E-business solutions and consulting firm Competitive Innovations LLC is taking on 10,000 sf of retail space near its downtown Culpeper principal office on Main St. for its high tech division. It plans to spend $1 million to convert the facility for technology usage. Defense industry research and development contractor AttoTek Inc., also on Main St., is also adding 10,000 sf to its operations by building a new facility on State Rte. 684 for $1.2 million. The structure--which will occupy a 50-acre plot recently approved for rezoning from rural to office-commercial--will be expandable to a maximum 40 sf.

"The number and quality of jobs to be created by these two businesses will certainly benefit the local economy," says Culpeper County Board of Supervisors chairman John Coates. "Their decision to locate here underscores our strategic position for knowledge and technology based industries. Our quality of life, highly trained labor force and modern infrastructure make Culpeper an ideal environment for businesses that need to be located near major metropolitan areas and universities, but want to enjoy the benefits of a rural community."