Virginia Beach, VA — Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District has awarded the first two matching grants to businesses in the District. The program was initiated last month by Virginia Beach Economic Development in collaboration with the Office of Cultural Affairs and ViBe Creative District. Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Commune Bakery LLC will add five new jobs and invest $163,000 to create a new 1,800 s/f commercial bakery at 532 Virginia Beach Blvd. in the ViBe Creative District. As part of this project, Commune Bakery LLC commits to purchasing more than $200,000 of Virginia grown grains, eggs, milk, meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables over the next three years.” “Commune Bakery LLC’s continued growth and investment in the City of Virginia Beach is great news for Virginia’s agriculture sector and for our economy overall,” said Governor Northam. “Investments like these create jobs and open new markets for Virginia’s farmers. Today’s announcement is a great win for agriculture in Virginia as we continue with our ongoing efforts to build a new Virginia economy.” Kevin Jamison is the co-owner of two Commune restaurants located at 501 Virginia Beach Blvd. in Virginia Beach and 759 Granby St. in Norfolk as well as New Earth Farm located at 1885 Indian River Rd. in Virginia Beach. Co-owner Ishiah White is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and the current lead baker and kitchen manager at both restaurant locations and has worked for the company since its inception in early 2015. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with the City of Virginia Beach and Commune Bakery LLC to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $15,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which will be matched with a $15,000 grant through the ViBe Creative District Matching Grant program.