Virginia's Gateway Region

09/08/2025

Today marks the observance of National Essential Medicine Shortage Awareness Day to bring awareness of essential medicine shortages and create a shared solution.

In the Gateway Region, we're proud of the commitment that drug manufacturers are making to address these shortages. Collaborate with us to build a reliable supply of high-quality medicine for all Americans.

Learn more at www.stoptheshortages.com

Civica, Novo Nordisk, Alliance for Building Better Medicine, Phlow Corporation

When Americans go to a hospital, visit a doctor, or need an ambulance, they expect the drugs that they need will be on the shelf — whether to treat minimal health care needs or more urgent life-threatening conditions.

09/05/2025

As Greensville County’s economic development director, Natalie Slate is building a future rooted in opportunity, investment and strong partnerships.
From the Mid-Atlantic Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMaC) mega-site to new workforce initiatives and regional collaborations, Slate’s vision is shaping Greensville as a hub for growth.

Read how she’s charting the path forward ➡️ https://ow.ly/2S5y50WQFxE.

09/04/2025

Virginia’s Gateway Region celebrates Workforce Development Month by recognizing how on-the-job training programs benefit both workers and employers.

✅ New hires gain job-ready skills while earning a paycheck
✅ Workers build confidence and careers
✅ Employers boost productivity and retention

It’s how we’re turning hiring challenges into long-term success stories across the Gateway.

09/03/2025

🌟 ICYMI: A major milestone for our region! Last week, Google announced a $9 billion investment in Virginia through 2026, including a new data center. Even more exciting, the announcement took place at Brightpoint Community College, a key VGR educational partner and one of the nation’s first colleges chosen for the Google AI for Education Accelerator.

This partnership provides students, faculty and staff with free access to Google Career Certificates and AI training courses, allowing them to build skills that directly connect to the jobs of the future.

Brightpoint truly is a gateway to opportunity, and, with Google’s investment, the future of workforce development in our region is brighter than ever.

📸 Visiting the classroom with faculty member Nikki Hicks were Ruth Porat, president & CIO of Alphabet and Google; Gov. Glenn Youngkin; Brightpoint President William Fiege.

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day! 💪 The dedication of our workforce makes Virginia’s Gateway Region a great place for businesses to grow and communities to thrive. 🇺🇸

08/28/2025

Back to school isn’t just for our colleges and universities. It's also an exciting time for students in two programs shaping the future workforce in our region.

👩‍🏫 At Rowanty Technical Center, high school juniors and seniors are learning hands-on skills in fields like automotive technology, welding, carpentry and more. These students are building career-ready skills that make an immediate impact.

🏥 At the Bon Secours Southside College of Health Sciences
Secours Southside College of Health Sciences, students are pursuing careers in diagnostic medical sonography, radiologic technology and nursing – programs that keep our communities healthy and strong.

We’re proud of these students and the pathways they represent for building both careers and community right here in the Gateway Region. Best of luck this school year!

08/27/2025

When women in manufacturing come together, something powerful happens.

That’s why Women in Manufacturing Virginia’s plant tours — like the spring visit hosted by Gerdau North America in Dinwiddie County — are so impactful. These events aren’t just about seeing a production line. They’re about:
✨ Sharing best practices across companies
✨ Learning new ways to innovate and solve challenges
✨ Building connections that elevate women and strengthen entire organizations

Thank you to Gerdau for opening their doors and showing us what collaboration and possibility look like in action. This is how we shape the future of Virginia manufacturing: together. 💪

Learn more from the Manufacturing Skills Institute - MSI Skills Institute: https://ow.ly/1tFo50WM0Wc

08/26/2025

🎉 What a welcome! We had a fantastic turnout last week to celebrate Emporia, Brunswick County and Greensville County joining Virginia’s Gateway Region.

It was inspiring to hear from our economic development partners - William Johnson (City of Emporia), Natalie Slate (Greensville County) and Alfreda Reynolds (Brunswick County) - as they shared their vision for the future.

We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and grateful to everyone who joined us for this milestone event! 🌟

08/22/2025

Our VGR team was proud to join Del. Carrie E. Coyner, Lingerfelt and the Prince George Economic Development & Tourism team to celebrate the grand opening of Tripoint last week. 🎉

With more than 340,000 square feet of available space for distribution and manufacturing, Tripoint is strategically located near I-85, I-95, I-295 and Route 460. Its reach is powerful: More than half of U.S. consumers can be accessed within a one-day drive, and it’s just 73 miles from the Port of Virginia.

This new facility is a major asset for Virginia’s Gateway Region! 🚀

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08/21/2025

Deep roots. Strong values. And a history rooted in a residential business launched in Prince George County. 🌟

For generations, SW Funk Industrial Contractors has been more than a business. It’s been a family story woven into the fabric of our community. From humble beginnings, their story is one of hard work, honesty and dedication as they have grown to support projects across the Mid-Atlantic.

👉 Read about their family and join us in celebrating a hometown success story.

https://ow.ly/FfIg50WJ6FH

08/19/2025

Fall classes are beginning, and we’re sending a warm welcome to every student at Virginia State University, Brightpoint Community College and Richard Bland College - our key higher education partners. 🎓✨

Whether it’s your very first day of college or the final chapter of your journey, take a moment to reflect on your goals for the year ahead. Study hard, aim high and remember that your path forward could lead to an exciting career right here in the Gateway Region, where businesses and industries are growing every day.

Here’s to a successful school year! 🍎📚

08/15/2025

We’re starting a new fiscal year from a position of strength, having hit all of the ambitious goals in our Transformative Growth 2025 plan! Now, we’re looking ahead to our next five-year strategy to keep growing businesses, partnerships and resources in Virginia’s Gateway Region.

This month’s newsletter is packed with updates, including:

✅ Emporia’s bold approach to economic growth
✅ Virginia ranked among the best states for business
✅ GO Virginia grants powering workforce pathways

…and more news from across the region.

📖 Read the full August newsletter here ➡ https://ow.ly/atRA50WEwBL