Virginia's Gateway Region

04/16/2026

Virginia’s biopharma momentum didn’t happen overnight: The Gateway Region helped lay the foundation.

The latest issue of Virginia Economic Review from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership highlights the Commonwealth’s surge in pharmaceutical manufacturing – including Phlow Corp. in and workforce training at Brightpoint Community College.

From early investments to workforce alignment, our region helped set the stage for growth across Virginia – and we’re just getting started.

Read the issue:
https://ow.ly/h2vT50YIsIX

Highlights from the Issue Highlights from the Issue Regional Spotlight Past Issues First Quarter 2026 Virginia meets the life sciences moment A look into the Commonwealth’s recent streak of high-profile biopharma manufacturing announcements This issue of Virginia Economic Review goes in depth on V...

04/15/2026

Strong regions are built on strong partnerships – and open conversations.

Thank you to Cedric Green and Joe Woomer from Dominion Energy for joining Virginia’s Gateway Region at The Hotel Petersburg for a community roundtable last week. Together, we shared updates, discussed key energy projects and heard directly from local leaders on the infrastructure needs shaping our future.

Reliable, forward-looking energy solutions are critical to supporting growth across the Gateway Region – and conversations like these help ensure we’re aligned to meet the moment.

04/14/2026

Big things are moving in Virginia’s Gateway Region.

From a packed Annual Meeting to continued momentum in workforce, investment, and regional collaboration – April’s Gateway Connector shows how we’re building what’s next.

See what’s driving progress:
https://ow.ly/1Z9550YIrZ6

04/10/2026

Strong communities are built from the ground up, and we’re proud to share local outreach like this.

Set for May 1, the Building of the Kingdom Workshop is a free, half-day event focused on stewardship, strategy and creating spaces where congregations can thrive.

🔗 Learn more & register: https://ow.ly/RuYt50YFTTR

04/09/2026

Out in Portland last week for the International Mass Timber Conference, where conversations around innovation in wood and forestry shape the future of construction and more. 🌲

Simon Chapman of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and VGR's David Leonard connected with businesses about why our state and region continue to stand out.

Virginia sits in the Southeastern U.S. “wood basket,” producing 60% of the nation’s harvested timber and supporting a $21 billion industry. Beyond lumber, forestry products power paper, furniture manufacturing and even bourbon barrel production.

That legacy runs deep. Virginia’s forestry economy traces back more than 400 years, when lumber was exported to England.

Today, the Gateway Region builds on that foundation with infrastructure to support growth: rail access, proximity to Interstates 95 and 85, and Route 460 providing a direct connection to the Port of Virginia. It’s a powerful combination of natural assets and modern logistics positioning our region for continued expansion in mass timber and advanced manufacturing.

04/07/2026

Proposed changes in Richmond could reshape how Virginia competes for data center investment.

In a new commentary published in Cardinal News, VGR President & CEO Keith Boswell joined economic development leaders statewide to raise concerns about legislation that could roll back or limit key incentive programs tied to data centers.

The message is clear: Virginia’s success has been built on consistency and trust. Changing the rules midstream risks sending the wrong signal — not just to data center companies, but to any business considering investment here. As more communities across the Commonwealth prepare sites, infrastructure and workforce pipelines, it’s critical they have a fair shot at these opportunities.

Read more: https://ow.ly/Vx6t50YEGXK

Boswell also addressed the issue in a recent Richmond Times-Dispatch article: https://ow.ly/2uGm50YEGXL

Thanks to co-authors: Garrett Hart, Chesterfield County Virginia Government and Virginia Economic Developers Association; Linda Green, Southern Virginia Regional Alliance; David Manley, Wythe County VA; and Kyle Rosner, Botetourt County.

If localities that once embraced data center investment now want to move in another direction, that is absolutely their right. But it would be unwise for the commonwealth of Virginia to pull up the…

04/02/2026

Virginia’s Gateway Region was well represented in last week for the Virginia Economic Developers Association Spring Conference.

Our team joined partners from across the Commonwealth to share ideas, strengthen connections and keep moving Virginia forward. From site readiness and workforce to infrastructure and innovation, it’s all about ex*****on – and delivering results for our communities.

We were especially glad to hear from The Honorable Carrie Chenery, Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade, and her vision as the state competes nationally and globally.

As we look ahead to America’s 250th birthday, gatherings like this remind us that Virginia’s next chapter is being written right now – together. 🇺🇸

Our David Leonard and comms consultant Jill Vaughan were excited to connect with Shanetta Beck, Emporia; Natalie Slate, Greensville County; Morgan Ingram and Stacey English, Dinwiddie County; and Charles Bennett and Kyle English, Hopwell.

04/01/2026

That “secret sauce” hits a little different when it comes with 80 years of history. 🍖

After nearly three years, King’s Barbecue is back – and Petersburg showed up BIG to welcome a local legend home. Lines, smiles and plenty of support for a place that’s always been more than just a restaurant.

A true community staple returns… and the region is stronger for it.

King's Barbecue in Petersburg reopened to massive crowds Thursday morning, nearly three years after the 80-year-old restaurant closed its doors.

03/31/2026

Our VGR team gathered at Good Ship Brewery & Eatery in Hopewell to wish Tom Scott all the best as he heads north to begin a new chapter with the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at University of Mary Washington on April 1.

We’re grateful for the countless miles Tom logged — across the country and around the globe — sharing the story of Virginia’s Gateway Region. His leadership has helped build a strong foundation for what’s ahead.

Wishing you great success, Tom. We know our paths will cross again.

03/26/2026

Congratulations to the recipients of our 2025 Annual Report artwork, created by photographer Steve Gay (far right)!

During our Annual Meeting last week, VGR's Keith Boswell presented copies of “Making Things and Moving Things” to:

• Brenda Ebron-Bonner, Dinwiddie County, VA Board of Supervisors
• Tanya Battle, C&F Bank
• Gina Slaunwhite, Columbia Gas of Virginia
• Dana Newcomer, CCWA Training
• Bruce Brockwell, First Bank

We’re grateful for your partnership - and to everyone who joined us for a great evening at the Petersburg Public Library.

03/25/2026

Another opportunity. More pathways. Real momentum.

A new session of Dealer School at Richard Bland College is opening doors to careers connected to Live Casino & Hotel Virginia – and VGR’s workforce team is actively sharing this opportunity across our network to help it grow.

That’s how we build success: preparing local talent, supporting new industries and driving investment back into our communities.

Strong earning potential through tips makes this a path worth exploring.

📍 Classes begin April 6

Learn more: https://www.livech.com/virginia/careers/dealer-school

Bet on your future with an exciting new career as a blackjack dealer with the potential to earn up to $50,000 in wages and tips! Attend a free information session today.