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. We’ve had a running joke producing this magazine over the years that it’s been me in all these beautiful photos that run in Virginia Economic Review. That’s never actually been the case before, but we thought this was a good time, because this issue is different than the others we’ve published previously.

Not only is this the first digital-focused issue of the publication, but we’re targeting a new audience as well — talent. So much of what draws companies to Virginia is the incredible workforce we have, from professionals who have been in their careers for decades to the graduates who come out of the Commonwealth’s top-notch colleges and universities to the veterans who exit the service from Virginia’s many military installations. As we’ve discussed Virginia’s value proposition for businesses, we’ve realized that those people truly are the “secret sauce” that makes the Commonwealth special — and why we’re positioning Virginia as America’s top state for talent.

At VEDP, attracting and nurturing that talent pool are as impactful as any incentive or potential site we can put in front of a company. That’s the impetus behind our digital issue, full of content that showcases why Virginia is such a unique place. This issue dives into Virginia’s incredible scenery, rich history, vibrant cities, abundant recreational opportunities, exciting arts and food scenes, and pleasant, four-season climate.

We also highlight initiatives coming from Virginia’s businesses, community organizations, and partnerships aimed at improving quality of life for the Commonwealth’s workforce. We speak with numerous thought leaders on their perspectives on what makes Virginia great — talent leaders Julia Boas and Michelle Williams from the Roanoke Regional Partnership, Thompson Hospitality CEO Warren Thompson, and Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office, who was gracious enough to speak with me on camera about the Commonwealth’s rich movie history and the economic impact of the film industry.

Talent is our not-so-secret weapon in the effort to secure the business investments and jobs that drive the Virginia economy. Attracting talented people to the Commonwealth, and keeping them here, is crucial to fulfilling VEDP’s mission. We hope you enjoy this special issue highlighting why Virginia is such a wonderful place to live, work, and play. 
 

Jason El Koubi
President & CEO
Virginia Economic Development Partnership