November 2025

Friends of the Gateway Region,



Momentum is the word that best describes what’s happening across Virginia’s Gateway Region this fall. From a record turnout at our recent Biotech & Beer event to construction cranes dotting the skyline, you can feel the energy of progress everywhere you look. The Live! Casino & Hotel is moving forward with plans to open its temporary site in early 2026, marking another major investment in Petersburg’s resurgence and the region’s growing entertainment and tourism footprint.

Across our communities, infrastructure upgrades are paving the way for future growth. Water and wastewater improvements are enhancing capacity for new industry, while localities like Prince George County and Colonial Heights are charting their next chapter through comprehensive planning and community visioning efforts. These steps demonstrate how thoughtful planning and investment go hand in hand to strengthen our regional foundation.



Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), where innovation and industry collaboration are driving solutions that will define the next decade of manufacturing. It’s clear that the future isn’t just coming to the Gateway Region: It’s already happening here. Together, we’re building the framework for sustained growth, opportunity, and shared prosperity across every industry sector.

Keith Boswell

President & CEO

VGR joined global industry leaders last month at CPHIFrankfurt, the premier international event for pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Our co-hosted networking breakfast featured a presentation by Andrew Carpenter of Phlow Corporation, who shared how the company’s continued growth in Petersburg reflects the region’s expanding life sciences ecosystem. VGR’s Tom Scott spoke on the regional value proposition alongside partners from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Petersburg and Richmond, with Petersburg's Brian Moore helping welcome guests and spark global connections.

Caballero Applies Holistic Vision to Position Colonial Heights

Dr. Leonardo “Lenny” Caballero, assistant city manager and director of economic development for Colonial Heights, is applying a holistic vision to growth — one that balances business recruitment with quality of life. For Caballero, economic development means more than landing new industries. It’s about creating a complete package of good schools, housing, retail, parks, events and community pride — because strong communities attract strong businesses.

 Read More

Toasting Biotech’s Future in the Heart of the Petersburg Pharma Cluster

Over 100 attendees joined Virginia’s Gateway Region and Virginia Bio for our Biotech & Beer Business Council, held last week on the rooftop of the Hotel Petersburg. The event brought together manufacturers, suppliers, advocates and industry partners to network and explore new opportunities to strengthen and expand Virginia’s biotech and life sciences ecosystem.

How Pharma Manufacturing Has Shaped Recent Economic Development

A panel of regional experts, including VGR's own Tom Scott, recently gathered for a discussion hosted by the Alliance for Building Better Medicine. The program explored economic development made over the past half-decade in pharmaceutical manufacturing in our region, including Phlow's launch of producing critical drug ingredients last year. Growing advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing remains a core tenet of our growth strategy. In late October, AstraZeneca, Lilly and Merck announced the development of the Virginia Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in collaboration with several four-year universities and the Virginia Community College System, including Brightpoint in our region. This workforce training and education center will support future jobs in the Petersburg pharma hub.

Ribbon Cutting Marks Milestone in Clean Energy in Virginia

VGR joined leaders and partners at Richard Bland College to celebrate Hydrogen Day and the ribbon cutting for Independence Hydrogen, now home to the state’s official HydrogenHub location in Petersburg. Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered remarks on the role hydrogen energy will play in powering growth and innovation across the Commonwealth. VGR's Keith Boswell attended on behalf of the regional team — another milestone in advancing sustainable energy and economic opportunity across the Gateway Region.

Building Relationships and Sharing Our Mission in New Localities

Keith Boswell, President & CEO of Virginia’s Gateway Region, spoke with the Emporia-Greensville County Chamber of Commerce about how the city's and county’s new membership with VGR is helping to shape a broader, collaborative approach to economic development.

Opening Doors to the Gateway Region via Port of Virginia

Alex Wood represented VGR at the VMA25 International Trade Symposium held in Norfolk, hosted by the Virginia Maritime Association and host port sponsor The Port of Virginia. The event gathered state leaders, shippers, logistics providers and supply chain experts to explore how the industry is navigating disruption, strengthening resilience and advancing sustainable growth. 

More News Headlines from October

• ‘On the rise:’ Petersburg embraces clean energy with new hydrogen recycling plant
• Developer to open temporary Petersburg casino early next year
• Emporia leaders vote to welcome data centers into city
• Hopewell is one step closer to opening up its marina’s oldest dock after year-long revitalization improvements
• Mackenzie Scott gives record $50M to Virginia State University