Sign In
Free Newsletter
Recent Articles from Courtney Mabeus-Brown
100 People to Meet in 2022
Even as the seemingly never-ending COVID-19 pandemic continues to accelerate hybrid and virtual work, one thing doesn’t change — your need to build social capital. Whether you’re Zooming or returning to in-person events, this third annual list of Virginians to meet in 2022 will introduce you to a variety of innovative, impactful businesspeople and trendsetters […]
100 People to Meet in 2022: New Folks
They might be new to their positions, but they bring decades of expertise and new vantage points to the table. Here’s a sampling of Virginians — some fresh faces, others familiar — who have recently taken on significant new leadership roles. Stephen Ambrose Chief climate scientist, Science Applications International Corp. Reston Hurricane Agnes slammed […]
100 People to Meet in 2022: Angels
Saving lives, feeding the hungry or helping those most in need, these Virginians make the commonwealth a better place through their passion, dedication and sacrifice. Dr. Sandy Chung CEO, Trusted Doctors; IT Medical Director, Pediatric Health Network; 2022 president-elect, American Academy of Pediatrics Fairfax Multitasker extraordinaire Dr. Sandy Chung is driven by her […]
100 People to Meet in 2022: Rainmakers
Through their efforts, these are people who attract and grow businesses and funding, making the commonwealth wealthier. Traci Blido Executive director, Virginia Career Works —Central Region Lynchburg Traci Blido hadn’t been looking for a new job. After a decade as Bedford County’s economic development director, she still found the work challenging. “When you have […]
100 People to Meet in 2022: Impact Makers
Whether battling climate change, fighting for diversity, equity and inclusion, or volunteering their leadership skills to make a difference in their communities, it’s all in a day’s work for these impactful Virginians. Traci J. DeShazor Deputy secretary of the commonwealth, director of African American outreach Richmond Being a part of Gov. Ralph Northam’s push […]
100 People to Meet in 2022: Innovators
Representing industries ranging from retail and fitness to tech and biosciences, these creative, visionary trendsetters and entrepreneurs keep the Old Dominion new and relevant. Lisa Alcindor Program element monitor, U.S. Air Force Alexandria Lisa Alcindor starts rapping in the middle of the Pentagon’s courtyard: “Prepped my plane, call it Rocket Ship. I’m outer space, […]
100 People to Meet in 2022: Builders
From architecture to construction, these are the professionals who are building Virginia’s future and leaving legacies in steel, brick and glass. Corey Clayborne Executive vice president, American Institute of Architects Virginia Richmond Corey Clayborne confesses that he did not make all A’s in his architecture design studio as a college student at Virginia […]
100 People to Meet in 2022: Educators
Ranked as CNBC’s Top State for Business for two consecutive years, Virginia earned the distinction in part for its “wealth of colleges and universities.” These are some of the educators and leaders who are helping to grow that national reputation for academic excellence. Suzanne Bergmeister Executive director, Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship at James Madison […]
100 People to Meet in 2022: Go-Getters
High achievers all, these Virginians are well-rounded leaders in their fields and their communities, sharing their expertise and moving the needle for growth and progress. Buffy Barefoot President Virginia Beach, TowneBank Virginia Beach Born and raised in Hampton Roads, Buffy Barefoot hasn’t strayed far from the ZIP code she grew up in. After attending […]
100 People to Meet in 2022: Public Faces
From helping the Washington Football Team rebrand itself to safeguarding the legacy of a beloved painter for a new generation to launching a $1 billion university campus, these are the people who lend their faces and voices to high-profile endeavors. Franki Fitterer Director of communications and marketing, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus Alexandria Franki Fitterer […]
Northrop Grumman to establish $200M Waynesboro facility
Falls Church-based Fortune 500 defense contractor Northrop Grumman will invest more than $200 million to establish an advanced electronics manufacturing and testing facility in Waynesboro, creating an estimated 300 jobs over the next five years, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday. “Northrop Grumman’s expanding Virginia footprint sends a powerful message that the commonwealth is a magnet[...]
