November 2024

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Update from the President & CEO: 

Friends of the Gateway Region,



We’ve long talked about the importance of having key infrastructure – energy, broadband, water and transportation – in place to become a sought-after destination for companies to select Virginia’s Gateway Region for their new projects. Key infrastructure is just as important for strategic expansions of existing businesses as well.


But there’s a softer side, if you will, to economic development. It’s about community.


The relaunch of the historic Hotel Petersburg is a perfect example of that – and we already know it will be a major component of our toolbox as we attract investments to our region from both prospects and investors. Like our many quality sites, this high-end property will be a destination venue for hosting visitors during their time in our region.


While there’s no perfect formula in economic development, we know that our success includes presenting the vitality of our region. That includes providing an optimal blending of accommodations, dining and even shopping experiences.



Last month, we hosted our Business Council meeting at the Hotel Petersburg, drawing in community residents and leaders to get a first-hand look before it hosts its first overnight guests in December. Given the amazing interest and response in our event, we know that the hotel’s restoration will spark additional revitalization in Petersburg, as well as the rest of the region.

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

Team Travels to Milan for Major Pharmaceutical Trade Show

VGR's Tom Scott, Brian Moore of the City of Petersburg, and representatives from the Alliance for Building Better Medicine met with more than 30 companies from four continents at CPHI Milan, one of the largest pharmaceutical trade shows in the world. With more than 60,000 attendees and 2,400 exhibitors at the event, our team was able to tell our exciting regional story of the growing pharmaceutical ecosystem. The word is getting out that our region is a U.S. hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Tobacco Commission Members Visit Dominion’s Locks Campus 

Members of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission visited Dominion Energy's Locks Campus, joining with us and our Dinwiddie County Economic Development partners. The facility serves as a living laboratory and innovation hub as Dominion maintains reliability, meets evolving customer energy needs and develops the grid of the future.

Learn More


Bon Secours College of Health Sciences Hosts Board Meeting

The Bon Secours Southside College of Health Sciences hosted our board's October meeting, followed by a guided facility tour to see nurses-to-be in training. VGR Board Member Brenda Woodcock, president of the Southside Medical Center and Southern Virginia Medical Center, coordinated an extraordinary event that gave us insights on the effort to address the shortage of qualified nurses. Learn More

Impact Video Features VGR on Pharmaceutical Opportunities

As one of the founding members of the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, Virginia’s Gateway Region took part in a series of impact videos showcasing the region. President and CEO Keith Boswell talked about the legacy of economic development with pharmaceutical companies – and the opportunities for others in the industry to come here.

Watch Now

BioHealth Forum Showcases Capital Region’s Capabilities

VGR’s Tom Scott attended the fall BioHealth Capital Region Forum, where Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin was named Bio Governor of the Year. Joining them was Juan Pablo Segura, Virginia’s Chief Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade. In addition to attracting hundreds of government officials, academic leaders and industry executives, the forum highlighted capabilities and offered insights into future trends. Growth in the Virginia biopharmaceutical ecosystem is happening, and we hope this flourishing leads to new corporate partnerships, expansions, and locations.


VGR Holiday Open House

Thursday, December 12th, 2024

4:00pm - 6:00pm

256 E Ellerslie Ave, Suite D

Colonial Heights, VA 23834

More News Headlines from October

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