September 2023

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September 8th is National Essential Medicine Shortage Awareness Day

Update from the President & CEO: 

Friends of the Gateway Region,



Just as our students were preparing for a new school year, VGR was preparing for a new grant cycle last month. Grant opportunities are another piece of our economic development strategy. Whether for infrastructure or new initiatives, successfully securing grants is one of the ways VGR leverages the region's resources to grow our economy. The recent Build Back Better grant from the U.S. EDA is one example of a grant moving the region forward as we build our advanced manufacturing pharmaceutical cluster. 


Speaking of the cluster, did you know that America has a shortage of more than 100 essential generic medicines and/or their ingredients? Many of these critical medicines are needed for treating patients with life-threatening illnesses and are made from active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) that are solely manufactured abroad. It’s exciting to see the Gateway Region at the forefront of finding a solution to this challenge. VGR corporate citizens Phlow, Civica Rx, and AMPAC Fine Chemicals are conducting research and manufacturing these ingredients right here in our region to help stop the national shortage. Along with the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, VGR is taking part in the campaign to raise awareness of September 8th as National Essential Medicine Shortage Awareness Day. Learn more here.


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

September 8th is National Essential Medicine Shortage Awareness Day

What is an Essential Medicine?


Essential medicines form a broad category that includes critical care medicines, medicines in ICU, pain management, blood pressure control, and sedation.


Please refer to this link for a list of all the essential medicines currently in shortage. Read how the Gateway Region is making headlines fighting the shortage in this article from Virginia Business. 

Communities as Partners Series:

Hopewell’s Charles Bennett

Economic development is a team sport, and VGR is pleased to restart our LinkedIn local profile series. In an interview with VGR, we explore the exciting economic development movement that Charles Bennett is spearheading in Hopewell. Learn more in this article. Make sure you are logged in to LinkedIn when you click!

VGR Board Learns About Alternative Energy Solutions 

The VGR Board enjoyed a comprehensive presentation by Mark O. Webb, Dominion Energy's Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer in August.


Bonus: Webb is a Petersburg native! Stay tuned for more details from the presentation in a future newsletter. 

In Case You Missed it: Petersburg’s Resurgence Featured in Richmond BizSense 

A rendering of the Sycamore Grove project. (Submitted by Marcus Squires)

Photo Credit: Richmond BizSense

Discover the Transformation of Petersburg! Enjoy this guest article featured in Richmond BizSense and learn more about the excitement of Petersburg's revitalization journey.

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 August


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