October 2023

The many colors of the Gateway Region!

Friends of the Gateway Region,



I always get energized when fall arrives in Virginia. Just as the leaves shed their lush green for a cornucopia of color, it is a time to reset and refocus. For the VGR team, that means we are ramping up activities across the board. Schedules are busy as we travel to familiar places and to some new locations, with the anticipation of spreading the word about the advantages of the Gateway Region for business.

We are focused on traditional industry sectors, and we are excited about new opportunities in emerging areas as well. In addition to our business development calendar, we are thrilled to host Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick for a regional tour later this month.



Finally, I want to thank our friends at Dominion Energy for hosting and speaking at our September Business Council meeting at the Locks Campus in Dinwiddie County. You can read more about the event below.

We are truly better together and if you have ideas on how to realize that vision, please reach out to me.

Congratulations to Service Center Metals! 

The Prince George manufacturer cut the ribbon on their $127 million expansion with Governor Youngkin on September 9^th. The expansion includes two new manufacturing areas — an aluminum recycling and billet casting plant and a new aluminum extrusion line.

Photo Credit: Prince George County

Photo Credit: City of Petersburg

In celebration of the first anniversary of signing the Partnership for Petersburg, Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, and a dedicated team of cabinet members and staff returned to Petersburg to reflect on the incredible accomplishments achieved together. The Partnership for Petersburg touches every corner of the Petersburg community, working to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. It's a game-changer for the City's present and future, fostering a thriving community that paves the way for robust economic development throughout the entire Gateway Region.

VGR Business Council Learns About the Future of Energy at Dominion Campus 

More than 30 members of the VGR Business Council attended an event at Dominion Energy on September 27^th. They enjoyed a comprehensive presentation by Petersburg native Mark O. Webb, Dominion Energy's Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer. Read more on LinkedIn here!

Keeping Current with Economic Powerhouse Fort Gregg-Adams 

VGR's Keith Boswell attended the most recent Fort Gregg-Adams Civilian Military Council with many of VGR's regional partners. Attendees appreciated learning more about the Fort's impressive military assets that include 3D printers, robotics, advanced weapon systems, and large military vehicles. A highlight of the afternoon was the opportunity to sit down and chat with military service members one-on-one at the Ordnance Warrior Restaurant.

Thank You Investors!

As a 501C3 nonprofit organization, VGR only operates through public and private investments.

Thanks to following Corporate Council investor who helps make VGR successful!

More News Headlines from September

• Sonfu Digital Solutions Announces Health & Wellness Client Reactivation System
• Through family tragedy, she kept her dad's hardware store afloat: 'I think he’d be very proud'
• Virginia Department of Labor and Industry Recertifies Luminant Hopewell Power Plant as Voluntary Protection Program
• Service Center Metals Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Recycling and Extrusion Plants
• Photos: Dominion Energy utilizes ‘solar grazing’ at solar farm in Sussex County
• Governor Youngkin announces over $2.9 million in Small Business Development and Community Revitilization Grants