February 2026

Photo by: Daniel Jones

Friends of the Gateway Region,



The early months of each new year often bring fresh leadership, new energy and renewed focus – and 2026 is no exception. At Virginia’s Gateway Region, we’re committed to working closely with newly elected and appointed officials across our localities, not to mention our partners at the state level, to ensure our region continues to move forward. Economic development is never the work of a single year or a single administration, but instead is a long-term commitment built on relationships, trust and collaboration.

As we look ahead, I want to recognize former Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his administration for the significant progress made on economic development across the Commonwealth, including meaningful investments and momentum here in the Gateway Region. We are grateful for that foundation and look forward to Gov. Abigail Spanberger picking up the baton and continuing to advance Virginia’s strong business climate. Economic development is truly a team sport – and a marathon, not a sprint – and Virginia’s continued success depends on strong leadership and shared goals.

That momentum is visible in many forms, including the recent opening of the temporary Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in Petersburg. Beyond the immediate economic activity and job creation, the casino’s early contributions to local nonprofits and charitable organizations underscore an important truth: Economic development isn’t just about projects and headlines – it’s about community impact. When investments support local causes and strengthen neighborhoods, the benefits ripple far beyond the balance sheet.

We’re also experiencing positive change within our own organization. We’ll continue to collaborate with Jeff Stoke as he transitions into his new role as Petersburg’s deputy city manager for community development, and we’re excited to welcome new voices to the VGR board. Please join me in welcoming Lovena Rapole of Hopewell, along with Bryan “Scott” Hammell and Donald Hunter of Prince George County. Their perspectives and leadership will be crucial as we continue to grow and evolve as a region.

Finally, our 2026 marketing calendar is officially underway, and we’re looking forward to another fruitful year of telling the Gateway Region story. We’ll be highlighting our assets, our communities and our momentum. I encourage you to mark your calendar for our Annual Meeting on March 12 at the Petersburg Public Library. It will be a great opportunity to connect, reflect on our progress and look ahead to what’s next for Virginia’s Gateway Region. 

Keith Boswell

President & CEO

The temporary Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in Petersburg has opened, marking another step forward in a $1.4 billion investment already generating jobs and economic activity. Projects like this don’t come down to chance alone. They reflect strategic partnerships, long-term vision and confidence in the Gateway Region’s future. Congratulations to the City, The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise for a strong start.

In early January, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced new federal commitments that will help sustain and expand revitalization efforts through the Partnership for Petersburg. Investments from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will support healthier homes, improved access to medical care and nutrition, and targeted environmental health initiatives – reinforcing the progress already underway in the city. This milestone reflects the power of aligned federal, state, regional and local leadership working toward long-term improvements in health, opportunity and quality of life for the City of Petersburg and the Gateway Region.

Civica Rx Launches Pair of Low-Cost Products

Civica Rx rang in the New Year with the launch of two low-cost products to help patients and payers save money: insulin glargine-yfgn (interchangeable to Lantus®) and ustekinumab-aauz (interchangeable to Stelara®). These important therapies mark the company’s expansion into biosimilars as it continues to bring affordable therapies to market for the patients who rely on them. Congrats to one of VGR’s leading pharmaceutical partners.

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Building Partnerships with Higher Education in Southern Virginia

VGR’s Tom Scott and David Leonard, along with Natalie Slate of Greensville County, joined with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Southside Virginia Community College to continue to build critical talent pipelines. The economic health of our region relies on giving residents access to workforce development programs that open doors to good jobs, which, in turn, will retain local talent and create new opportunities.

GO Virginia Supports Project to Benefit Prince George County

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced $1.2 million in GO Virginia funding to support the expansion of the Small Business Opportunity Center, benefiting Prince George County as part of a multi-region initiative. Led by Virginia Commonwealth University, the project expands access to technical assistance and sector-specific expertise for small businesses and traded-sector startups – strengthening talent pipelines, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting long-term economic growth.

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New Hangar to be Built at Emporia-Greensville Airport

A $109,000 federal infrastructure investment will support construction of a new T-hangar at the Emporia-Greensville Regional Airport, enhancing aircraft storage capacity and strengthening a key regional asset. The funding, announced by U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, is awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant program. Investments like this improve connectivity, support business attraction and reinforce the role of modern infrastructure in long-term economic growth.

Save the Date: VGR Annual Meeting Set for March 12

VGR will host its Annual Meeting on March 12, once again gathering at the Petersburg Public Library. Be sure to register now, as this event provides a great avenue for networking, reflecting on our progress and previewing what’s to come.

More News Headlines from January

• Main Street Station Co-Working Space opens in Downtown Hopewell
• Youngkin reflects on his legacy as the ’transformation’ governor
• Spanberger talks economic priorities in exclusive Q&A
• Large fire erupts at shuttered Georgia-Pacific plant in Emporia
• Richard Bland College Sustains Enrollment Growth
• Live Casino Virginia opens doors in Petersburg after years of anticipation