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Friends of the Gateway Region,
At our Legislative Meet & Greet in Hopewell last month, four of our region’s state leaders came together for an open and candid discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing our Gateway Region. Sen. Emily Jordan and Dels. Mike Cherry, Carrie Coyner and Otto Wachsmann shared how they see their work in the General Assembly as deeply tied to the economic health of our communities. Just like VGR’s investors work side by side, our delegation emphasized the importance of collaboration across party lines, localities and industries.
Here's a highlight of themes and takeaways:
· Infrastructure readiness: Whether it’s roads, water, sewer or energy, legislators acknowledged our ability to compete for new projects depends on being prepared. At the same time, that preparation must be tailored. What works in an urban area, for example, doesn’t always work in Sussex or Brunswick. They called for flexible approaches that recognize the realities of both urban and rural communities.
· Energy and industry growth: From data centers and manufacturing to agriculture and forestry, our leaders spoke about balancing opportunity with responsibility. They emphasized an “all of the above” approach to power – including natural gas, solar, wind and beyond – so that when businesses flip the switch, the lights come on. They also underscored the need for local voices in deciding what fits each community best.
· Education and workforce: Talent is the key driver of long-term prosperity, which means improving the teacher pipeline and modernizing career and technical pathways. They shared a clear point that strong schools and training programs fuel strong communities.
Perhaps most encouraging was a commitment to unity. Each legislator brought a unique perspective, but then consistently built on each other’s ideas. That collaboration mirrors what we do at VGR every day, as we align across jurisdictions and industries to create shared wins. When our region speaks with one voice, we are stronger, and when our delegation works together in Richmond, our communities benefit.
Keith Boswell
President & CEO
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