WISE — The Appalachia America Energy Research Center, a facility to be built in Wise, has embarked on a strategic effort to create new energy economy jobs in the coalfields region of Virginia, planners say, enlisting the help of GreenTech Automotive Chairman Terry McAuliffe and state Delegate and Virginia Tobacco Commission Chairman Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City, to lead the effort as co-chairs of a newly formed advisory board for the center.

“I always think very big,” said McAuliffe, a former chairman of President Bill Clinton’s election campaign and the current chairman of the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation. “It is my pleasure to serve on the Appalachia America Energy Research Center’s advisory board seeking to bring new energy jobs to the coalfields of Southwestern Virginia.”

McAuliffe said case studies of new energy projects “are impressive and merit investment of time to advance the job creation agenda being created in Wise.”

Last week, McAuliffe told a reception of about 100 people in Norton of his plans to travel to Hong Kong to have his GreenTech Automotive firm purchase an electric car manufacturing company and help create new energy technology businesses in solar and wind energy, as well as the new automotive jobs he plans for Virginia.

News sources reported Monday that a business acquisition of Chinese electric automaker EUAuto Ltd. by GreenTech Automotive was being completed. Details of the deal were not released.

McAuliffe has announced his intent is to eventually create 4,500 new jobs for the electric auto manufacturing firm in Virginia as well as Tennessee and Mississippi. The former 2009 Democratic primary candidate for governor has said he plans to build a $5 billion electric auto manufacturing company.

Wise County Democratic Party Chairwoman Melanie Salyer said McAuliffe made quite an impression when he announced his plans last week in Norton.

“Those meeting with Terry McAuliffe Friday evening were very pleased with the determination of this international businessman and national political leader in lavishing his time and attention upon the energy technology investment portfolio of Southwest Virginia,” she said.

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