News & Features
Virginia Economic Review
Our quarterly publication, Virginia Economic Review, provides an insider look at Virginia’s economy, its diverse array of world-class companies, its amazing talent, and its stunning natural beauty, as well as insights from national thought leaders.
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07.13.2026
Southern Virginia’s Advanced Manufacturing Renaissance
Since Drake Extrusion opened a plant in Southern Virginia to make polypropylene fibers and yarns 31 years ago, the company weathered the collapse of the region’s traditional industry and global downturns and never laid off a worker.
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Inside Virginia’s Rise to Biopharma Prominence
As the world continues to struggle with drug supply chains and critical shortages, clusters of activity have emerged to move the needle of medication affordability and accessibility.
04.01.2026
A Biopharma Moment Decades in the Making
John Newby is the CEO of Virginia Bio, the nonprofit statewide trade association that serves and promotes the life sciences industry in Virginia.
04.01.2026
Continuous Improvement
A pharmaceutical manufacturing innovation that came out of a Virginia university is changing the way medicines are made. The Commonwealth’s universities and the rest of its biopharma research community are making sure Virginia is ready to make the medicines of the future.
04.01.2026
Enabling Innovation
Would more men try to prevent unintended pregnancies if their choices for contraception went beyond a condom or vasectomy?
Hopewell Riverwalk
The Communities at the Forefront of Virginia’s Biopharma Push: The I95-I85 Intersection
The I95-I85 Intersection is anchored by the Tri-Cities of Petersburg (home to Civica Rx’s facility that produces a wide variety of affordable essential medicines), Hopewell, and Colonial Heights.
04.01.2026
The Investments Behind a Biopharma Hotspot
A lot changed in Virginia’s life sciences industry in the space of about a month last fall. Between Sept. 16 and Oct. 20, biopharmaceutical manufacturing giants Eli Lilly and Company, AstraZeneca, and Merck & Co.
Building a Sustainable Pharma Manufacturing Workforce
Recent major biopharmaceutical manufacturing announcements are positioning Virginia for a broader reshoring effort in the pharma industry. COVID-era supply chain disruptions and resulting shortages exposed the risks of over-reliance on overseas production for essential medicines.
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Civica Rx expanded into Virginia in 2021, building a sterile injectable drug manufacturing facility in Petersburg. The company turned to the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program to fill approximately 300 positions.
01.05.2026
Bespoke Training for Emerging Workforce Needs
New or expanding companies want to know that they will be able to hire workers with the skills they need. While outside training providers offer established but generic faculty, facilities, and programs, in-house solutions allow for customization but require significant investment.
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Civica Rx expanded into Virginia in 2021, building a sterile injectable drug manufacturing facility in Petersburg. The company turned to the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program to fill approximately 300 positions.
01.05.2026
Bespoke Training for Emerging Workforce Needs
New or expanding companies want to know that they will be able to hire workers with the skills they need. While outside training providers offer established but generic faculty, facilities, and programs, in-house solutions allow for customization but require significant investment.
09.25.2025
Built to Deliver
Connections are an essential foundation of business success — and businesses trust Virginia’s infrastructure to provide a multimodal transportation system that reliably connects them to suppliers, customers, and partners.
06.26.2025
A Little Bit of Everything
Virginia’s moderate, four-season climate is a draw for residents of all interests. From the mountains to the beach, Virginians can experience summer heat, winter snow, and everything in between without leaving the Commonwealth.
06.25.2025
All Ages Adventures
Virginia’s abundant recreation scene means that there’s something to do for just about everyone, whether you’re an experienced hiker or kayaker looking for a challenge or a parent looking to pass along a love of the outdoors.
06.25.2025
Virginia's Creative Soul
Virginia’s arts scene showcases the creative talent that comes out of the Commonwealth, from well-regarded arts programs at universities like Virginia Commonwealth University and Shenandoah University to self-taught artists.
06.25.2025
Virginia's Creative Soul
Virginia’s arts scene showcases the creative talent that comes out of the Commonwealth, from well-regarded arts programs at universities like Virginia Commonwealth University and Shenandoah University to self-taught artists.
06.25.2025
The Uncommon Commonwealth
Virginia’s long history and evolution since its founding have left a wide variety of unique attractions, from the historic to the entertaining to the just plain weird.
06.22.2025
400 Years of History
Virginia’s unique place in American history goes back to the very beginning, with the establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, in 1607.
06.22.2025
400 Years of History
Virginia’s unique place in American history goes back to the very beginning, with the establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, in 1607.



