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October 2020 Newsletter
CEO Update
This month, we have many things to celebrate in the Gateway Region. A substantial project was announced in the distribution industry, a target sector that continues to benefit from our strategic East Coast location. Our sister organization, Petersburg Area Tourism (PART), produced a great new video promoting day trips to boost the economy. One of our team members received a respected economic development credential. Read more about these items below. And congratulations to our Office Manager and Colonial Heights native son Josh Vaughan who got married last weekend!

I want to commend our entire team for continuing to pivot in these uncertain times. Like so many, we are discovering new ways to do our work. We have moved to a perpetual virtual business development cycle, and I am pleased to report that the region’s prospect activity is higher than it was this month a year ago. We are reaching our stakeholders in new ways, from board members to investors to our community leaders, as we all work together to further our initiatives. 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.
Prince George County Lands New Distributor and 85 New Jobs 


Virginia's Gateway Region and Governor Ralph Northam announced on Oct. 1 that Mount-It!, a leading distributor of more than 500 types of mounting solutions, will invest $7.45 million to establish its first East Coast warehouse and distribution facility in the former Quality Way building in Prince George County. The new operation will give the company strategic access to its largest customer base. Virginia successfully competed with Delaware, Kentucky, North Carolina, and West Virginia for the project, which will create 85 new jobs. Read the full news release HERE.

Mario Camardella is a Certified Economic Developer

Mario Camardella, Vice President of Business Development for VGR, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) administered the first ever Virtual CEcD Exam on October 3, 2020 and notified candidates of their results on October 9, 2020. With 15 years of economic development experience, Mario has facilitated company locations and expansions totaling nearly $1 billion in investment and 5,000 jobs. Previously, Mario spent 13 years in international transportation logistics and served in the U.S. Army. Congratulations Mario! Read more HERE.
VGR Celebrates National Manufacturing Week 

National Manufacturing Week was Oct. 5-9 and October is National Manufacturing Month. On our new blog, we explained how top executives at advanced manufacturing companies and their site selection consultants decide where their facilities should be located. Read more HERE.

Regional ED Group and Business Council Gather to Talk PPP

VGR Board Members, Partners and Community Leaders gathered virtually on Oct. 22 to learn about PPP loan forgiveness, a popular and complex topic resulting from the pandemic. VGR Partner Mitchell Wiggins & Company led the discussion. 
Southpoint Building Nearing Completion 


More progress is happening on the spec building in Southpoint Business Park in Prince George County, available by January 2021 from the Hollingsworth Companies.
Petersburg Area Tourism Launches New “Spend a Day Away” Video

Economic development deals rely on several factors. Quality of life is major. Check out this awesome new video from Petersburg Area Tourism showcasing the region as a fun and relaxing place to spend a day or the weekend.
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Partner Spotlight
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