An op-ed by former Virginia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Cathie Vick and Virginia Business Higher Education Council President Kirk Cox highlights how internships and work-based learning are critical to connecting students with employers, and helping businesses of all sizes find the talent they need.

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.

Talent is the secret weapon in the effort to secure the projects and jobs that drive the Virginia economy. Attracting that talent to the Commonwealth, and keeping it here, is crucial to fulfilling VEDP’s mission. 

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.

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.

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.

VEDP's Megan Healy connected with the Roanoke Regional Partnership's Michelle Williams, the new talent and digital strategies program manager, and Julia Boas, director of business investment, about what the Roanoke Region is doing to attract and retain talent.

VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi spoke with Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office, about the ins and outs of the film industry in Virginia and the economic impact of film production.

Warren M. Thompson is founder, president, and chairman of Thompson Hospitality Corporation, one of the largest contract food service and facilities management companies in the United States, with a portfolio of more than 65 restaurants across 17 different brands.

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.