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Friends of the Gateway Region,
As we turn the calendar to May, we also recognize Economic Development Week, a time to reflect on the work that drives growth and strengthens our communities across Virginia’s Gateway Region.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Over the past five years, Virginia recorded 908 company announcements, 85,555 new jobs and $169.9 billion in capital investment. Most notably, 72.5% of those announcements came from businesses already located in our state – a clear reminder that economic development isn’t just about attracting new companies, but about supporting and growing the businesses that already call this home.
At its core, economic development is about building better communities by creating high-quality jobs, strengthening local economies and expanding opportunities for future generations.
That work is guided by three key pillars: investing in people, through workforce and education; investing in infrastructure, from sites to energy and connectivity; and investing in telling our story, so decision-makers understand the value and momentum of our region.
That third pillar came into focus at our recent Coffee & Connect Business Council event, where regional media partners shared candid insights on how stories are shaped and amplified. Our key takeaway is that strong relationships and authentic storytelling are essential to elevating the progress happening across our communities. (Read more about the event.)
As we recognize Economic Development Week, we’re reminded that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built through collaboration – and in Virginia’s Gateway Region, that alignment continues to move us forward.
Keith Boswell
President & CEO
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