rockville Mayor & Council to hold public hearing on Lincoln Park design guidelines

The Lincoln Park of the future is up for public discussion next week. Rockville's Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on new design guidelines for residential development in the historic neighborhood at its Monday, November 18, 2024 meeting at 6:30 PM at City Hall. Several potential amendments have been drafted, which include input collected from residents. The amendments under consideration "seek to update existing building standards to provide greater clarity and predictability for residential development in the Lincoln Park neighborhood," a statement from the City Department of Community Planning and Development services says.

You can read the latest draft of the proposed guidelines update here. If the Mayor and Council reach a consensus to approve the new guidelines, and public comment trends favorably, they could be adopted at their December 9 meeting. Should the public raise strong objections at Monday's hearing, the calendar might be extended for further revisions.

See's Candies opens for the holidays at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

See's Candies has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, and you know what means: the holidays are just around the corner. The candy brand is an annual fixture in malls across the country, with its seasonal pop-up gift shop. My recent experience in trying their candy is that they have not only maintained the quality they are known for, but may have even improved upon it. Sample a Whitman's Sampler assortment after a See's Candies box, and you'll see what I mean. Good God, Whitman's has gone downhill in recent times.

Like many great things in America, See's Candies comes from California. The company was founded in Los Angeles in 1921, and many of their candies still use Mary See's original recipes. They've found maybe their best spot in the mall yet this year, right next to GameStop on Level 1 in the Old Navy/The Cheesecake Factory wing of the mall. Talk about one-stop shopping! Fill the kids' wish list at GameStop, and then go right next door to load up on See's gift boxes for the adults and whole family.

Teso Life Japanese Super Store opens in Rockville

Teso Life Japanese Super Store opened yesterday at 1701 Rockville Pike, at the Shops at Congressional Village. Fans of the Queens, New York-based department store traveled from far and wide to attend the grand opening. Inside are imported Japanese groceries, beauty products, toys, collectibles, and kitchen, bath and home goods, just to name a few categories. Teso Life joins competitor Ebisu Life on Rockville Pike.

Kokee Tea bubble tea kiosk opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Westfield Montgomery Mall recently added a coffee kiosk, and now there's an option for tea lovers on the way. Kokee Tea is opening a kiosk on Level 1 of the mall, outside of Macy's. It has been under construction for the last few weeks, but now signage has been attached. 

"Kokee Tea is a cozy and modern bubble tea cafe that offers a variety of delicious and refreshing drinks," the company said in a statement. "Whether you’re looking for a classic milk tea, a fruity smoothie, or a creamy latte, we have something for you. You can also customize your drink with different toppings, such as tapioca pearls, jelly, pudding, or popping boba. Our drinks are made with high-quality ingredients and brewed fresh daily."

The bubble tea chain has added seven new locations this year, including Montgomery Mall. Ashburn, Baltimore, Centreville, Lorton, Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, and Urbana are the others.