New Appalachian Power President, Lynchburg Hiring Event, Southwest Virginia Tourism Research, Wythe County Zoning Meeting

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Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:05am

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This article covers several business news items, including the appointment of a new president for Appalachian Power, a hiring event at a Lynchburg-based manufacturer, a tourism marketing research program in Southwest Virginia, and a community meeting about a proposed zoning ordinance in Wythe County.

Why it matters

These stories highlight economic development, workforce, and community planning efforts across different regions of Virginia, which are important for understanding the state's business climate and growth opportunities.

The details

Brian Abraham has been named the new president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power, replacing Aaron Walker. Delta Star, a Lynchburg-based manufacturer of electric transformers and substations, is hosting a hiring event. The nonprofit Friends of Southwest Virginia is launching a tourism marketing research program to gain insights into visitor behavior and travel patterns in the region. Wythe County is holding a community meeting to discuss a draft land-use ordinance and preliminary zoning map.

  • Brian Abraham will join Appalachian Power on April 13, 2026.
  • The Delta Star hiring event will be held on April 1, 2026 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • The Wythe County community meeting will be held on March 30, 2026, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and a presentation at 6 p.m.

The players

Brian Abraham

The new president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power, who is currently the chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-West Virginia, and a retired U.S. Army brigadier general.

Delta Star

A Lynchburg-based manufacturer of electric transformers and substations that is hosting a hiring event.

Friends of Southwest Virginia

A nonprofit organization launching a tourism marketing research program to gain insights into visitor behavior and travel patterns in Southwest Virginia.

Wythe County

One of about seven of Virginia's 95 counties that do not have zoning ordinances, which is holding a community meeting to discuss a proposed land-use ordinance and zoning map.

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What they’re saying

“I look forward to working with the APCo team to listen to and work with our stakeholders to create affordable energy solutions that best fit the needs of our communities in Appalachia and generate opportunity for our customers.”

— Brian Abraham, Incoming President and Chief Operating Officer, Appalachian Power

“For the first time, we will have a comprehensive view of how visitors move throughout our region, what experiences resonate most, and where new opportunities exist for growth. These insights will help us and our partners make more strategic decisions about marketing, product development, and visitor experiences that strengthen local economies across Southwest Virginia.”

— Kim Davis, Executive Director, Friends of Southwest Virginia

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These business updates showcase the diverse economic development efforts underway across different regions of Virginia, from energy and manufacturing to tourism and community planning, all of which contribute to the state's overall economic growth and vitality.