February 2021 Newsletter
CEO Update
I hope this message finds you safe and well amid the wintry weather we have experienced this month.
 
All economic developers know that having ready-to-go sites and buildings is the foundation to their work when it comes to courting new industrial prospects. I am pleased to report that we have focused many hours this season applying for a GO Virginia grant to help our region, as well as our surrounding communities, to improve our site readiness.
 
We are part of the state’s GO Virginia Region 4. Of all the potential developable sites in Virginia, did you know that one third of them are located in this region? If this grant is approved, we will be able to move 17 sites to a “Tier 4” classification. This means the site is in prime condition for a prospective company to locate there and build out a new facility.
 
The end game of course is to have the Gateway Region announce several new projects resulting in new jobs and investment for our economy. I want to thank VGR’s COO Ajay Sujanani for leading this initiative. 

Thank you in advance for your support in 2021. If you have any questions or input about VGR’s economic development efforts, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at: kboswell@gatewayregion.com or (804) 732-8971.
Welcome to Virginia's Gateway Region: Meet Our New Marketing Video

The VGR Team has launched a professionally produced video to utilize in its marketing efforts to promote the region to new and expanding business prospects. The video has attracted media exposure and more than 500 views in a few weeks.
 
“In spite of filming limitations, the Board is extremely pleased with how this video captures the essence of the Gateway Region,” said Dr. Ted Raspiller, VGR Board Chairman and President of John Tyler Community College. “Companies can be certain they will be welcomed here and supported by an impressive business community, notable industrial neighbors and a skilled workforce.”
 
Click the PLAY button above to see the video!
VGR Board Elects New Members

VGR’s Board of Directors held their first meeting of the year virtually on February 4. Angel Clarke, Vice President & Community Relations Manager of Bank of America, and William H. Talley, IV, President of William H. Talley & Son Inc., were elected as new members. VGR thanks outgoing board members Christine Chandler of AdvantaStaff, J. Tolleison Morriss, VI of J.T. Morriss & Son, and Victor Branch of Bank of America for their many years of service. VGR is delighted that Chris, Tolleison, and Victor will remain on the VGR Advisory Board acting as ambassadors for the Gateway Region.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Cluster Invites Business and Community Participation 

More than 100 attendees joined a Zoom meeting this month to learn more about the pharmaceutical manufacturing cluster anchored by Phlow, AMPAC Chemicals, and now Civica Rx. Key leaders of the cluster educated the audience about the science, technology and workforce needs behind the headlines. VGR stands ready to assist companies looking to locate or expand in the region to be part of the action that will transform the American supply chain of essential medicines. 
VEDA Showcases Local Companies for Resilience through COVID-19
The Virginia Economic Developers Association, VEDA, featured three Gateway Region companies in its digital Cardinal Comeback Series, an effort to highlight all the businesses and economic developers who are working hard to make Virginia’s economy COME BACK. KAISA in Dinwiddie County, Perdue Farms in Prince George County and Three Brothers Distillery in Sussex County received statewide exposure along with the inspiring stories from other existing businesses across Virginia. See all the Cardinal Comeback stories HERE.
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The important work of Virginia’s Gateway Region would not be possible without the support of our dedicated investors. 

Thank you AdvantaStaff. Are you interested in becoming a partner? Contact Amy Everett at aeverett@gatewayregion.com
Partner Spotlight
AdvantaStaff is in the business of putting qualified workers where clients need them most. They believe a prepared workforce is the backbone of the economy. Every day AdvantaStaff recruits, prepares and puts to work a small army of good people – ready to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.