Virginia Economic Review

Would more men try to prevent unintended pregnancies if their choices for contraception went beyond a condom or vasectomy?

The Greater Richmond region is in the middle of the greatest population growth in its history.

Merck’s expansion at its Rockingham County site, announced in late 2025, represents the continuation of a long, mutually beneficial tenure in the Commonwealth.

Dave Maraldo is the senior vice president of Human Health Manufacturing Operations at Merck, one of the five largest biopharmaceutical companies in the world.

Recent major biopharmaceutical manufacturing announcements are positioning Virginia for a broader reshoring effort in the pharma industry. COVID-era supply chain disruptions and resulting shortages exposed the risks of over-reliance on overseas production for essential medicines.

In October 2025, shovels went into the ground in Elkton, marking the start of a $3 billion pharmaceutical expansion project that will add 400,000 square feet to Merck’s existing campus.

Recent major biopharmaceutical announcements have sent a clear signal from the industry: Virginia is the future of biopharma manufacturing.

Best Medical International manufactures a crucial product that helps its users battle devastating cancers. Now, with an assist from VEDP, the company is getting its products into the hands of people who desperately need them.

A recent Virginia Business article outlines the more than $12 billion in major pharmaceutical manufacturing investments secured in Virginia in 2025.

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches, a Richmond-based, handcrafted, small batch ice cream company, is investing $5.8 million to move into a new production facility and corporate headquarters in the City of Richmond.

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that Red River Foods, a fully integrated supplier of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, snacks, and grains ethically sourced worldwide, will invest $15.5 million to expand its Henrico County headquarters.

Food and beverage and pharmaceutical companies rely on Virginia’s cold chain infrastructure to succeed.

Micron Searches for Center of Excellence and Global Research Development Center Micron Technology, Inc., is an industry leader in memory solutions and instrumental to the world’s most significant technology advancements.

Lilly will build a fully integrated manufacturing site in Goochland County, creating 650 jobs and enhancing the U.S. supply chain for advanced drug products.

Careyann Weinberg, Director of Economic Vitality for the Downtown Norfolk Council in Hampton Roads, Virginia, discusses quality of life and talent opportunities in Hampton Roads and Virginia as a whole, including the strong professional network in the area, the opportunities for talent, and her own "Why Virginia" story.

Bonnie Chavez, CEO of Building Beloved Communities in Roanoke, Virginia, discusses quality of life and talent opportunities in Roanoke and Virginia as a whole, including what drew her to the area, the opportunities for talent and her own "Why Virginia" story. Watch the Conversation

Peter Beard is vice president of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, where he leads workforce development projects and initiatives.

When Lydia Ruffin began work as a restaurant server, her goal was to support herself through school. She could not have anticipated how profoundly that entry-level job would shape her career.