In the early 1990s, a group of business leaders led by Jim Ukrop discussed how to help propel the Richmond region to the next level. While Greater Richmond had thrived, other Southern metros were excelling, and our community was starting to lag in job creation and domestic product amid a rising crime rate. Making matters worse, Charlotte and Atlanta had landed major airline hubs, essentially waving a flag to company decision makers that they were open for business.
Our four public-sector partners in the city of Richmond and counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico had already been collaborating to boost regional economic development as part of the Metropolitan Economic Development Council. However, when the business community matched our localities’ investment, the Greater Richmond Partnership was formed.
Today, we commemorate the 30th anniversary of that visionary milestone, and as we reflect on the three decades of tremendous success — enjoyed by all four jurisdictions — we can truly appreciate the transformational nature of that achievement, born not only through a spirit of cooperation among regional governments but with our partners in private enterprise.
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Over the past three decades, GRP’s work has been instrumental in moving Greater Richmond to unprecedented heights on the economic development front, achievements that have helped to reshape the character, reputation and competitive posture of the region. Major corporate relocations like Altria and Brinks, among them, have created thousands of new jobs while contributing to the area’s higher standard of living. To date, GRP has helped assist 560-plus projects which have announced nearly 55,000 jobs and $11.2 billion in capital investment.
Manufacturers have found in the Richmond region a skilled and stable workforce, pro-business environment, strategic location and supportive infrastructure. Sapporo-Stone Brewing, Lego, Cascades, Tucker Door & Trim and many others have opened facilities totaling hundreds of thousands of square feet across the region. The sum total of new and expanding manufacturing facilities as well as data centers has been a largely unheralded economic juggernaut over the past several years.
Business expansions have been just as robust. Companies are deciding to continue to invest in the region. The new CoStar towers rising in downtown Richmond are testament to this ongoing commitment, so too are Amazon’s multiple investments throughout the region as well expansions from firms such as SimpliSafe, Hanover Foils and Sabra Dipping Co…