Gangway, Gateway: Central Virginia economic development group expands to the N.C. border
Bill Atkinson
- Virginia's Gateway Region (VGR) plans to expand its economic development reach to include Emporia, Brunswick, and Greensville.
- The expansion aims to boost business investment and job creation in central Virginia.
- VGR has facilitated over $780 million in investments and 1,700 jobs in the past five years.
Come this summer, the “gateway” to business in central Virginia will expand to the North Carolina state line.
The economic development organization Virginia’s Gateway Region announced it was expanding to the city of Emporia; and the counties of Brunswick and Greensville. They join the cities of Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights; and the counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George and Sussex in a united effort to increase business investment and job creation.
In a statement, VGR Board Chairman Rex Davis called the addition “a powerful step” in building a regional economy.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Emporia, Greensville and Brunswick into our regional marketing footprint,” Davis said. “Their addition strengthens our collective voice, expands our reach, and enhances our ability to attract investment and opportunity to the region.”
The addition of Emporia, Brunswick and Greensville offsets the recent withdrawal of Surry County from the group. They will officially become members July 1.
In the past five years, more than $780 million in capital investment and 1,700 jobs have been generated through VGR’s partnership with its member localities.
"The addition of these three new communities along the vital I-85 and I-95 corridors significantly enhances our position as a premier location where we make things and move things," VGR President and CEO Keith Boswell said in the statement. "Their geographic location, workforce assets, and commitment to growth align perfectly with our region’s vision for advanced manufacturing and logistics excellence. This expansion enhances our ability to compete globally and deliver more opportunities to the communities we serve.”