Rockbridge tent manufacturer to expand, add 60 jobs
Natural Bridge-based fabric shelter systems manufacturer XFactor Solutions Global has leased 34,000 square feet to expand in Rockbridge County, with plans to create 60 jobs, Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer announced Thursday. The company, which acquired the assets of Creative Tent International in October, will use the industrial space at 70 Douglas Way in Natural […]
Democrats sweep Va. General Assembly
Updated Nov. 8 Democrats regained control of the Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates in Tuesday’s elections, likely putting a damper on Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s legislative agenda and potential 2024 presidential aspirations. As of 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, Democrats won 21 out of 40 seats in the […]
SWVA clean energy development could draw $8.5B in investments
Wise County and neighboring localities in Southwest Virginia may become home to a massive clean energy development that could attract up to $8.25 billion in capital investments, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday. An agreement between Energy DELTA Lab, Dallas-based Fortune 100 energy company Energy Transfer and Wise County will involve the development of 65,000 acres […]
Food/bev distributor opens $275M Caroline County center
Food and beverage distributor World Class Distribution has opened its nearly finished $275 million, 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in Caroline County with 400 employees, the county’s board of supervisors announced Tuesday. Gov. Glenn Youngkin initially announced the project in November 2022, at which time WCD expected to add 745 jobs. The company now plans to […]
The next frontier
You come down with coldlike symptoms. Flu season is here, and a new COVID subvariant is circulating. As the illness lingers, you question whether you should see a doctor. Imagine putting your symptoms into a chatbot connected to your doctor’s office or health system that can retrieve your medical records, evaluate your information and recommend […]
GDIT lands $450M CMS contract
Falls Church-based federal contractor General Dynamics Information Technology won a $450 million Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services contract, the General Dynamics subsidiary announced Thursday. Under the contract, GDIT will continue operating and modernizing CMS’ Healthcare Integrated General Ledger Accounting System (HIGLAS), an accounting system that standardizes federal financial ac[...]
Third-party logistics company to expand in Pulaski County
Wytheville-based third-party logistics company Camrett Logistics will invest more than $2 million to expand in Pulaski County, creating an estimated 58 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday. Camrett Logistics’ investment in its Dublin facility will include construction, renovating existing space and buying new forklifts and electric trucks. “Homegrown Virginia businesses like Camrett Log[...]
NNS funding helps launch ODU engineering program
Newport News Shipbuilding will be the lead industry sponsor of Old Dominion University’s program to graduate more engineers, the two organizations announced Tuesday. NNS, a division of Newport News-based Fortune 500 military shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries, will make a five-year financial commitment to the Monarch Accelerator Program to Engineering (MAP-to-E), ODU’s program to increa[...]
20-unit Daleville apartment complex sells for $2M
A 20-unit apartment community in Botetourt County sold Tuesday for more than $2 million. Located at 151 College Drive in Daleville, the property’s first buildings were built in the early 1900s as a school, which was later affiliated with Bridgewater College before closing in 1933, according to Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer. The Daleville College […]
Boeing reaches $40B deal with Ryanair
Irish air carrier Ryanair plans to order as many as 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft from Arlington County-based Fortune 100 contractor Boeing Co. in a $40 billion deal, the two companies announced Tuesday. Subject to approval by Ryanair’s stockholders, the deal includes a firm order from the airline for 150 aircraft and an option for […]
Tree-trimming companies merge, announce new leaders
Two national tree-trimming and vegetation management companies have merged and announced new leadership. The merger of Norfolk-based Xylem Tree Experts with Lawrenceville, Georgia-based Kendall Vegetation Services was backed by Connecticut-based private equity firm Sterling Investment Partners. The new company will have dual headquarters in Norfolk and just outside Atlanta. Its services will con[...]
Hampton Roads Chamber exec retires
In her 33 years with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, Debra Hamilton Farley helped launch 252 businesses that created more than 9,000 jobs. Now, she’s taking a break — Farley retired on April 28. “Debra’s contributions to the small businesses community she has served over her sterling career is invaluable,” said Bryan Stephens, […]
757 Collab announces promotions
After announcing a new managing director in April, 757 Collab announced more leadership changes and promotions to its umbrella organization May 3. Hunter Walsh, previously a program manager for 757 Startup Studios, a coworking space in Norfolk where selected entrepreneurs can set up offices at no cost and receive mentoring, became its director on May […]
Baking soda manufacturer to expand in Chesterfield
A New Jersey-based baking soda manufacturer is expanding its Chesterfield County operations — and it won’t require vinegar. Church & Dwight Company Inc. will invest $27 million to expand its Chesterfield County facility at 1851 Touchstone Drive to accommodate a new manufacturing line for a scent-boosting laundry detergent. The effort will create 53 jobs, Gov. […]
Charlottesville car dealerships acquired
Flow Automotive Cos. has completed its acquisition of five Umansky Automotive Group dealerships in Charlottesville, the company announced April 18. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Flow’s acquisition includes locations selling Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram automotive brands, according to a news release. Flow currently has dealerships representing Au[...]
