Economic Development 2024: H. GARRETT HART III

Construction is progressing on The Lake, a 105-acre mixed-use development in Chesterfield County, which Hart hopes will help attract more businesses to the area. It will have a 13-acre artificial lake and a 6-acre surf park, one of a handful of such facilities nationwide that can generate waves large enough to surf.

Hart also has said the project could bring more hotels, restaurants, and shopping options for visitors coming to the nearby River City Sportsplex for events. The county has garnered attention in recent years for big deals, such as the $1 billion Lego Group manufacturing facility under construction in its Meadowville Technology Park. Chesterfield also was a finalist for a $20 billion Intel semiconductor facility that ultimately went to Ohio.

Hart has more than four decades of experience in economic development and currently serves as the treasurer for the Virginia Economic Developers Association’s board of directors.

A graduate of Virginia Tech, Hart is also an alum of the Lead Virginia program, a statewide leadership development program.

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