Hi-Test Labs, based and headquartered in Arvonia in Buckingham County, was recently named this year’s Longwood University Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) Farmville region Small Business of the Year. According to Sheri McGuire, SBDC’s executive director, the firm specializes in the unique field of shock and vibration testing. “Under Bill Yancey’s leadership since 1975, Hi-Test has experienced substantial growth. Growing from a modest 20 employees to its current roster of over 50 employees, Hi-Test employs a range of workers with skill sets from laborers and clerical workers to analysts and engineers. Since Yancey took full ownership in 1999, profits have grown 200 to 400 percent, turning the business into a successful multi-million dollar corporation,” according to McGuire. Outside of the headquarters in Buckingham, Hi-Test now has personnel in Atlanta, GA, Washington DC, and Mystic, CT. (Photo by Jordan Miles)