COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA – Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization (VGR) will be celebrating Economic Development Week from May 8-14, holding public office hours on May 9.
Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in commemoration of its 90-year anniversary as the largest professional membership organization for economic developers.
Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. Economic development efforts provided by professionals, including public and private partners, are being showcased the week of May 8-14 nationally.
“We are so pleased that Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization is helping to celebrate the profession and the professionals that work hard to create opportunity for all citizens and their communities,” said Barry Matherly, IEDC chair and president of the Greater Richmond Partnership.
To kick off the celebration, VGR will host public office hours on Monday, May 9 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., welcoming the public to come and learn more about local economic development.
“As the regional economic development organization, we encourage participation at all levels, from citizens to public officials to the private sector. We’re happy to share the great work of more than 400 volunteers, community leaders and corporate partners collaborating on job creation initiatives,” said Renee Chapline, VGR president & CEO.
IEDC is a nonprofit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,700 members, it is the largest organization of its kind. Given the breadth of economic development work, council members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions.
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.
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