April 2020 Newsletter
CEO Update
I hope this message finds you safe and healthy in these uncertain times. The VGR team has continued to perform our duties both in the office under socially distant guidelines and/or working from home. With our regrets, we officially cancelled the VGR Annual Meeting which was scheduled for April 22 to celebrate our 2019 record year. Like everyone, we will monitor the health situation before rescheduling. Most importantly, I have been inspired by our region’s teamwork and collaboration over the past several weeks. We are a talented network of professionals, and VGR is committed to doing whatever it takes to strengthen the region’s business climate and growth post COVID-19. If you have any questions or input, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at:  kboswell@gatewayregion.com  or (804) 732-8971.
Dr. Edward Raspiller: Regionalism in a Crisis
Don’t miss this opinion editorial in the  Richmond Times-Dispatch  from our very own Dr. Ted Raspiller, President of John Tyler Community College and incoming VGR Board Chair.Read the full article here
VGR Markets the Region Virtually in Michigan
Virginia’s Manufacturing Region’s recent Michigan Marketing Mission was a success despite the travel restrictions. Jamie Glass of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and VGR’s Mario Camardella were able to move their in-person  appointments to virtual meetings to stay safe, save on travel costs, and still be productive! We will plan for more business attraction meetings like this in the future.
Spec Building Under Construction in Prince George County
Prince George County  has a speculative building under construction in  The Hollingsworth Companies  Southpoint Business Park right off I-295 via US-460. The construction materials for the 194,880 square-foot (expandable to 238,560) building are on site and it will be ready by the end of 2020. Earlier this year, Campofrio leased a 143,000 square-foot refrigerated building in the park. Property taxes are only $0.86 per $100 value. Call us to learn why Virginia’s Gateway Region is the right place for your manufacturing or warehouse operation.  

Check it out on youtube: https://youtu.be/eq2TCrtkq6k

VGR Announces New Board Members
VGR has announced new board members with terms beginning April 1, 2020. Dr. Edward “Ted” Raspiller, President of John Tyler Community College, has been named Chairman. Additional board members include:
 
  • Mike Colb, MassMutual – representing the City of Colonial Heights
  • Jim Ingle, R J Smith Companies – representing Chesterfield County
  • Judy Lyttle, retired – representing Surry County
  • Nick Walker, Roslyn Farm Corporation – at-large member
 
“VGR appreciates its dedicated board of directors,” said Keith Boswell, VGR President and CEO. “We are excited to partner with Dr. Raspiller and these new members as the Gateway Region embarks on a new five-year strategic plan, marketing VGR as a place where business and families thrive.”
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Partner Spotlight
Headquartered in Chester, we provide natural gas service to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in 85 communities across 65 percent of Virginia. We’re one of Virginia’s leading energy companies, with more than 400 employees dedicated to providing customers with the service they need every day. We’re one of the seven energy delivery companies of  NiSource Inc. , who together provide essential natural gas and electric service to nearly 4 million customers.