E-business solutions and consulting firm Competitive InnovationsLLC is taking on 10,000 sf of retail space near its downtownCulpeper principal office on Main St. for its high tech division.It plans to spend $1 million to convert the facility for technologyusage. Defense industry research and development contractor AttoTekInc., also on Main St., is also adding 10,000 sf to its operationsby building a new facility on State Rte. 684 for $1.2 million. Thestructure--which will occupy a 50-acre plot recently approved forrezoning from rural to office-commercial--will be expandable to amaximum 40 sf.

"The number and quality of jobs to be created by these twobusinesses will certainly benefit the local economy," says CulpeperCounty Board of Supervisors chairman John Coates. "Their decisionto locate here underscores our strategic position for knowledge andtechnology based industries. Our quality of life, highly trainedlabor force and modern infrastructure make Culpeper an idealenvironment for businesses that need to be located near majormetropolitan areas and universities, but want to enjoy the benefitsof a rural community."