June 2025

Photo: LEGO Group

Update from the President & CEO: 

Friends of the Gateway Region,



Last month’s announcement that LEGO Group has chosen Prince George County for a $366 million regional distribution center speaks volumes to our growing reputation as a strategic hub for logistics and global commerce. LEGO is building a facility totaling 2 million square feet and bringing with it more than 300 new jobs.


This announcement is more than a win for Prince George County: It’s a powerful affirmation of VGR’s collective economic strength and potential. We have long promoted that our central location along the East Coast, access to major interstates and the Port of Virginia and a workforce pipeline fueled by top-tier educational institutions make us uniquely equipped to support global enterprises. LEGO’s continued investment sends a clear message to other international businesses: Our region is primed for growth and built for speed.


The impact of this project will ripple throughout our communities. Those new jobs mean hundreds of families will have new opportunities to thrive. New infrastructure, increased activity at our port and expanded supplier networks will generate broader economic benefits for local businesses. And we’ll see a significant demand for talent, leading to more partnerships with workforce programs and community colleges to ensure our residents are ready to step into these high-quality roles.


This project also underscores what can be achieved through collaboration. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Prince George County, the Port of Virginia and VGR worked closely on this opportunity for the Crosspointe Logistics Centre. These deals don’t happen overnight; they’re the product of years of building trust, aligning strategies and delivering on promises we make to businesses looking to grow here.


Looking ahead, we deepen our stake as a critical link in a global supply chain and a model for sustainable, coordinated growth. Beyond investing in a building, the LEGO Group is investing in a region committed to innovation, community and a shared vision for the future. We are proud to welcome LEGO to the Gateway Region, and we look forward to the jobs, energy and opportunity this expansion will bring.


And be sure to read the LEGO news clip below.


For more updates or questions, feel free to reach out to me directly.


Keith Boswell

President & CEO

SelectUSA Opens Doors to International Markets

VGR was out in force at the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., connecting with business leaders from around the world! Our team – including Yoti Jabri and Kelly Gallion from Prince George County and Alex Wood and Tom Scott from VGR – participated in nearly 20 high-impact meetings with companies from South Korea, Turkey, Kenya, Canada and more. With 5,500+ attendees representing more than 100 international markets, the summit was a powerful platform for building new relationships and showcasing why Virginia, and specifically the Gateway Region, is a top destination for foreign direct investment. 

Educational Partnerships Drive Regional Success

Workforce development and regional growth go hand in hand, and that’s exactly what we explored on a recent tour across the VGR footprint. VGR’s David Leonard and Keith Boswell were proud to join Tara Brady-Atkins (second from left) and Dr. William Fiege (far right) of Brightpoint Community College and Elizabeth Creamer of the Community College Workforce Alliance for a day of site visits, strategy sharing and collaboration.

Virginia Celebrates Economic Development Week in May

Across Virginia, economic developers work daily with public and private partners to create jobs, attract investment and improve quality of life. At Virginia’s Gateway Region, we’ve seen firsthand how that focus is transforming our communities. Our impact over the past five years has been significant.

Community Enclave Fosters Connections with Fort Gregg-Adams


Fort Gregg-Adams is launching a Defense Community Enclave that will allow the public to access three of its national museums – the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum, the U.S. Army Women’s Museum and the Ordnance Training Support Facility – without having to pass through base checkpoints. This initiative opens June 13 and is a major step forward in fostering military-community connection and boosting regional tourism. As a recent recipient of the Fort’s Good Neighbor Award, VGR recognizes how this reflects our shared mission to unite communities, support service members and expand opportunities for all.

Read More

Brownfields Symposium Shares Strategies for Underused Properties

Brownfields redevelopment turns challenges into opportunities. And last month, VGR’s Amy Everett attended the Virginia Brownfields Symposium alongside Charles Bennett, Hopewell’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism. The event, hosted by the City of Hopewell and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, drew professionals from across the state to share strategies for transforming underused properties into thriving centers of community and commercial activity. 

Supporting Business Growth Nurtures Regional Health

VGR’s David Leonard and Maggie Garinther of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership had a great visit with Justin and Carman Faison (center), owners of Winndom Mattress in Hopewell. This manufacturer specializes in high-quality, custom-made mattresses, and it was a pleasure to see their craftsmanship up close. 


Small Businesses Fuel Economic Growth in Region

In celebration of Small Business Week, the VGR team recently visited the new Griffin Lounge in Petersburg. Located in the former Trailways Bus Station, built in 1946, this restaurant and cigar lounge blends historic character with modern hospitality.



Hotel Petersburg Opens Rooftop Venue

There's no better place for a Petersburg sunset than 20 West. The new venue at the top of the Hotel Petersburg invites you to take in the city from a new perspective. Our Keith Boswell and Amy Everett were part of the crowd checking out the new rooftop hotspot.



More News Headlines from May

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