Get to Know – GO Virginia Region 2
GO Virginia Region 2 encompasses the Lynchburg, New River Valley, and Roanoke-Alleghany metropolitan statistical areas. This region includes 13 counties (Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Botetourt, Campbell, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Roanoke) and 5 independent cities (Covington, Lynchburg, Radford, Roanoke, and Salem). The region’s population is 781,531, which represents 9.1% of Virginia’s total population as of 2020.
Economic Strengths and Focus Areas:
Region 2 has a diverse economic landscape that includes both traditional industries and emerging sectors. The region leverages its strengths in:
1. Manufacturing
2. Transportation
3. Higher Education
4. Healthcare
The four target industry clusters identified for sustainable growth are:
• Transportation & Automation
• Life Science & Healthcare
• IT & Emerging Technologies
• Materials & Machinery Manufacturing
Growth & Diversification Plan:
The Growth & Diversification Plan focuses on the socio-economic trajectory of the region, particularly job growth, gross regional product contributions, and high-wage job availability. The plan was updated between June and August 2021 and involved stakeholder engagement through regional meetings in Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Blacksburg. The focus areas include:
• Talent Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Cluster Scale-Up
• Sites and Infrastructure
Key Projects and Investments:
Region 2 has implemented several projects to drive growth across its target clusters. Read about these projects and investments at https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/Docx/gova/region-two/fy22-region2-annual-report.pdf
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