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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It Happened Here First
As one of the 13 original colonies, Virginia claims many historic firsts among American states. These firsts span numerous fields and industries, from energy generation to food and beverage production to transportation.
Richmond
The Communities at the Forefront of Virginia’s Biopharma Push: Greater Richmond
The Greater Richmond region is in the middle of the greatest population growth in its history.
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.
A Conversation with Careyann Weinberg
Careyann Weinberg, Director of Economic Vitality for the Downtown Norfolk Council in Hampton Roads, Virginia, discusses quality of life and talent opportunities in Hampton Roads and Virginia as a whole, including the strong professional network in the area, the opportunities for talent, and her own "Why Virginia" story.
A Conversation with Bonnie Chavez
Bonnie Chavez, CEO of Building Beloved Communities in Roanoke, Virginia, discusses quality of life and talent opportunities in Roanoke and Virginia as a whole, including what drew her to the area, the opportunities for talent and her own "Why Virginia" story. Watch the Conversation
Big Lick Brewery in downtown Roanoke is part of a food and beverage scene that complements the region’s abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
Maintaining the Talent Pool
When Julia Boas and her husband, Patrick, have an errand to run or a friend to visit in their hometown of Roanoke, they rarely go by car. Instead, they hop on their e-bikes.
A Conversation with Spencer Marsh, Chief Scientific Officer at Tiny Cargo
Are you a transplant, a boomerang, or a lifelong Virginian? What brought you to the Commonwealth in the first place? I’m a transplant — I was born in Missouri, then lived in Ohio, Georgia, and South Carolina. I attended Clemson University and, after earning my Ph.D.
08.07.2025
The Pope of American Cuisine: A Conversation on the Food & Beverage Industry in Virginia
Patrick O’Connell is a self-taught chef and visionary behind the Inn at Little Washington, the first and only three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the D.C. region.
07.08.2025
A Conversation on Real Estate in Virginia
Alexandria Troupe, a licensed agent at River Fox Realty in Richmond, discusses the real estate market in Richmond and Virginia as a whole, including the factors that draw homebuyers to Virginia and the Commonwealth’s relative affordability along the Interstate 95 corridor. Watch the Conversation
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.
06.26.2025
Work, Play, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Virginia
Work, Play, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Virginia I want to take a minute to introduce myself — that’s me, right there in the picture, hiking in Greene County with my wife, Allison, and our sons.
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
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.
The Sweet Spot of Jobs and Livability
Michelle Williams is the new talent and digital strategies program manager at the Roanoke Regional Partnership (RRP). Julia Boas headed up the RRP’s talent strategies until recently taking over as director of business investment.
06.23.2025
Visual Virginia
Andy Edmunds is the director of the Virginia Film Office, an arm of the Virginia Tourism Corporation tasked with expanding the motion picture industry in Virginia.
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
A Taste of Virginia
Virginia’s restaurants mirror its communities, with a wide range of specialties to suit all budgets and abundant seafood from its coastal waterways. The Commonwealth is also home to a thriving wine, beer, and spirits industry.



