January 2020 Newsletter
CEO Update
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Here at VGR, we are gearing up for a very special year—our 60 th anniversary. It’s hard to believe that in 1960, a small group of area businessmen who had a vision of “attracting business and industry to the Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell area” set our future course. In 2020, we plan to pay tribute to our rich history, and set the vision for the next five years. Stay tuned for information about stakeholder events and celebrations in the coming months. If you have any questions or input, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at kboswell@gatewayregion.com or 804-732-8971.
VEDP Introduces VGR to the new Virginia Talent Accelerator Program
VGR staff and community economic developers were all ears when Jackie Hudson, VEDP Business Manager, visited this month to outline this exciting new state training incentive. Available now to transformational projects in the manufacturing, distribution, technology/headquarters industries, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program will provide companies with services fully customized to their unique processes, equipment, jobs and culture to accelerate recruiting and training and make them successful. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.
Leadership Chesterfield Hears From VGR President & CEO
VGR President & CEO Keith Boswell spoke to the latest class of Leadership Chesterfield in December at Virginia State University. Leadership Chesterfield helps emerging leaders interested in strengthening their leadership vision and effectiveness; deepening their understanding of and connections to the chamber, the county, and the business community.

VGR Participates in VEDA Legislative Day
Advocating for the region, and economic development in general, is important to maintain a pro-business climate and attract companies. President & CEO Keith Boswell attended VEDA’s legislative reception on January 13 th and participated in VEDA’s legislative day at the General Assembly on January 14 th . VEDA members discussed policy initiatives like upholding Virginia’s right-to-work law with various legislators and their aides.
Richmond Times - Dispatch Features VGR President & CEO

Keith Boswell was the person to "get to know" in the Sunday, January 5th edition of the RTD. Read the full interview here.
Governor Northam Announces 60 New Manufacturing and Technology Jobs in Chesterfield County
Read the full announcement here
Show us Love on Social Media

Please follow VGR on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (@VAGatewayRegion) to keep up with all the latest VGR happenings!
If you are enjoying this newsletter, forward it to a friend so they can receive the same great content in their inbox!
Partner Spotlight
Bringing waterfront dining back to Hopewell! The Boathouse at City Point with a sweeping vista of the Appomattox and James rivers features high-end interior design elements, private dining for large groups, patio dining and an outdoor bar, as well as a menu featuring coastal elements and a number of locally sourced ingredients.

An unknowing trend-setter, our owner, Kevin Healy, created The Boathouse restaurants and event spaces to wed the town’s impeccable waterfront views with authentic, locally-sourced cuisine. From the classically Southern shrimp and grits featuring sausage from Surry, VA to pizza made with authentic Italian recipe dough, the menu is distinctive and, most importantly, delicious. Our chefs’ dedication to quality has also allowed our team to branch out and experiment with unique, redefined dining experiences.