SPDC Localities

Southside Planning District is comprised of three Counties (Brunswick, Halifax, and Mecklenburg) that, depending on who you ask, either make up the area known as Southside Virginia, or at least a major part of it. Another nickname frequently used in the area is that of Lake Country, which pays tribute to the several large lakes that play a vital role in the economic development of the region.

There are eleven towns in the District, and many more small communities. Download Local Officials Directory 2011.

Brunswick County - towns of Alberta, Brodnax (partially in Mecklenburg Co.), Lawrenceville

Halifax County - towns of Halifax, Scottsburg, South Boston, Virgilina

Mecklenburg County - towns of Boydton, Brodnax (partially in Brunswick Co.), Chase City, Clarksville, South Hill

Industry & Transportation

The area is home to an impressive array of industries and companies, including the Peebles Corporate Headquarters, ABB, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Faneuil, and Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation. There are a multitude of industrial parks in the area that have all the infrastructure needed for new industry, including broadband fiber.

Clover Power Plant, consisting of two 465 megawatt units, is considered to be one of the cleanest coal-fired plants in the country. Novec Energy operates a 49.95 megawatt “green” biomass power plant in South Boston.

The District transportation system includes Interstates and major US Highways (I-85, US 1, US 58, US 15, US 360), rail (Norfolk Southern, Buckingham Branch shortline, and the future High Speed Rail project), airports, and proximity to shipping ports.

Education

Southside Planning District, home to several colleges, places an emphasis on employer-driven workforce training programs that ensure that our workforce meets the needs of current and prospective employers. Click here for more information on education in the district.