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March 2025

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In early March, CEO Keith Boswell traveled to California for TPM25, which focused on global container shipping and logistics. Joining him were Eric Jehu and Femi Popoola from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Ashlyn Shrewsbury from with the Mount Rogers Regional Partnership.

Update from the President & CEO: 

Friends of the Gateway Region,



In economic development, nothing beats face-to-face connections. Attending industry conferences puts us front and center for companies looking to expand. At their heart, these events are about showcasing our workforce, infrastructure and business-friendly environment to decision-makers who can bring jobs and investment to our communities. If we’re not in the room, we’re not in the running.


With nearly a dozen conferences lined up before June, we’re targeting industries that match our region’s strengths: advanced manufacturing, logistics, data centers and energy solutions. These trips aren’t just networking opportunities; they’re high-stakes conversations that position us for growth. Teaming with representatives from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and our seven localities gives us even more leverage to put our region on the map.


Success isn’t collecting business cards. It’s getting companies to visit, see our potential firsthand and make real investments. We’ve seen it happen: a meeting at a conference turns into a site visit, and before long, a new company is calling Virginia’s Gateway Region home.



That’s why we hit the road. That’s why we show up. And that’s how we keep our region growing.

Call Keith Boswell at: +1 (804) 732-8971 or Click for Email

New VGR Team Member Announced

Welcome to Sharon Krol, our new part-time special projects manager. She brings with her nearly a quarter-century of experience in higher education. Among her responsibilities, she’ll manage our website and data. 


Ready, Aim, Fire that Entrée! Fort Gregg-Adams Hosts Culinary Cookoff

North America's largest culinary competition took place in the heart of Virginia's Gateway Region! Since 1973, the Joint Culinary Training Exercise hosted at U.S. Army Fort Gregg-Adams has showcased the skill, creativity and professionalism of military chefs from the Armed Forces. Sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation, this event celebrates culinary excellence, innovation and teamwork among the chefs who prepare nutritious meals for our troops – often under pressure. By hosting the event, Fort Gregg-Adams highlighted its vital role in our region's economic vitality. Learn More


Business Council Meets for Lunch at Military Mess Hall

Our Business Council closed out February with a visit to U.S. Army Fort Gregg-Adams, where we enjoyed lunch in the same mess hall that serves the soldiers stationed there. During our visit, we also observed early events in the Joint Culinary Training Exercise.

VGR Speaks to Economic Development Trends at Hopewell Summit


VGR's Tom Scott and Keith Boswell joined Faith McClintic of Spectrum Growth Solutions and Mike Yaskowsky of Hampton Economic Development at the Hopewell Economic Development Summit 2025, where they discussed trends in economic development.

Something Is Brewing in Downtown Hopewell

Our VGR team, including President Keith Boswell, Director of Workforce Development David Leonard, board member Becky McDonough, and Charles Bennett, Hopewell Director of Economic Development, stopped by the grand opening of Brew and Blossom Co on Valentine's Day. Owner Crystal Bennett built her coffee shop in a recently renovated historic building featuring commercial and residential units.

Annual Meeting to Explore ‘State of Virginia’s Gateway Region’

Have you gotten your tickets yet? We look forward to seeing you at our annual meeting on April 10, when we’ll once again convene at the Petersburg Library. Our agenda focuses on the “State of Virginia’s Gateway Region.” We’ll also unveil our highly anticipated annual report.

Register Now


More News Headlines from February

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