Media Center
Momentum Campaign Kicks-Off
The Gateway Region launched the public phase of its ambitious, $3.58-million capital campaign with a breakfast celebration Tuesday, July 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Colonial Heights. The Momentum: the Power to Shape Our Future campaign is being coordinated by Jeff Wampler of National Community Development Services, Inc.
“The scope of this campaign will allow us to change the face of Virginia’s Gateway Region,” Wampler said, “and with it, the economic potential of the southern portion of the Richmond-Petersburg metro area.”
The Momentum campaign hinges of four main initiatives:
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Existing business and industry retention and expansion
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New business development
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Capitalize on the expansion of Fort Lee
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Outstanding investor relations.
“Each initiative is crucial to our ultimate success,” Executive Director Renee Wyatt said, “so we have carefully broken down action steps and performance measurements to ensure the initiatives’ viability and our organization’s accountability.”
The plan calls for the Gateway Region to bring in 2,000 new jobs by the year 2011. It will allow the organization to bring in a full-time staff member dedicated to the existing industry program, tracking local business developments and ensuring comprehensive support.
The campaign aims to establish the Gateway Region as the first point of contact for contractors and developers seeking to capitalize on the growth of Fort Lee. It will ensure the organization is able to keep investors abreast of the new developments and opportunities in the region.
Above all, the plan lays the groundwork for creating a new understanding and awareness of the eight localities that comprise Virginia’s Gateway Region. The organization will be able to build its research capacity, step up marketing, and bring in results.
The $3.58 million plan calls for $2.2 million in private funding. At the kick-off, David J. Fikse, Chief Executive Officer of Southside Regional Medical Center and Chairman of the Momentum campaign, announced the Gateway Region has already secured 50% of the necessary private-sector funding.
“We are delighted with the strong support we’ve received from across the region,” Wyatt said. “Our plan is ambitious, and we still have a long way to go. However, I not only trust we’ll make it, but I am truly inspired by our community’s positive response and the shared vision we’ve helped create for a brighter future in Virginia’s Gateway Region.”