Virginia's Gateway Region

08/27/2026

We enjoyed another great opportunity last week to put Virginia’s Gateway Region in front of our partners at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

Shanetta Beck shared how is positioning itself for growth – from industry and data center opportunities to revitalization, events and expanding retail and restaurant options. With more than 60,000 vehicles traveling through the area each day, Emporia offers visibility and access to match its ambition.

Michelle Rogers highlighted the momentum in Prince George County, including 34 active projects, Jabil’s continued progress, small business micro-grants, creative child care solutions and infrastructure investments that have added 1.5 million gallons per day of water capacity.

Thank you to our colleagues at VEDP for making time to hear directly from our local partners and learn more about the opportunities taking shape across the Gateway Region.

📷: VGR Board Chair Rex Davis; Jo-Elsa Jordan, business manager with VEDP; Michelle Rogers, PG County; Shanetta Beck, Emporia

08/26/2026

🌲 Virginia’s Gateway Region has a new seat at the table for one of the Commonwealth’s most important industries.

VGR has been invited to the new Virginia Wood Council, bringing the perspective of a region with deep roots in forestry and wood products to this statewide effort.

It’s a natural fit. VGR sits within the Southeast’s “wood basket,” which supplies more than 60% of the timber harvested in the U.S., and communities including Brunswick, Greensville and Sussex counties have long been part of Virginia’s timber economy.

The new council will bring industry and government leaders together to strengthen markets, workforce, supply chains and opportunities for wood-based businesses across Virginia.

🌳 Learn more about the Virginia Wood Council: https://ow.ly/JxGC50ZEWQy

08/25/2026

⚽ Big plans are moving forward in Colonial Heights.

City Council has approved the sale of 38 acres near Southpark Mall for the planned Sina Sports Complex. This development could ultimately represent $180 million in investment and bring new sports fields, hotels, restaurants, apartments and hundreds of jobs to the city.

The vision goes beyond the playing fields. By combining tournament sports with places to stay, eat and spend, the project could keep more visitor dollars right here in Colonial Heights and the Gateway Region.

Read more from Richmond BizSense about what’s planned: https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/08/19/colonial-heights-approves-land-sale-to-sina-hospitality-for-180m-sports-complex-project/

Last night's approval allows the Henrico-based hotelier to buy the 38-acre former landfill from the city for $1, in exchange for building a project featuring hotels, restaurants and synthetic turf fields on the property.

08/20/2026

Virginia’s advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is gaining momentum, and Virginia’s Gateway Region is helping move it forward.

VGR’s Alex Wood joined U.S. Senator Mark Warner and other regional leaders on a panel at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) celebrating the federal investment in the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Tech Hub. VGR Director of Workforce Development David Leonard also attended as part of the VGR team.

This investment means new technology, stronger domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and new career opportunities – all important to our region’s continued economic growth.

Proud to have VGR at the table as this work moves forward with other key local partners, including Brightpoint Community College and the Community College Workforce Alliance.

📷: Drexel Harris

08/19/2026

🚐 Health care on the move in .

VGR was proud to join Bon Secours Southside Medical Center and community partners for the blessing and dedication of the new Petersburg Care-A-Van.

More than a vehicle, the Care-a-Van is about access, bringing health care directly to neighborhoods, schools, churches and community centers and helping remove barriers that can stand between residents and better health outcomes. Investments that strengthen the health and well-being of our communities also strengthen our region.

📸 Asha Hopson, John Randolph Foundation; Amy Everett, Virginia’s Gateway Region; Joey Trapani, Southside Medical Center; and Paige Bullen, Bon Secours Foundation in Richmond.

08/18/2026

A strong workforce takes partners who understand what employers need and create pathways to opportunity.

Brightpoint Community College’s new Hospitality Management program does just that. Developed with regional industry leaders, it responds directly to workforce needs in the growing tourism and hospitality sector.

Partners like Brightpoint are critical to ensuring our workforce grows alongside our economy.

👏 Read more: https://ow.ly/VXSt50Zy76g

08/13/2026

VGR Board Chair Rex Davis joined leaders from across the region for the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee Fort Lee Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony in late July.

We thank Col. Richard J. Bendelewski for his leadership and service to Fort Lee and our region and wish him the very best in retirement. We also welcome Col. Stacy L. King as she assumes command of the Garrison.

Fort Lee is an important economic driver, major employer and valued partner in the Gateway Region, and we look forward to continuing that strong relationship.

08/12/2026

🚢 Vote for the Boat!

Hopewell’s Good Ship Brewing & Eatery is one of just seven finalists for the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association’s 2026 New Restaurant of the Year — and voting ends this Sunday, Aug. 16!

A win would shine a statewide spotlight on a homegrown business while showcasing the revitalization, tourism and entrepreneurial momentum happening in Downtown . Thanks to our partners at the Hopewell - Prince George Chamber of Commerce for nominating Good Ship for consideration in these Virginia Ordinary Awards!

Let’s bring this one home for the Gateway Region! 🗳️

Vote now: https://VOTE.goodshipbrewingco.com

08/11/2026

📬 The August Gateway Connector is here!

This month, we’re looking at the past, present and future of economic opportunity across Virginia’s Gateway Region – from the launch of our VGR250 campaign to major investments shaping what comes next.

Inside:
🔹 VGR250 connects 250 years of regional history with today’s economic strengths
🔹 Why energy infrastructure is critical to Virginia’s economic future
🔹 Virginia earns top national rankings for business and workforce training
🔹 A firsthand look at Virginia’s $23+ billion forestry industry
🔹 New federal investments in brownfields redevelopment and advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing

There’s plenty happening across the Gateway Region. Catch up now: https://ow.ly/wh9150Zy6Lp

08/06/2026

Every new business announcement is really the start of a much bigger conversation.

How do we ensure local residents are ready for the careers those investments create? How do employers find the skilled workforce they need to grow?

Those are the conversations our VGR team of David Leonard, Keith Boswell and Tom Stansbury had with Cynthia Finley and Thaddeus Huff from the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) during a recent meeting at Demolition Coffee in .

Strong workforce partnerships help turn economic opportunity into career opportunity and create pathways for residents while giving employers confidence they can find the talent they need right here in our region. That's how lasting economic growth happens. 🤝