Chris Suarez, Author at Virginia Business

Kyle Rosner, Botetourt County’s economic development director, says that discussions with Google started in early 2024. Photo by Natalee Waters

Industries June 1, 2026

Google data centers, tech projects coming to Roanoke Valley

Google plans a $3 billion hyperscale data center in Botetourt County, Virginia, creating 150 jobs and boosting regional tech and manufacturing sectors.

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot speaks at the pharma company’s Albemarle County groundbreaking ceremony in October 2025. Photo by Kaitlyn DeHarde, Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Industries April 29, 2026

Charlottesville, Albemarle region prepare for biotech boost

AstraZeneca’s $4.5 billion investment in Albemarle County is set to create 600 jobs and strengthen Charlottesville’s biotech industry cluster.

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Eric Chewning (left) and Andy Lonsberry, Path Robotics’ CEO, announce their companies’ partnership.

Ports/Trade April 29, 2026

HII robotics agreements could mean job changes

HII partners with Path Robotics to develop physical AI welding technology at Newport News shipyard, aiming to boost shipbuilding efficiency amid labor shortages.

This spring, the Iran conflict disrupted trade in the Strait of Hormuz, where a quarter of the world’s oil supply typically passes. Reuters file photo

Ports/Trade April 29, 2026

Iran war repercussions impact shipping, oil

Global shipping companies face major disruptions as conflict in the Persian Gulf halts traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, impacting Virginia's fuel and trade costs.

In January, Petersburg became Virginia’s fifth city with a casino. Photo by Jay Paul

Central Virginia March 31, 2026

Petersburg rolls out temporary Live! Casino

Petersburg launched a temporary Live! Casino featuring 900 slot machines and 30 table games while the $1.4 billion permanent resort is under construction.

VFP’s Scott Jones says the company will have six buildings on its Duffield campus after its latest expansion. Photo by Earl Neikirk

Southwest Virginia March 1, 2026

VFP moves forward on $30M expansion in Scott County

VFP is investing $35 million to expand its Scott County facility, adding new buildings and jobs to support growing data center and utility infrastructure needs.

Wrap Technologies held a ribbon cutting in September 2025 for its $4 million manufacturing headquarters in Norton. Official photo by Kaitlyn DeHarde, Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Economic Development March 1, 2026

Manufacturing-heavy Southwest Virginia captures new industries

Southwest Virginia sees major investments in manufacturing, indoor agriculture, and energy projects, boosting jobs and regional economic development in 2025.

Virginia Community College System Chancellor David Doré says labs and other workforce training needs cost more than traditional classrooms. Photo courtesy Virginia Community College System

Education March 1, 2026

Virginia community colleges boost workforce development focus

Virginia plans increased investment in community colleges and workforce programs like FastForward to meet employer demand and improve student outcomes in 2024.