For Immediate Release: March 31, 2016
COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA – Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization (VGR) is bringing state and local leaders and stakeholders together to celebrate 55 years of partnership in regional economic development.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at the County Club of Petersburg, VGR and a collection of business and community leaders will gather to reflect on accomplishments in 2015 and a history of regionalism.
VGR will welcome keynote speaker Ken Shepard with U.S. Trust, a division of Bank of America, to discuss the state of the economy and expectations for the future.
“As the oldest regional economic development organization in Virginia, we are proud to celebrate 55 years strong!” said VGR President & CEO Renee Chapline. “We are also very fortunate to have an expert like Mr. Shepard joining us to discuss something on everyone's minds: the economy.”
VGR leadership will also showcase the results of VGR's five-year strategic plan, discuss next steps and present new marketing media. The event will include special awards for local leaders, including the 5th annual “Economic Development Ambassador of the Year” award.
Anchor for WTVR CBS 6 Bill Fitzgerald will serve as the master of ceremonies for the fifth year and the Appomattox Regional Governor's School Jazz Band will perform live. Signature event sponsorship is provided by Prince George Electric Cooperative and ITAC.
About Virginia's Gateway Region
As the regional economic development organization, Virginia's Gateway Region exists to enhance the economic development opportunities for the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg, and the counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Surry and Sussex. VGR is a private, nonprofit organization that is publicly and privately funded to facilitate new business opportunities, work with existing businesses, advance resources that will enhance the economic viability of the region and foster regional cooperation among the public and private entities that are involved in economic development activities. Learn more by visiting www.gatewayregion.com.
###