VIPC taps Benevento as permanent president and CEO
Joe Benevento will remain as the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corp.’s president and CEO permanently after serving in the role on an interim basis since September 2023, VIPC announced Wednesday. Benevento took over as interim CEO when Bob Stolle announced he was stepping down. A not-for-profit corporation created in 1985 by the General Assembly as an […]
Virginia ABC board vice chair named CEO
Former beverage industry executive Dale Farino has been appointed the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority’s next CEO, effective April 29, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday. Farino served as vice chair of the ABC Board of Directors, and upon his resignation from the board, his seat will be filled by L. Mark St[...]
Norfolk mayor says apartments, hotel could replace MacArthur Center
MacArthur Center mall in downtown Norfolk is expected to be replaced by a major mixed-use development, which could be called “The Anchorage,” featuring a 400-room, military-themed hotel and 518,000 square feet of high-rise residential space, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander announced April 12 during his State of the Cit[...]
Va. casino gaming revenues total $65M in March
Virginia’s three casinos reported about $65.08 million in gaming revenues for March, according to Virginia Lottery data released April 15. Last month, the Bristol Casino: Future Home of Hard Rock reported about $16.27 million in adjusted gaming revenues (wagers minus winnings), of which about $13 million came from its 911 slot[...]
L3Harris announces $41.2M Orange County expansion
Florida-based aerospace and defense contractor L3Harris Technologies announced on Thursday a $41.2 million expansion and modernization of its Aerojet Rocketdyne facility in Orange County, with plans to add 80 employees. Over the next three years, L3Harris also plans to construct new facilities and buy new equipment for the fac[...]
Virginia Black Chamber to host first govcon conference
The founders of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce decided to provide a venue for Black business owners to learn how to find success with government contracting. “We wanted to just bring together all of our business owners or people who are interested in potentially looking into local, state and government contracting,�[...]
HRBT expansion’s first tunnel boring is complete
Mary, the tunnel boring machine that has been paving the way for the expanded Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, hit a milestone Wednesday when she finished the first of twin tunnels that are part of the bridge-tunnel’s expansion. Launched from the HRBT’s South Island a year ago, the $70 million custom-built tunnel boring[...]
Australian maritime co. to start sub/shipbuilding school in Hampton Roads
An Australian maritime company announced Tuesday it will set up a submarine and shipbuilding training institution in Norfolk for the short term and will seek a permanent home in Newport News. Quality Maritime Surveyors (QMS), based in the suburbs of Adelaide, Australia, is one of the pioneering companies to take the plunge into [...]
Youngkin appoints lottery director, tax commissioner and chief transformation officer
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced three new hires in his administration Friday, including a new lottery director, chief transformation officer and tax commissioner. Khalid Jones, a hedge fund founder, attorney and licensing firm partner, was appointed director of the Virginia Lottery, assuming the role previously held by Kelly Gee, [...]
Reston software firm boosted by $60M investment
Raft, a Reston-based software engineering firm and government contractor, has received a $60 million investment from Washington Harbour Partners, a Washington, D.C.-based private investment firm. Founded in 2018, Raft will use the funds to “intensify its research and development efforts, significantly enhancing its command[...]
Senate Dems criticize Youngkin’s budget amendments
Virginia Senate Democrats had a lot of criticism Tuesday for Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed reworking of the state’s 2024-26 budget but held back on saying whether they would vote yea or nay on his 233 amendments. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said late Tuesday afternoon that he and fellow legisla[...]
Youngkin removes tax cuts, RGGI mandate in budget
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Monday released a slate of 233 amendments to the state budget passed by the General Assembly — calling it an opportunity for “common ground.” However, his budget removes language that would mandate Virginia’s future participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which[...]