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DEI openers
Every movement has its moment. And now appears to be the moment for diversity, equity and inclusion officers in C-suites, academia and government. Black Lives Matters protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in May 2020 broadened awareness of race-based inequities that exist in the United States, including inequali[...]
STEM-ming the tide
Mariah Simmons arrived at Virginia State University in 2016 with a dream of becoming the first computer scientist in her family. The week before school started, she enrolled in an on-campus mentorship program called Project Knowledge, which provided her a road map for navigating college. Simmons, now 23, heard stories from stude[...]
U.Va. breaks ground on data science building
The foundation for the University of Virginia’s new School of Data Science will begin to take shape in the coming months at the corner of Emmet Street and Ivy Road. The $35 million, 61,000-square-foot building is expected to open to students in spring 2024. It sits on part of a 14-acre site that formerly housed […]
Dumfries’ Rose gaming resort could have big local impact
Athough casinos being built in four Virginia cities have grabbed the lion’s share of media attention, construction is also underway on The Rose, a $400 million gaming facility and hotel in Prince William County that represents an additional outcome of the state’s 2020 casino legislation. Colonial Downs Group is building the [...]
Revamping Vinton
Vinton has been reinventing itself over the past decade, using public-private partnerships to convert old, vacant buildings into bustling modern developments. Now that the small eastern Roanoke County town has attracted new residents and visitors, the town’s new focus is on improving its transportation, walkability and infrast[...]
Chrysler Hall plans $76M upgrade
The Broadway blockbuster “Hamilton” generated more than $1.2 million in admissions taxes for Norfolk during its monthlong engagement at Chrysler Hall in December 2019. However, city officials warn that similar productions could bypass Norfolk unless the theater undergoes major renovations. City Manager Chip Filer has propose[...]
B-Cubed program aids minority-owned businesses
A minority business assistance program in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County has helped 15 businesses and disbursed $21,700 in grant money in its first year of operation. With $200,000 in state and federal grant awards announced in October 2021, organizers of the Black- and Brown-Owned Business Growth Program, known as B-Cubed, [...]
The Visionary
The online version of this article includes additional material from Virginia Business’ interview with Pharrell Williams. Pharrell Williams is a 13-time Grammy winner, an Oscar nominee, a fashion designer, a film producer, a music superstar and innovator. He’s also a native Virginian — a point that comes across stron[...]
Watershed moment
Hampton Roads is besieged by hurricanes, nor’easters and full moon tidal surges, but it’s not just coastal Virginia homes and businesses that are threatened by increased flooding. “Climate change is causing the state as a whole to deal with flooding and flood- related issues. It impacts a lot of people throughout the state[...]
Great responsibility
“Business can be a force for good. I absolutely believe it,” says Byron L. Boston, CEO and co-chief investment officer of Glen Allen-based real estate investment trust Dynex Capital Inc. “CEOs have an obligation to use profit to do positive things in the community.” Boston and 11 other prominent Black business and no[...]
February For The Record
Southwest Virginia In December 2021, public-private campaign InvestSWVA announced the launch of an economic development initiative designed to help Southwest Virginia manufacturers find entry points in the supply chain for wind energy equipment components. The initiative, called Project Veer, will connect Southwest Virginia manufacturers with industry experts, public sector partners, the Hampton Roads Alliance, Dominion […][...]
