Virginia Named America's "Top State for Business" by CNBC

Virginia has been named America's "Top State for Business" by CNBC. The Commonwealth took the top spot in the extremely competitive yearly study, receiving the highest point total in the history of the rankings. Virginia finished in the top-half of every category ranked. The number one ranking comes on the heels of Virginia's receiving the highest ranking of any state east of the Mississippi in the American Legislative Exchange Council's economic competitiveness ranking of the states, which was released last week.

For additional information, please click here.

The Capital of Creativity: Launch of i.e.*

On Thursday, June 24, the launch of i.e.* took place during an all-day summit held at LaDifference in downtown Richmond. The purpose of i.e.* is to tell the Richmond region's creative story and highlight the innovation and world-class work being done in Richmond every day. To read the full article in the Richmond Times Dispatch, please click here.

A Celebration of Progress: One Year Review of East End Vision Initiative

On Tuesday, June 21st, the Richmond community came out in force to celebrate the progress of the East End Initiative and to discuss next steps at the historic Robinson Theater. To read the full article in the Richmond Times Dispatch, please click here. To learn more about the East End Initiative, please click here.

New City Economic Indicators Report Now Available

The City of Richmond has developed a new Economic Indicators Report that highlights economic activity in the city as well as selected indicators for the region, state and nation. The report provides statistics on local employment, retail sales, housing market, building permit activity and tourism activity. Please click here to view the May 2011 report.

Made in Richmond - Special Report

The Richmond Times Dispatch featured several articles recently on the Richmond region's diverse food production and manufacturing base, highlighting companies such as AMF Bakery Systems and C.F. Sauer Co. Click here to read the articles.

Governor McDonnell Signs New Legislation to Promote Clean and Renewable Energy in Virginia

Governor Bob McDonnell signed eight pieces of new legislation on June 15th at the VCU School of Business to promote the clean and renewable energy industry in Virginia and to spur development of new pilot projects and technologies that will promote reliable and affordable energy for Virginia families, businesses and industry.

The legislation will further advance development of renewable energy sources through solar generation demonstration programs, expansion of distributed generation and by establishing additional incentives for individuals and companies to utilize clean and renewable energy.

To read the full press release, please click here.

Shockoe Bottom Development Boom Continues

Residential development in Shockoe Bottom continues as developers turn historic warehouses into apartments and lofts. Click here to view the CBS 6 News video highlighting the developments underway.

Richmond Makes Cover of American Airlines Magazine

The city of Richmond is the cover page featured article in American Airlines' June 15 issue of American Way magazine. Entitled Pride + Perserverance, this article highlights the city of Richmond's history of innovation, welcoming spirit and entrepreneurial energy. Click here to read the full article.

Taste of Paris Coming to Downtown Richmond

The La Parisienne Bistro and Cafe will be opening on the ground floor of the Williams Mullen building at the corner of 10th and Cana streets in July. The restaurant will feature authentic French cuisine and eventually offer live music. For more information, read the full Richmond Richmond BizSense article here.

IT publication list Richmond as a top city for IT Professionals to live

Information technologies trade publication, Microsoft Certified Professionals Magazine, has ranked Richmond #6 on their top "Top 10 Cities for IT Professionals to Live In" list.

The article noted Richmond for its large number of government IT jobs available and the selection of Fortune 500 firms calling Richmond home.

To view the full list, please click here.

New Downtown Development Featured at Venture Richmond Real Estate Forum

On Friday, June 3, 2011, Venture Richmond hosted the "Seeing is Believing" forum, highlighting over 40 projects underway or recently completed in downtown Richmond. For more information, please click here to read the Richmond Times Dispatch article.

Revitalization of East Broad Street

A Richmond Times Dispatch article by Carol Hazard highlights new efforts by the City of Richmond and developers to revitalize a key set of blocks along East Broad Street in downtown Richmond.

Douglas Jemal, a prominent Washington developer, has teamed up with Eagle Commercial Realty to renovate and then sell or lease at least 13 buildings between First and Third Street.

The City of Richmond has been working with Jemal to encourage improvement along East Broad Street and beginning July 1, 2011, will have funding available for facade improvements and small repairs.

Additional revitalization efforts along East Broad Street include the public-private partnership program called ArtBusiness Richmond and the new City-wide loan program. Click here to learn more.