Partner Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 1

June 2016

VGR Launches New 5-Year Strategic Plan

For more than 55 years, Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization (VGR) has been positively impacting the community and quality of life of its citizens. In order to continue facilitating job creation and enhance regional prosperity, VGR is embarking on a new five-year strategic plan to guide and support the organization's activities. A testament to its long standing success is the strength and support of its public and private partners. Their continued support is essential to fully implement VGR's new strategic plan, "Driving Economic Growth and Embracing a Global Future 3.0" (Global 3.0!), for the benefit of the region and its communities.

VGR has again established a series of aggressive goals after careful review of the project pipeline and consultation with regional stakeholders. A fully-funded plan should generate:

Developing the 5-Year Plan

In early 2016, VGR officially began the process of formalizing Global 3.0!, the new five-year program of work. During the "quiet phase," multiple stakeholder committees were established to obtain programmatic feedback and guidance on campaign preparations.

"Our strategic planning process ensured stakeholders had an opportunity to provide input during the development of our five-year plan, further allowing them to be a part of the impact we make," said VGR President & CEO Renee Chapline. During the course of the past four months, VGR leadership has met with more than 100 local business, community and nonprofit leaders to help shape the structure and goals of Global3.0!.

Initial Campaign Leadership

VGR is proud to announce a highly-qualified and dedicated team of local individuals have volunteered to assist launch the new strategic initiative for economic growth. Once fully formed, the campaign leadership team will consist of more than 15 individuals who support the plan and its goals.

"I am proud to serve as a chair of this initiative. I believe in the vision and value represented in the five-year plan and in the organization's ability to serve as the primary agent for regional economic prosperity," said General Co-Chair Victor Branch.

General Chairs

-Victor K. Branch, Bank of America

-Robert C. Walker, Roslyn Farm Corporation

Active Members

-Keith Blowe, Sussex County

-John E. Burchell Jr., Carter Myers Automotive -Christine Chandler, AdvantaStaff

-Suzanne B. Jackson, John Randolph Medical
Center

-Richard Liles, Bank of McKenney
-Mike Malandro, Prince George Electric Coop.

-William A. Robertson Jr., Prince George
County
-John M. Seward, Surry County

-Patsy Stuard, Fort Lee Federal Credit Union

Honorary Members

-J. Peter Clements, Bank of Southside Virginia -C. David Hudgins, Old Dominion Electric Coop.

Roslyn Farm Leads the Way with First Pledge

Since 1954, Roslyn Farm Corporation has managed industrial and commercial development operations throughout the Tri-Cities area. "As a local business owner, I recognize the importance of a regional economic development effort and VGR's work," said Robert Walker, president of Roslyn Farm and campaign general co-chair. "As you hear more about the new strategic plan in the coming months, you will be reminded of the impact that VGR has in our region."

(804) 732-8971

www.gatewayregion.com