Cathy Jett, Author at Virginia Business

A rendering of Virginia Technology Park, a data center campus proposed in Frederick County Image courtesy Frederick County

Shenandoah Valley June 30, 2026

Valley communities prepare for data centers

As interest in data centers grows across Virginia, Shenandoah Valley communities are debating how to manage the industry’s potential impacts. Hundreds of residents concerned about potential data center development in Frederick County peppered a panel of experts with questions during a May 7 public forum at James Wood High School. Topics ranged from data centers’ […]

Sophie and Ross Elliott won $25,000 for their new business in the Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway pitch night. Photo by Pop of Molly Photography

Startups June 1, 2026

New Waynesboro program boosts budding entrepreneurs

Grow Waynesboro program in Virginia awarded $25,000 to Shenandoah Bouldering and supports new businesses in the Rockfish Gateway corridor.

Virginia officials tour Amazon’s delivery station in Virginia Beach, one of multiple facilities built recently in Hampton Roads. Photo courtesy Amazon

Ports/Trade April 29, 2026

Port-driven logistics market rebalances

Developers have paused speculative warehouse construction in Hampton Roads as the Port of Virginia adjusts to new supply and shifting industrial demand.

U.Va. Wise’s SMR control room simulator will aid workforce development, says Chancellor Donna P. Henry. Photo courtesy University of Virginia’s College at Wise

Southwest Virginia March 31, 2026

U.Va. Wise installs SMR control room simulator

U.Va. Wise installed a NuScale SMR control room simulator funded by a Virginia Clean Energy grant to train workers in advanced nuclear energy fields.

CEL Critical Power’s new facility, which opened in summer 2025, was part of a $5.225 million investment. Photo courtesy CEL Critical Power

Economic Development March 1, 2026

Hampton Roads leverages regional economic assets

Hampton Roads drives growth with $1.5 billion in investments across defense, energy, aerospace, and logistics sectors in 2025, boosting jobs and infrastructure.

Hanover’s area plan has drawn interest from data center developers, says Brandon Turner. Photo by Matthew R.O. Brown

Central Virginia February 1, 2026

Hanover’s Route 33 plan sets up industrial zone

Hanover County’s new Route 33 Gateway Small Area Plan is already attracting the attention of data center developers. Data centers are among the preferred industrial and commercial users under the county’s long-range vision for the U.S. Route 33 corridor between the Henrico County line and Winns Church Road. Hanover’s board of supervisors adopted the plan […]

Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons announced the Shine campaign on Sept. 13, 2025. Photo courtesy Shenandoah University

Shenandoah Valley December 31, 2025

Shenandoah University launches $100M fundraising campaign

Shenandoah University has launched a $100 million fundraising campaign that aims to add a major new arts center, upgrade athletics facilities and create endowed professorships and new course offerings. Shine: The Sesquicentennial Campaign is the largest capital drive in the Winchester university’s 150-year history. Its private phase began in July 2022 and surpassed $85 million […]

L to R: Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, Flying Squirrels President Lou DiBella, VCU Athletics’ Ed McLaughlin and Richmond EDA Director Angie Rodgers Photo courtesy City of Richmond

Central Virginia December 31, 2025

VCU advances its Diamond District plans

Virginia Commonwealth University was expected to wrap up deals by the end of 2025 for the Richmond Economic Development Authority to buy VCU’s aging Sports Backers Stadium and for its Rams baseball team to play at the forthcoming CarMax Park stadium. VCU, the City of Richmond and Navigators Baseball, which owns the Richmond Flying Squirrels […]