June 2026

Photo: Jabil

Jabil plans to begin production at its new 300,000-square-foot

facility in Prince George County this fall.

Friends of the Gateway Region,



Last month, VGR proudly celebrated a major economic development win: Jabil’s announcement to establish a manufacturing facility in Prince George County, creating 352 new jobs and producing critical power distribution equipment for Siemens. It is exactly the kind of advanced manufacturing investment we work every day to attract, and it reinforces something we have long believed – this region is increasingly becoming a destination for companies that make things, move things and power the future.

Of course, many people will naturally focus on those great headlines. However, economic development successes don’t happen overnight, but result from years of preparation, investment and collaboration. Before a company ever considers a site, communities must have the right ingredients in place: available land, strong infrastructure, reliable utilities, transportation access, a skilled workforce and local leadership committed to growth. Fortunately, VGR and our member localities continue to invest in all of those areas, creating an environment where businesses can succeed.

As I’ve said before, economic development is truly a team sport. Projects like Jabil involve countless conversations, site visits, data requests and coordination among local governments, regional partners and state agencies. Every successful announcement reflects people who play a critical role in helping companies evaluate and ultimately choose Virginia.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership is one of our most important partners in this work. Their team worked with Prince George County and VGR to secure the project for Virginia, which included Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s approval of a $700,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Jabil’s $6.1 million investment.

Another key advantage is the Virginia Talent Accelerator, VEDP’s nationally recognized workforce recruitment and training program. Today’s manufacturers are looking for more than buildings and infrastructure; they need confidence that they can recruit, train and retain the workforce required to operate at scale. The Talent Accelerator provides customized recruitment and training support tailored to each company's needs, helping remove one of the biggest barriers to growth and giving Virginia a significant competitive advantage. (Check out this great recruitment video the program helped Jabil produce!)



We’re thrilled to welcome Jabil to Virginia’s Gateway Region, and we’re grateful to every partner who helped make this project possible. We’ve long built momentum by continuing to invest in our sites, infrastructure, workforce and partnerships, and now we’re seeing that pay off with this new opportunity.



Keith Boswell

President & CEO

Cardinal News examined how uncertainty surrounding the state’s data center tax policy has already impacted projects in Southside Virginia. VGR President Keith Boswell captured the concern facing many communities across our region: “You’re talking about taking away an opportunity that other communities have had.”

The piece also highlights a thoughtful perspective from Greensville County Economic Development Director Natalie Slate on the potential impact these projects could have on infrastructure investment, public services and access to high-paying jobs closer to home.

Read the Story

Economic development often starts with creativity, collaboration and leadership. That was the focus of a recent “The Art of the Possible” discussion as VGR and partners from Hopewell and Colonial Heights met with peers at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Dr. Leonardo Caballero discussed how Colonial Heights is leveraging strong financial footing and stable leadership to creatively maximize redevelopment opportunities despite limited land availability. Charles Bennett shared how Hopewell is committed to making every square foot count while creating an environment where companies can build and manufacture products that “make life possible.”

Taking the VGR Message to Global SelectUSA Summit

More than 1,300 international companies employ 209,000+ Virginians – driven by best-in-class infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce and a business climate ranked No. 1 by CNBC. In early May, that story was front and center at the SelectUSA Investment Summit.

VGR’s Alex Wood and Prince George County's Michelle Rogers and Yoti Jabri were on the ground, joining Gov. Abigail Spanberger and VEDP partners to engage global investors and highlight the region’s readiness for growth.

Southern Economic Development Hall of Fame Includes VGR

VGR is represented twice on Southern Business & Development magazine’s new Southern Economic Development Hall of Fame: President and CEO Keith Boswell and Natalie Slate, economic development director for Greensville County.

The honor celebrates leaders whose careers have helped drive transformative economic and community development across the American South. This recognition speaks to the collaborative work happening throughout Virginia’s Gateway Region, where localities, businesses, educational institutions and community partners continue working together to strengthen our economy and create opportunity.

Read More

Carolina Structural Systems Opens in Greensville County

Carolina Structural Systems opened its new 40,000-square-foot facility in the Greensville County Industrial Park on May 21, creating 58 new jobs and strengthening Virginia’s forestry and manufacturing economy through a commitment to purchase Virginia-grown wood products. The company selected Greensville County over competing sites in North and South Carolina – another example of the region’s strategic location and business advantages along the I-95 corridor.

Emporia Hosts Business Appreciation Social

VGR joined local business owners in Emporia for the Business Appreciation Social during National Small Business Week. Thank you to Shanetta Beck, Emporia's community and economic development director, for organizing an event that brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders and regional partners at Nature's Market Cafe.

McClellan Drives Business Growth Conversation at VSU

VGR's Tom Stansbury joined leaders from across Virginia’s Gateway Region gathered at Virginia State University last month to discuss the future of entrepreneurship and small business growth with Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-5th District). The conversation provided an opportunity for civic and business leaders to share direct feedback about the needs, opportunities and challenges facing small businesses throughout our region. McClellan listened closely, took notes and sought candid input from those working every day to strengthen local economies.

Local Small Businesses to Benefit from Community Grants 

Gov. Abigail Spanberger recently announced $2.48 million through the Commonwealth’s Capital for Communities Fund within the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, supporting projects that expand financing for small businesses, entrepreneurs and housing development. Several localities across Virginia’s Gateway Region are included in this initiative, strengthening community-based lending and opening new pathways for growth.

Read More

More News Headlines from May

• Jabil to Open New Manufacturing Facility, Creating 350+ Jobs in Prince George County
• Virginia town unveils new ‘Love’ sign built by student welders
• Dominion, NextEra to merge and create world’s largest utility system
• 2026 Forty Under 40: J. William “Will” Clements II
• Phlow founding CEO Eric Edwards steps down; replacement named