As we enter the fall season there are indicators that the embattled US economy is beginning to turn around and we too have good news to share about the latest happenings here at Virginia's Gateway Region. Continue reading to learn more about the first LEED certified community college building in the state and to find out more about the bioscience engineering services offered by a key VGR investor.
Virginia: The Natural Choice
For the fourth time in a row, Forbes magazine has named Virginia as the "Top State for Business" in the U.S. Virginia was the only state ranked in the top 20 in each of the six criteria categories, finishing in the top three for half of those (labor supply, regulatory environment and quality of life).
According to Forbes magazine "Relative to the rest of the country, Virginia is booming; its 6.5% unemployment rate is fifth lowest in the country with the four states ahead of it all having dramatically smaller economies. Virginia's $325 billion economy is expected to be the 10th largest in the U.S. in 2009. The state benefits from a highly educated workforce that is expected to expand over the next five years."
"In these tough economic times in particular, the recognition by Forbes today is an incredible affirmation that Virginia has what it takes to compete in the national and global arenas," said Governor Kaine.
This latest recognition from Forbes is part of a string of awards for which Virginia has recently been recognized. In the last few months CNBC and Pollina Corporate Real Estate awarded Virginia, "Top State for Business" and "Americas Most Pro-Business State."
Alliance Engineering Leads Bioscience Market
VGR investor Alliance Engineering celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009 and is now applying its years of experience in design, engineering and related services to global biosafety and biosecurity needs through its new division, Alliance Biosciences.
Safe and effective lab and research facilities are increasingly important as the global population has become wary of potential epidemics and widespread illness, like the H1N1 virus. Alliance Biosciences "supports and serves the specialized design, construction and manufacturing requirements of the bioscience industry through its team of experienced consultants and PhD's."
Earlier this year, Alliance Biosciences was contracted by Erla Technologies to provide full-service design of a new facility in Malaysia to study infectious agents that have the capacity to harm animals of agricultural importance. Malaysia is becoming a key location for future infectious disease research and this project is part of the country's creation of world-class facilities to accommodate such research.
Alliance Biosciences expertise is also put to use locally, as it was contracted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Virginia to certify and commission the nation's first newly-constructed high-containment autopsy lab. The lab was constructed to accommodate potential autopsy cases that may involve dangerous infectious agents. Alliance is at the forefront of the biosafety and biosecurity construction market and will continue to offer its services to a worldwide market.
Local Community Colleges Go Green through Growth and Grant
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will help John Tyler Community College celebrated the opening of its new Science Building on the Midlothian campus from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6.
The Science Building is the first in the Virginia Community College System to be registered under the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, which promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability in a number of environmentally impactful categories. The structure features a larger library, classrooms, science labs, computer labs, a student activities center, a bookstore, faculty offices, and a commons area.
John Tyler Community College is currently enjoying a record enrollment increase of 17%, which the new Science Building will help accommodate. The college is a two-year, public institution of higher learning and is the fifth largest of the 23 community colleges in Virginia.
Continuing the green technology and sustainability movement in the region, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College has been awarded a $720,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant for the development of a new Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Career Studies Certificate. The new program will focus on the creation of electric vehicles, plug in hybrid vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles, which will further the marketability of Virginia's Gateway Region to green companies.
Gateway Region Gains New Team Member
Jeff Stoke became Prince George County's new Economic Development Director on September 1, 2009, after being selected for the position in August. Prior to coming to the Gateway Region, Mr. Stoke served as the Deputy Director of Economic Development in Tioga County, New York. Though originally from New York, he obtained his Masters degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA and worked for Page County, VA as Director of Economic Development.
Mr. Stoke said, "My family and I are excited to be moving to Prince George County, VA. I look forward to building the relationships in the community necessary to advance current and future economic development priorities. It takes a team to turn ideas into realities - I appreciate the opportunity to be an active member of the Prince George County team."
The VGR team is excited to welcome the newest member of the local economic development community in Prince George County.
Investor Spotlight
The following companies have either renewed their commitment or are first time VGR partners:
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Froehling & Robertson, Inc. |
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Townes, PC |
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Goya Foods, Inc. |
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Hourigan Construction |
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Rudy L. Hawkins Electrical Contractor, Inc. |
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Specter Properties, Inc. |
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The Progress-Index |
We are truly thankful for our partners who enable us to serve our localities and champion our region to an international audience. Our services help new companies to locate in the Gateway Region and existing businesses to expand while spurring economic growth throughout the area. VGR appreciates all the financial support local businesses provide, as our efforts would not be possible without them. Contributions made to VGR this year will be matched dollar-for-dollar by The Cameron Foundation. By making a pledge now, you increase its value by 100 percent.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a partner with VGR please contact our Executive Director, Renee Chapline at 804.732.8971.
Business Council Meeting Update
A special thanks to our banking and finance partners for their participation in a Business Council Finance Forum on Wednesday, September 23. The following individuals were participants:
Aaron Johnson - Bank of Southside Virginia
Yulando Wallace - Virginia Commonwealth Bank
Cameron Milton - BB & T
Thomas Ashbridge - Scott & Stringfellow
Beth Wheeler - SunTrust Bank
Stay tuned for each financial advisor's investment tips and best practices, posted to the VGR website soon.
Gateway Region - a Hub for Advanced Manufacturing Interests
Virginia's Gateway Region has always been a hotbed for Advanced Manufacturing activity. With the development of the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing underway and the growing alternative energy and green companies market, there is an even stronger interest in the region by prospective companies in this sector. Meanwhile, VGR continues to proactively market to this sector via our web portals, collateral and strategic marketing missions and activities. Despite the times, we are seeing bigger and better projects than ever before.
Preview: VGR's Upcoming Marketing Events
Advamed Conference - October 12-14th
MODSIM WORLD 2009 - October 14th
World Trade Conference - October 15th
256 E. Ellerslie Ave, Suite D, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834
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