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!
