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Eyes on the future
Education, health care donations set records
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In 2021, a year marked by continuing pandemic uncertainty and overloaded health care systems, philanthropists and corporations gave generously, supporting construction and research projects at Virginia universities and hospitals. Following 2020, a year that saw record-breaking donations to Hampton, Norfolk State and Virginia State universities by billionaire MacKenzie Scott, 2021 saw similarly generous gifts to
Finding new solutions
Region’s leaders look beyond coal
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Movers and shakers in Southwest Virginia wanted to try a new approach to economic development. The stakes were (and are) high. Naturally, the decline of the coal industry had a devastating impact on Virginia’s coalfields. The Appalachian Regional Commission classifies four counties in Southwest Virginia — Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee and Wise — as economically distressed.
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The big crunch
Uptick in demand stretches law firms
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Although the “Great Resignation” is hitting other industries harder, Virginia law firms are experiencing a tight labor market while also seeing increased demand for services. Alison McKee, a past president of the Virginia Bar Association and an attorney at Kaufman & Canoles PC in Virginia Beach, notes that “2021 was the busiest year in a
Take a hike
Outdoor activities drive visits to rural Va.
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Amid the ongoing pandemic, Virginians have escaped to the outdoors, enjoying the commonwealth’s varying recreational activities. “Since the pandemic started, people have wanted to get out of their homes and explore,” says Virginia Tourism Corp. Communications Manager Andrew Cothern, “and there’s so much to do in Virginia that outdoor recreation was a natural thing that
Kicking the can
Va. companies delay decisions about office space
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In April 2020, Savan Group LLC, a federal contractor specializing in digital transformation, information technology and management consulting, gave up its 10,500-square-foot office space in Tysons. Like many other companies, Savan Group shifted to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but by summer 2021, company President and CEO Veeral Majmudar was ready to look
On the line
In the shadow of controversy, VMI marches forward
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“VMI is at a crossroads. As the world around VMI changes, the Institute must evolve or risk becoming irrelevant.” — One Corps – One VMI: A Unifying Action Plan From a distance, Virginia Military Institute seems timeless, unchanging. The rhythmic marching of the long lines of cadets, the stark outline of the barracks against the
In the big leagues
Pharma and manufacturing drive growth
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Central Virginia continues to attract pharmaceutical companies, advanced manufacturing sites and distribution centers, with 2021 seeing several major deals from companies that will bring large footprints to the region. Richmond was the leader in the clubhouse, with the city occupying half of the spots on the region’s list of the 10 biggest deals of 2021,
Complicated history
Wegmans — and lawsuits — move forward in Hanover
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Rochester, New York-based supermarket chain Wegmans Food Markets Inc. is building a $175 million distribution center and regional headquarters near the intersection of Sliding Hill and Ashcake roads in Hanover County. The 1.1 million-square-foot facility is expected to create roughly 700 jobs, making it one of the most significant economic development projects in county history.
Reclaiming glory
The Homestead undergoes $120 million renovation
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Mark Spadoni took on the role of managing director at The Omni Homestead Resort to help restore the iconic hotel, which turns 256 years old this year. “It’s a great responsibility,” he says. “We want to maintain the past but make it relevant to moving forward. The goal is to set it up for the
Return to form
Shenandoah Valley’s manufacturing successes abound
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In terms of business activity and economic development wins, 2021 turned out to be a stellar year for the Shenandoah Valley. “We have exceeded what we anticipated from a business activity perspective,” says Jay Langston, executive director of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership, which promotes economic development from Shenandoah County to Rockbridge County. “When government shut
