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June 2021 Newsletter
CEO Update
June was an exciting month for Virginia’s Gateway Region, and as the summer heat emerges, economic development is also heating up in our communities. I’m pleased to share good news concerning the GO Virginia Site Development grant we’ve been seeking. On June 15, GO Virginia approved our $1.63 million grant request to improve a total of 15 sites to a Tier 4 level in GO Virginia Region 4. More importantly, 11 of the 15 sites to be developed are in the Gateway Region. This means that the number of Tier 4 sites available in our region have quadrupled. Much work will need to be done over the next year or so to complete this grant, but I’m pleased to tell you that “we are on our way”!  

In addition, VGR is continuing to push forward to promote the region as a pharma destination and is beginning to implement its pharmaceutical cluster strategy.  

It was truly wonderful to see so many of you at our annual meeting on June 8 at The Boathouse at City Point in Hopewell. From the responses I received, everyone enjoyed their time with us that evening. It was a delightful meeting and it was nice to get together with everyone and share the positive results of a COVID year.  

Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Charlie Dane in Hopewell, who has announced he will be leaving his role as Assistant City Manager / Director of Economic Development to pursue new endeavors. So many great things have happened for Hopewell since Charlie began his work with the city, and VGR wants to recognize him for those achievements. Good luck with your next adventure, Charlie. VGR will miss you! 


As always, I'm interested in hearing from you. Should 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.
Operations Meeting in Wakefield 
VGR had a great time meeting with all of our community partners on June 3 at the famous (and delicious) Virginia Diner in the Town of Wakefield. Everyone shared economic development updates from their localities and heard VGR President & CEO Keith Boswell speak about the RIFA grant. Many regions collaborate, but no region gets along as well as the Gateway Region. 
VGR 2020 Annual Report is Out 
VGR’s 2020 Annual Report is now available in print and can also be viewed on GatewayRegion.com, HERE! If you would like a copy (or copies) mailed to you, please email our office manager Josh Vaughan at jvaughan@gatewayregion.com
VGR’s 2020 Annual Report was also shared in Richmond BizSense’s “The Pitch: Advertising and marketing news for 6.22.21”! 
AMPAC Day in Petersburg 
Petersburg City Council and Mayor Samuel Parham declared June 17, 2021 as "AMPAC Day” in Petersburg, which was celebrated with both community and industry leaders, as well as employees from AMPAC Fine Chemicals. 
Fort Lee & Prince George Celebrate Addition to Main Exchange
On June 17, the Fort Lee Army & Air Force Exchange Services, in partnership with Prince George County, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Patriot Outfitters in the Main Exchange building on Fort Lee. Patriot Outfitters is a retail store carrying various types of tactical gear for military personnel. 
Virginia Agriculture Week in the Gateway Region 

Gov. Ralph S. Northam declared the week of June 13 – June 19, 2021 as Virginia Agriculture Week, which highlights the economic impact of how farms and agribusinesses provide safe, affordable and local foods and products throughout rural and urban communities. During that week, VGR spoke to local farmers and agribusinesses in the area as agriculture remains and will continue to be a foundation for economic growth and prosperity in Virginia's Gateway Region — check out VGR’s blog article to learn more about what Agriculture Week means to them:

 
Network2Work Kicks Off  
The Network2Work program officially kicked off in June! To learn more about this platform that connects job seekers to careers and helps Gateway Region employers recruit and retain a sustainable workforce, read this article on LinkedIn by VGR Director of Workforce Development Michelle Rogers.  

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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, Goya Foods. Are you interested in becoming a partner? Contact Amy Everett at: aeverett@gatewayregion.com.
Partner Spotlight
Founded by Spanish immigrants in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States and the premier source for authentic Latin cuisine. Combined with authentic ingredients, robust seasonings, and convenient preparation, Goya provides its customers with more than 2,500 high-quality and affordable food products from the Caribbean, Mexico, Spain, Central and South America.