“Since 2000, the Southside and Southwest regions (of Virginia) have routinely experienced higher rates of unemployment than other areas, largely due to the loss of manufacturing jobs, a high percentage of unskilled labor and limited economic growth,” according to information provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

At a recent meeting of the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors, Cardinal Homes CEO Bret Berneche announced an opportunity to rebuild for the Wylliesburg-based company, which could lead to an increase in jobs for Charlotte County.

“Before the crash, we had over 260 employees,” said Berneche.

He said the company now employs around 75, but that number could soon rise based on an increase in work orders for the company. He said Cardinal Homes could be back to pre-recession employment as early as the end of this year.

“Our plan is not quite that aggressive, but the orders are there,” said Berneche.

I applaud Cardinal Homes for making the effort to secure jobs in the area. An increase in jobs is always a step in the right direction.

He said the positive local impact could extend to other area businesses, including Siteline Cabinets, located in Keysville. Berneche said a relationship is being developed to purchase cabinets produced in Keysville.

Not only will Cardinal Homes help residents in Charlotte County to find a job, but with the influx of stores Dollar General is looking to build in the area, the availability of jobs will also increase.

Dollar General’s Public Relations Representative Angela Petkovic said Dollar General stores will typically employ about 6-10 employees based on the individual needs of the store.

Jobs are indeed the catalysts that promote economic growth and well-being for those who live not only in Charlotte County but in every state and region throughout the country.

Jobs provide food on the table and place money in the pockets of every human being. It’s no coincidence that individuals base a large part of where to live on the availability of jobs in any given area.

I hope Charlotte County can keep the positive trend going.

Italia Gregory is community editor of The Charlotte Gazette. Her email address is Italia.Gregory@ TheCharlotteGazette. com.