August 2022
Update from the President & CEO: 
Friends of the Gateway Region, while the temperature is HOT, it has not slowed the pace of economic development. Our team has been busy working projects, meeting with our board of directors and interacting with stakeholders. This issue showcases some important activities and initiatives we are tackling from the local community perspective to major industrial developments in the region’s pharmaceutical cluster.

Additionally, I want to welcome Yoti Jabri as the new Economic Development Director in Prince George County and thank him for his service in Surry County. I am especially thankful that the Gateway Region is blessed with talented economic developers in all our communities.
Pharma Cluster Update: A Close-Up Tour of
Civica Rx 
On July 20th, the VGR Board of Directors had the opportunity to tour the new Civica Rx plant under construction in Petersburg. The plant will provide a critical avenue for domestic drug manufacturing capabilities ensuring the general public has access to high-quality, lifesaving medicines.
Check out these quick stats shared by Civica Rx General Manager and Vice President of Operations Stan Benson:

40 employees already hired
186 employees expected
3 production lines to be installed – for vials, syringes and pens of Civica’s
affordable insulin and essential sterile injectable medications hospitals use daily
that fulfills Civica's Mantra:

Do what’s in the best interest of patients

After the tour, members of VGR’s Business Council gathered next door at AMPAC Fine Chemicals for a detailed presentation on the pharma cluster. Thanks to Elso DiFranco, Executive Director and General Manager at AMPAC Virginia, and Robby Demeria, Chief of Staff at Phlow, for educating us on why these companies chose Petersburg and the Gateway Region as home to their manufacturing operations.
VGR Kicks Off Local Market Development Initiative 
VGR is excited to launch this program as well as cover the cost for our seven communities.

What is it?

Each locality selects a custom program and works one-on-one with a project manager from our local market development team.

What are the program options?

Retail Academy- Data and reports aid the locality in developing customized pitches that target realistic retail business recruitment.

Retail Recruitment- Real estate analysis and data backed with real estate professionals connecting and advancing the community.

Community Revitalization- A partnership to rejuvenate downtown communities and business districts.

We anticipate this new initiative will increase the economic prosperity of our region.
Virginia’s Gateway Region Business Council
The Business Council is an elite group of professionals and organizations that are committed to Transformative Growth in the Gateway Region. They receive exclusive invitations to a variety of events throughout the year, and enjoy both informational and networking opportunities. Contact us
today for more information!
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