Virginia’s Gateway Region adds three localities to footprint

Virginia’s Gateway Region Economic Development Organization announced Thursday that its board of directors voted three additional Virginia localities — the city of Emporia, along with Greensville and Brunswick counties — into its geographic footprint.

Based in Colonial Heights, the VGR is a private nonprofit economic development organization that works closely with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to market the localities it represents and advocate for business growth.

According to the nonprofit, the three new localities will be represented by VGR for all economic development marketing and related activities, starting July 1.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Emporia, Greensville and Brunswick into our regional marketing footprint,” Rex Davis, board chairman for VGR, said in a statement. “Their addition strengthens our collective voice, expands our reach and enhances our ability to attract investment and opportunity to the region. This is a powerful step forward in building a more vibrant, connected and competitive regional economy.”

VGR currently represents the independent localities within the tri-cities of Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights, in addition to the surrounding counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George and Sussex, as well as the incorporated towns within them.

Surry County recently transitioned out of the VGR marketing footprint, said the organization. The VGR’s goal is to unite the region for economic prosperity, and it heavily focuses on new and existing business investment and job creation. Since 2020, the organization and its partner localities have announced more than 1,700 jobs and $780 million in capital investment for the region.

“The addition of these three new communities along the vital I-85 and I-95 corridors significantly enhances our position as a premier location where we make things and move things,” VGR President and CEO Keith Boswell said in a statement. “Their geographic location, workforce assets and commitment to growth align perfectly with our region’s vision for advanced manufacturing and logistics excellence. This expansion enhances our ability to compete globally and deliver more opportunities to the communities we serve.”