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Mount Rogers Regional Partnership

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
Mar 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.

“Those of us that live here used to joke that we need to educate folks that Virginia doesn’t end at Roanoke,” says Cathy Lowe, executive director of the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator. Photo by Earl Neikirk
Mar 30, 2022

Rising in the Southwest

Through decades of owning her own beauty salon and later a gift shop in downtown Abingdon, Cathy Lowe developed an interest in economic development. In 2006, she decided to run for town council and won — ultimately serving for 12 years, including six as vice mayor and two as mayor. Throughout her career, Lowe, who […]

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