September 2026

Friends of the Gateway Region,



The past several weeks have given me something I don’t often have enough of: time to reflect.

As I stepped away from VGR’s day-to-day work to focus on recovering from surgery, I’ve found myself thinking less about what I’m missing and more about what I’m grateful for. And near the top of that list is the work happening across our nine localities – work that hasn’t slowed down simply because I have.

In our cities, we see many encouraging projects. Colonial Heights leaders approved a major sports tourism project from SINA Hospitality. Emporia’s forward-thinking City Council focuses on developing new opportunities. Petersburg is building its local economic development team while working several projects that will aid the city’s continued revitalization moving forward. In Hopewell, we’re seeing a spark with the $4 million restoration of the historic State Planters Bank Building, with city leaders investing in a one-stop location there for key public services.

Look to our counties, and you’ll see other important progress. Prince George is seeing Jabil hiring local residents. Brunswick is honed in on preparedness, particularly as more eyes turn toward the wood industry – a tremendous asset for both the county and our region. Greensville is bringing several properties to market, while Dinwiddie is promoting the evolution of the Central State Hospital property. In Sussex, economic development remains a priority during leadership transitions. Projects there include the Blackwater Solar Project, which has the potential to generate local revenue to support schools, emergency services and other community priorities while incorporating significant environmental protections.



Each effort represents local leadership, preparation and partnership, reflecting my long belief that economic development is a team sport. These past several weeks have reinforced how true that is. I’m especially grateful to the VGR team, our Board of Directors and our local partners who have continued to advance our mission. We have a cast of All-Stars across this region, and I couldn’t be more thankful to be part of the team.

Keith Boswell

President & CEO

Virginia’s Gateway Region joined U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and other regional leaders on a panel at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Prince George County celebrating the federal investment in the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Tech Hub. For VGR, the opportunity is clear: Grow advanced manufacturing, strengthen domestic pharmaceutical production and build the workforce and career pathways needed to support that growth.

VGR joined Bon Secours Southside Medical Center and community partners for the blessing and dedication of the new Petersburg Care-A-Van. The Care-A-Van represents an important investment in healthcare access, bringing services directly into neighborhoods, schools, churches and community centers. By meeting people where they are, it can help remove barriers to care and support better health outcomes across the community.

Regional Partnerships Continue with Fort Lee Leadership Changes

VGR Board Chair Rex Davis joined leaders from across the region for the U.S. Army Fort Lee Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony in late July. We thank Col. Rich Bendelewski for his leadership and service to Fort Lee and the broader region and wish him well in retirement. We also welcome Col. Stacy L. King as she assumes command of the Garrison, which is a major employer, economic driver and community partner.

Growing the Workforce to Align with Growing Opportunities

As companies continue choosing VGR, our focus is helping create a workforce that's ready to grow alongside them. That means opening doors for residents, strengthening employers' talent pipelines and ensuring opportunity stays local – because the strongest economies are built when investment and workforce advance together. We recently engaged with Community College Workforce Alliance colleagues to discuss how training, education and employer partnerships can better align with the region's growing economy.

VGR Represented on New Virginia Wood Council

VGR is now a member of the newly energized Virginia Wood Council, bringing the perspective of a region with deep roots in forestry and wood products to this statewide effort. VGR sits within the Southeast’s “wood basket,” which supplies more than 60% of the timber harvested in the U.S., and communities including Brunswick, Greensville and Sussex counties have long been part of Virginia’s timber economy.

About the Council

Brightpoint Launches Hospitality Management Program

Brightpoint Community College’s new Hospitality Management program is a great example of what workforce readiness looks like in action. Developed with regional industry leaders, the program responds directly to workforce needs while preparing students for careers in a growing sector.

More News Headlines from August

• Colonial Heights approves land sale to Sina Hospitality for $180M sports complex project
• Live Casino Virginia marks 6-month milestone with $77M in revenue
• VGR250 Campaign Highlights Dynamic Region on the Rise
• Virginia faces a collision of policy choices on data centers and energy
• Big deals: Pharma, manufacturing make splash in Virginia
• Navigating Virginia’s Data Center Boom: Policy Shifts, Local Projects, and Future Challenges