Economic Development 2023: CORRIE BOBE

Bobe is sparking growth in rural Southern Virginia, which is still rebuilding from losing its textiles industry decades ago.

In January, city officials participated in the groundbreaking for Dan River Falls, the $85 million public-private mixed-use redevelopment of the shuttered White Mill textiles factory building. And in May, Caesars Entertainment opened a temporary casino in Danville while construction continues on its permanent $650 million Caesars Virginia resort casino, expected to open in late 2024. Last year saw AeroFarms locate a nearly 140,000-square-foot aeroponics farm at Cane Creek Centre industrial park, creating 158 jobs.

Bobe and Pittsylvania County Economic Development Director Matthew Rowe also are marketing the Southern Virginia Mega Site at Berry Hill, which lost out on a $3.5 billion Ford electric vehicle battery plant after Gov. Glenn Youngkin took Virginia out of the running late last year, citing concerns over a Chinese company’s involvement.

A Virginia Tech alumna, Bobe joined Danville city government in 2009 as a marketing and research manager, rising to economic development director in 2020. She serves on the West Piedmont Workforce Development Board and as executive director of the Danville, Virginia Community Development Entity and the Key to Danville Foundation.