Virginia Business 3.0

Welcome to the second annual edition of the Virginia 500. Last year’s inaugural publication, published in the depths of a pandemic-constrained economy, was quite a surprise — in fact, it was the most successful new product launch in the history of Virginia Business. Publishing a directory of the commonwealth’s most powerful and influential leaders fits neatly into the wheelhouse of our mission — to be Virginia’s leading source of business intelligence.

Thirty-five years ago, Virginia Business launched its first print issue. At that time, the internet was barely known, and Virginia Business magazine was perhaps the smallest business unit of a large publicly traded company. The staff was largely composed of former newspaper writers, editors and designers. Thinking back to those days, they might aptly be labeled as Virginia Business version 1.0.

In 2009, we separated from the founding company in a private-equity-funded buyout. We were able to preserve nearly 100% of our staff, roughly a third of whom had been onboard from the very beginning; the magazine benefited from their long experience. Let’s call the start of this second phase Virginia Business 2.0.

Around 2017, many of our original boomers began looking toward retirement. By 2020, we experienced a nearly 100% turnover in staffing.

Today, in addition to our flagship monthly magazine, Virginia Business, we have several annual publications: the Virginia 500, Virginia Maritime Guide, Hampton Roads Business, Site Locator and Virginia Meetings. We also manage a robust number of digital products, including a daily business-news website, newsletters and sponsored content. Plus, we host numerous events, such as the Virginia CFO Awards, Best Places to Work and our Political Roundtable.

In other words, this once-little print magazine company is growing up. In recognition of our new generation of staff and our expanded product portfolio, we are now Virginia Business Media LLC. Welcome to Virginia Business 3.0.

Please enjoy the Virginia 500. As always, we look forward to serving your information and marketing needs. Come grow with us!

Richard Foster,  Editor and Chief Content Officer

Lori Collier Waran, Associate Publisher and Chief Revenue Officer

Bernie Niemeier, Chairman and CEO