As the days are getting longer, VGR is entering extended days of economic prosperity. This was evidenced by a number of new openings of shops and restaurants in May. Additionally, the advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing cluster continued its momentum with the announcement of Ampac Fine Chemicals' expansion.
Other exciting news coming out of Petersburg, was the selection of Stuart Turille, Jr. as the new City Manager. We are looking forward to working closely with him and Petersburg for regional prosperity.
VGR also looks forward to meeting in-person again at our Annual Meeting in June, as we start our new Capital Campaign. If you have any questions, please contact me at: (804) 732-8971 or kboswell@gatewayregion.com. Or, you can also contact Amy Everett at: (804) 704-0268 or aeverett@gatewayregion.com.
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On May 4, advanced manufacturing took on a whole new level of meaning in the Gateway Region. Governor Ralph S. Northam travelled to Petersburg to announce the expansion of Ampac Fine Chemicals, a leading manufacturer of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in the U.S. This $25 million investment is creating 156 new jobs in the region. |
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From an economic development perspective, we believe something transformative for our region is before us that will result in potentially thousands of high-tech, high-wage jobs.
We wake up every morning as stewards of the regional economy with the mission to make our region prosperous. With this opportunity, VGR is moving at twice the speed to ensure the momentum continues with our partners. We desire to become a strategically positioned region for this industry, and this truly is a new day for Petersburg and the Gateway Region.
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Transformative Growth 2025 |
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As leaders of Virginia’s Gateway Region representing business, industry, higher education, government and economic development, we are honored to present Transformative Growth 2025, our investment strategy for our new five-year strategic plan.
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VGR’s strategic planning process was rooted in appreciation — of our communities, our existing businesses, our Board of Directors and citizens. We discussed historical points of success and had lively conversations about how we can increase that success to truly embody our new and inaugural VGR Vision Statement — “Uniting our region for economic prosperity.”
VGR plans to build prosperity through three pillars — business growth, partnerships and delivering innovative resources. The Board has reviewed and blessed the strategic plan and given insight into key performance measures for VGR staff to ensure that the plan is a useful strategic tool for all.
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We invite you to learn more about our organization and hope you will assist us in meeting our funding goals for Transformative Growth 2025! Capital Campaign booklets will be available in hard copy as well as on www.gatewayregion.com soon.
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Petersburg Selects New City Manager
On May 18, the Petersburg City Council unanimously voted to select Stuart Turille, Jr. lead the city. Prior to this, Turille led 20 departments in Essex County as the Deputy County Administrator, where his responsibilities were focused on economic development, strategic planning, budget/CIP, grants and risk management.
“Growing up in Lynchburg, I visited Petersburg many times. I know that this city has tremendous potential, and my mission will be to realize it to the fullest ... "
“ ... The expectations of citizens regarding the role of local government have changed; government must change to meet them” — Stuart Turille, Jr., Petersburg City Manager
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Prince George County and Davis Travel Center Celebrate New Davis Express with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony |
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VGR President & CEO Keith Boswell is pictured with owner of Davis Oil Company, Rex Davis, who is the Vice Chairman of VGR’s Board of Directors. |
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On May 19, VGR President & CEO Keith Boswell attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Prince George Deputy County Administrator Jeff Stoke and Davis Oil Company Owner Rex Davis, welcoming the new Davis Express into the region. |
This new Davis Express represents a $4 million investment creating 35 new jobs in Prince George County. The10,000 square-foot facility contains a convenience store, Subway, Little Caesars, Wendy’s and dine-in seating. |
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Workforce Development Update: Network2Work
Finding and retaining employees who are the right fit for your company — people with the knowledge, skills and commitment to add to your team — can be difficult.
That’s where Network2Work comes in. VGR Director of Workforce Development Michelle Rogers, who is co-hired with the Community College Workforce Alliance, has been busy at work with this innovative program to help VGR companies experiencing difficulty finding and keeping employees. The professionals involved with Network2Work find and prepare job seekers ready to make a change with the training and certifications necessary to become valuable assets to your company, and then this platform connects them with you and makes it easier for you to find and retain skilled candidates for your organization.
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You're Invited: VGR's 2021 Annual Meeting |
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Show us Love on Social Media
Please follow VGR on LinkedIn (@Virginia’s Gateway Region Economic Development Organization), Facebook (@VAGatewayRegion) & Twitter (@VAGatewayRegion) to keep up with all the latest VGR happenings!
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If you are enjoying this newsletter, forward it to a friend so they can receive the same great content in their inbox! |
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The important work of Virginia’s Gateway Region would not be possible without the support of our dedicated investors.
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At Blue Ridge Bank, their mission is to provide a wide range of financial services with an emphasis on quality, ethics and superb customer relations. They stand true to this mission while providing customized and convenient services. VGR is honored to have Blue Ridge Bank in the Gateway Region and as one of our partners! |
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