Powering Progress
Powering progress for our region is a constant focus of the Economic Development division, which works tirelessly to attract, retain and grow industry in Southern Virginia. In partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) and other economic developers, the division supports a multitude of transformative efforts. Whether the need is marketing of the region’s top assets, providing meeting space and advanced technology to accommodate prospect meetings, or offering rapid-launch space to expedite start-up times for new industry, the Economic Development division and SVRA stand ready to lead the way.
Partnering on Prosperity
Southern Virginia continues to attract robust businesses from various industry sectors, just some of which include high-performance manufacturing, environmental and life sciences, advanced materials, and IT and professional services. At the heart of this path to prosperity lies strong partnerships with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance and other equally minded ambassadors of regional economic transformation. IALR is proud to serve as a champion and work with local, regional and state partners as well as others to continue building an environment attractive and beneficial to sought-after business prospects.
Marketing the Region
While Southern Virginia has become known to many successful companies as a premier location from which to conduct business, IALR works hard to continue reaching new audiences with the story of the region’s countless assets and benefits. Through a partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, multiple avenues exist to share testimonials and facts about the region’s quality of life attributes, impressive sites, skilled talent pipeline, convenient and accessible location, and cost advantages.
Conducting Research
IALR and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance collaborate to produce region-specific intelligence and data relevant to industry as they grow and expand. As a liaison for the whole of Southern Virginia, the research represents findings across the entire region rather than specific localities, a true value add to companies outside of the area who are looking for collective information. The process involves primary research methods with key stakeholders in various formats like roundtable sessions, studies, surveys, interviews and association meetings. Paired with secondary research and former studies, this data serves as a powerful tool for businesses as they develop their growth or market penetration strategies.
Recruiting Prospects
Whether attracting new businesses, retaining existing industry or cultivating leads, IALR’s Economic Development team works hand in hand on a daily basis with other economic developers to transform the region’s economy. Not only do the staff work with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance and others to produce market research and promote the region’s assets, but they also host and coordinate prospect meetings, tours and industry announcements enhanced by IALR’s state-of-the-art facility, catering, service and technology.
Accelerating Industry
IALR continues to catalyze regional economic growth by meeting and exceeding the needs of industry and employers through exceptional services and expertise. Beyond the traditional offerings available through most economic development teams like market statistics and information on possible sites and regional assets, IALR also presents innovative partnership opportunities on rapid-launch space, applied research services, and access to nationally renowned training programs as well as top-rate meeting space, catering and technology.
