Virginia's Gateway Region

12/18/2025

With 2025 soon to be in our rear-view mirror, momentum is the word that defines this moment for Virginia’s Gateway Region as we look ahead to 2026.

As Virginia continues to earn national recognition for its business-friendly climate and workforce strength, our region is turning that momentum into real progress — from major logistics investments like LEGO’s new distribution center to energy innovation at Dominion Energy’s High Voltage Lab. This year also marked an exciting expansion as we welcomed , and , strengthening our footprint, assets and collective opportunity.

As we mark 65 years of collaboration and growth, we’re focused on what comes next: workforce development, innovation and partnerships that will carry the Gateway Region forward for decades to come.

12/17/2025

We brought the newest taste of the Gateway Region to our colleagues at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership this week! 🥣✨

VGR and our economic development partners in the County of Brunswick, VA shared a little holiday magic with the gift of Brunswick Stew — plus a special visit from Stewie himself.

Brunswick County, one of VGR’s newest members since July 1, is the official home of Brunswick Stew — a Southern specialty traditionally made with meat and vegetables simmered in a tomato broth.

We only wish you could have smelled (and tasted) this regional favorite!

12/16/2025

Thank you to our investors, localities and economic development partners who joined us last week for VGR’s annual holiday party. It was a pleasure to pause, celebrate the progress we made together this year, and look ahead to the opportunities before us in 2026. ✨

12/12/2025

sparked Virginia’s modern pharmaceutical industry — and it’s still growing strong as new sites emerge. Read how the state's life sciences hub, including those origins and continued leadership in our Gateway Region, is taking shape and what it means for jobs and investment.

Proud to have great partners growing the Petersburg cluster, including Phlow Corporation, Novo Nordisk and Civica Rx.

📎 https://cardinalnews.org/2025/12/10/a-pharmaceutical-manufacturing-cluster-is-rising-in-virginia-heres-what-that-means/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Former%20Rep%20%20Tom%20Perriello%20announces%20campaign%20for%20Virginia%27s%205th%20District&utm_campaign=Wednesday%2C%20Dec%2010%2C%202025

Gov. Glenn Youngkin says the three big jobs announcements by pharmaceutical companies represent a “gravity pull” that can reshape the Virginia economy. Industry observers agree.

12/11/2025

✈️ A big day for innovation in the Gateway Region!

We're giving a hat tip to this week's ribbon-cutting for the new Energy-Centric Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center for Critical Infrastructure, a major project led by Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS) and supported by the Virginia To***co Region Revitalization Commission.

With operations at Richard Bland College and the Dinwiddie Airport, this center will accelerate next-generation drone testing, workforce training and energy-resilient technologies — strengthening our region’s leadership in logistics, aviation and clean energy.

Congratulations to all partners driving this forward-looking investment!

📸: CCALS

12/09/2025

🎉 A milestone year for Virginia’s Gateway Region!

Our December newsletter highlights the momentum we’ve built together — from LEGO’s $360M distribution center groundbreaking to Dominion Energy’s new High Voltage Lab, major workforce initiatives, Live Casino & Hotel Virginia job training, regional collaboration with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and more.

Get a snapshot of the year’s progress and what’s ahead in 2026:
👉 https://ow.ly/bFfk50XGky1

12/05/2025

Walmart celebrated a major milestone this week in Dinwiddie County: a multi-million-dollar automation expansion at its Sutherland distribution center.

As our friends in Dinwiddie shared, the upgraded facility will soon be fully automated, creating new opportunities for associates to upskill without losing jobs, which is a powerful example of technology elevating people.

Walmart also honored the heart of its operation: naming new conference rooms after the center’s longest-tenured employees and presenting a Habitat for Humanity home to another team member.

For 34 years, Walmart has been a steady community partner in Dinwiddie. This new investment shows they’re committed to many more. 👏

12/03/2025

This week, the Richmond Times-Dispatch explored the recent expansion of data center proposals in Central Virginia and how they are reshaping Virginia’s economy. The article also looked at how regions like ours are leaning in.

Across VGR’s footprint, both rural and urban communities see real opportunity. Counties with available land and strong power access are primed for growth, while cities like Petersburg, Hopewell and Emporia are looking to attract new tax revenue that supports essential services and long-term community investment.

As CEO and President Keith Boswell notes in the article, welcoming data centers isn’t just about land. It's about bringing new resources into communities that need them most. That’s why VGR remains open to the industry and committed to helping localities benefit from this statewide momentum.

Read more: https://ow.ly/Y2Zj50XAIMC

Data center developers are now eyeing the Richmond area. While counties welcome the sites' tax revenues, residents' concerns have prompted developers to withdraw some proposals and Henrico imposed further oversight.

12/02/2025

We were proud to join AdvanSix Plant Nutrients and Rebuilding Together Richmond last month to support a Hopewell homeowner with essential repairs that improve safety and accessibility. Community partnership is at the heart of regional growth — and we’re glad to be part of it.

11/29/2025

In our industry, we’re always working to strengthen our region’s economic base — and that means a mix of businesses both large and small. 💼✨

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, employing nearly half of America’s workforce. Today and throughout the holiday season, choose to shop local, dine local, and support the entrepreneurs who keep our region vibrant. 🛍️🍽️

And let’s keep that support going all year long. 🤝

11/27/2025

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we’re also celebrating a year of real momentum across our region.
🍂✨ Together with our partners, businesses, and community leaders, we’ve strengthened our local economy – helping existing companies grow and welcoming new industry to our communities. 🤝🏗️

Thank you for the collaboration that fuels our progress. Wishing you and your families a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving! 🦃🌟

11/26/2025

👏 Big congratulations to Service Center Metals for taking first place in the Primary Metal Industries category at the 2025 Virginia Manufacturing Cup! ⚙️🏆

Hosted by the Virginia Manufacturers Association, the annual competition celebrates the "Coolest Thing Made in Virginia" – and this year, SCM’s Lightning Rod stood out among the best. Announced at the Virginia Manufacturing Gala earlier this month, this recognition showcases the innovation and craftsmanship happening right here in Prince George County.

We’re proud to see a local manufacturer shine on a statewide stage!

📸 Service Center Metals