April 2024

VGR Annual Meeting

March 27, 2024

Friends of the Gateway Region,



Welcome to April, a time when the promise of spring fills the air with renewed energy and anticipation. As the bees buzz and the flowers bloom, we find ourselves embracing the spirit of growth and possibility that this season brings.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the more than 120 individuals who joined us at the VGR Annual Meeting last month. Your presence and participation made it a truly memorable and productive event. It's through your support and collaboration that we continue to drive positive change and prosperity in our region.

In this issue of our newsletter, you'll find exciting updates on various fronts. We're thrilled to share a major mining announcement that will have a significant impact on two of our communities, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of our region.

Additionally, we're delighted to introduce a new member to our team, Jason Smith, whose expertise and passion will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing success.

Mark your calendars for an upcoming opportunity to engage with our legislators on May 15th—a chance for you to meet, greet and advocate for the business interests of our region.

As always, we remain committed to serving you with dedication and integrity. Together, let's make this spring a season of growth, collaboration, and progress.

ASM Reactivates Critical Mining and Mineral Operations in the Gateway Region

Atlantic Strategic Minerals

Atlantic Strategic Minerals (ASM), an emerging critical minerals producer headquartered in Petersburg, Va., will invest over $50 million to restore and reopen its existing Virginia-based mining and mineral processing operations. These operations include a mining operation in Dinwiddie County and a concentrator plant and mineral separation plant in Sussex County. These facilities will allow ASM to help meet the growing demand for domestically produced critical minerals. The project will create 71 new jobs at the Sussex County facility.  

“This project stands as a pivotal endeavor for our region, bridging two of our rural communities and injecting vitality into our economic landscape,” said Keith Boswell, President and CEO of Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization. “By reintroducing a mining operation, we're not only diversifying our manufacturing economy, but also showcasing the versatility of our region. The collaboration with our partner communities underscores the strength of our collective regional assets and reaffirms our commitment to sustainable growth and revitalization.”



Read the full news release HERE.

Jason Smith joined the region on March 11, 2024, as Director of Workforce Development. In this dual role position, he will support both VGR and the Community College Workforce Alliance team at Brightpoint.

Jason was part of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) team beginning in 2018, where he served as a Project Manager and Business Retention Specialist before assuming the role of Senior Business Manager within the Regional Talent Solutions team. In this capacity, he oversaw the VJIP and Virginia's Economic Gardening program. Before joining VEDP, Jason accumulated 15 years of experience in leadership positions within city and county governments across Virginia. Notably, Jason excelled in providing dedicated support to Virginia businesses by facilitating resource connections and fostering collaborative initiatives.

“I really look forward to contributing to VGR’s ongoing mission and supporting our partners and stakeholders,” said Jason. 



Please welcome Jason to the VGR and CCWA/Brightpoint family!

March boasted a dedicated focus on nurturing the growing pharmaceutical cluster in our region. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) conducted a national media tour, shining a spotlight on the innovative work happening right here in our backyard. Additionally, VGR President and CEO Keith Boswell, had the honor of participating in a film shoot with the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, further showcasing our region's commitment to advancing healthcare solutions. 

VGR Team Attends DroneUp Press Event in Virginia Beach

Keith Boswell and Tom Scott Tom Scott met up with former Governor Bob McDonnell, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Commerce & Trade Joe Benevento, Tracy Tynan and Angela Costello from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) at an exciting event hosted by DroneUp in March. Guests were treated to an interactive product demonstration at the company’s headquarters in Virginia Beach.

DroneUp has a growing R&D presence at Richard Bland College right here in our region!

Save the Date for VGR's Legislative Reception

Wednesday, May 15th, 2024

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Keystone Antique Truck & Tractor Museum

More News Headlines from March

• Petersburg-based Company to reactivate critical minerals mining operations in Dinwiddie, Sussex
• Waverly Small Business Grant Opportunities in Shark Tank
• Old Hotel Jefferson building in Petersburg undergoing $2M mixed-use conversion
• Alliance for Building Better Medicine receives $1M award; Richmond-Petersburg pharma manufacturing coalition continues growth
• Local Leaders Meet with Congresswoman McClellan
• VSU to offer students, Employees free online specialized courses for high-demand fields
• Petersburg cuts the ribbon on its first Goodr Mobile Grocery Store; officials rave over impact