Roanoke medical building sells for $2.8M
The Asthma and Allergy Center medical office building in Roanoke has changed hands. The 9,120-square-foot building, built in 2000 and sitting on a nearly 1-acre parcel at 1505 Franklin Road SW, was acquired by HKM LLC, which will lease it back to the asthma and allergy practice. Clay Taylor of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer’s […]
Va. Beach strip mall sells for $1.7M
The CheckSmart Plaza strip mall in Virginia Beach has a new owner. 5650 Virginia Beach Blvd purchased the strip mall at 5650 Virginia Beach Blvd. from the Lenhart-Frauenberg Partnership for $1.7 million as an investment, according to Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer. Built in 2006, the shopping center is 8,537 square feet, with tenants including […]
Chesterfield industrial property sells for $1.7M
An industrial/flex space property in Chesterfield County has sold for $1.7 million. 11300 Business Center LLC purchased a 9,100-square-foot building on 11300 Business Center Drive from AdvanceTEC Properties LLC as an investment, according to Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer. The building has been the corporate headquarters for AdvanceTEC LLC, a builder and designer of industrial […]
Roanoke apartment complex sells for $1.1M
The Eastgate Apartments in Roanoke have been sold for $1.1 million, Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer announced Monday. Restoration Turnkey Investments LLC acquired the community on March 28 from Rafan LLC. The buyer is planning extensive interior and exterior renovations. The complex, built in 1977, has 14 townhouse-style apartments and is three miles from downtown […]
Apparel wholesaler plans $50M Hanover facility, 1K jobs
SanMar Corp., the United States’ largest supplier of wholesale printable accessories and apparel, will invest at least $50 million to establish distribution operations in Hanover County and create an expected 1,000 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday. SanMar’s operations, planned to occupy a 1.1 million-square-foot building in the East Coast Commerce Center, will be the [&hell[...]
DXC rejects buyout proposal from Asian firm
Ashburn-based Fortune 500 company DXC Technology Inc. has ended buyout talks after a “financial sponsor” failed to raise enough capital, the company announced Monday. DXC was approached in late September 2022 after receiving interest from a private equity firm and worked with advisers on the potential takeover, the company confirmed in October. While DXC did […]
Buc-ee’s could open first Va. store in New Kent
A Texas-sized travel center could be coming to New Kent County. Buc-ee’s, which bills itself as having the cleanest restrooms in America and the “friendliest beaver,” has filed a conditional use permit with the county’s planning and zoning department for review and approval of a proposed sign, the county’s economic development department posted on its […]
BAE Systems receives $245.6M Army contract
Falls Church-based BAE Systems will procure early-order material to support the future purchase of the Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPV) under a $245.6 million cost-sharing contract announced by the Pentagon Friday. Work will be performed by BAE Systems’ land and armaments sector in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2024. There […]
Divaris Group acquires N.C. mixed-use leasing, advising firm
Virginia Beach-based Divaris Group has acquired North Carolina-based real estate planning, advisory and leasing firm The McGarey Group, the firm announced Friday. Financial terms and other details of the acquisition were not disclosed. The McGarey Group, led by President and CEO F. Denver McGarey, is now operating within Divaris Advisory, a division of Divaris Group. […]
Radford’s Highlander hotel names senior leadership
The Highlander, a $40 million boutique conference hotel opening this spring in Radford, announced its senior leadership team March 1. The team includes Executive Chef James Kirby; General Manager Rachel Pegues; Director of Sales and Marketing Ginger Clark; and Director of Food and Beverage John O’Conner. Kirby is a graduate of the culinary program at […]
Fairfax’s econ dev leader honored by White House
Fairfax County Economic Development President and CEO Victor Hoskins has a new accolade to add to his list of achievements. Hoskins, who has served in his role in Fairfax County since 2019, received a lifetime achievement award from the White House, the county EDA said Thursday. The award honors Hoskins for his “lifelong commitment to […]
Noblis promotes VP, chief people officer to senior VP
Reston-based Noblis Inc. is expanding the role of Vice President and Chief People Officer Deborah Drake by promoting her to senior vice president, the not-for-profit federal contractor announced Tuesday. Drake leads Noblis’ human resources and organizational development, including talent recruitment, total rewards system and employee engagement. “Over the past few years, Deb has helped to [...]
Boeing receives $1.2B aircraft development contract
Arlington-based Boeing Co. will develop two E-7 Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft for the Air Force under a $1.2 billion award announced by the Pentagon Tuesday. The contract initiates prototype development activities of U.S. variations of the aircraft, which replaces the service’s E-3 aircraft. Work will be performed in Seattle and is expected to […]
Torc to acquire Canadian computer vision firm
Blacksburg-based Torc Robotics on Tuesday announced it will acquire Montreal-based computer vision company Algolux Inc. A purchase price was not disclosed. Torc, a self-driving truck company, is an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG. Torc said in a news release that it is acquiring Algolux for its expertise in computer vision and machine learning. Algolux […]
