GO Virginia Region 3

10/13/2026

ICYMI: Twain Lumber Company recently announced an investment of more than $7 million in Henry County to reopen the former Teal Jones sawmill. The company also plans to purchase over $40 million of Virginia forest products over the next 3 years. What a win for Region 3!

📸 Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation

10/09/2026

What happens when a community college listens to the needs of the students? Even more career opportunities!

Seven community colleges across rural Virginia will receive $5.93 million to support expansion of healthcare training. Patrick & Henry Community College plans to add a part-time Licensed Practical Nurse program to help LPNs become registered nurses. Eliminating the full-time requirement allows students to work and care for family members while helping Region 3 meet this critical need.

Learn more below. 👇🔗

📸 Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury

10/08/2026

Have an idea that could grow jobs, strengthen our workforce or expand our regional economy?

GO Virginia Region 3 grants can help turn innovative ideas into impactful projects through collaboration and investment. Now is the time to explore funding opportunities and put your big ideas into action. Explore below. 🔗👇

If you could launch one project to strengthen Southern Virginia’s economy, what would it be?

10/06/2026

Mecklenburg County offers an example of how new technology and rural communities can grow together. Data center investment has helped generate local revenue, support infrastructure and education, reduce certain taxes and fees, strengthen small businesses, and create pathways to skilled careers.

Through programs like the Data Center Academy, residents are gaining valuable technical skills that extend beyond the data center industry.

When new technology comes to a community, what benefits matter most to you?

📸 Virginia Free Press

10/02/2026

Happy National Manufacturing Day!

Today we celebrate the people, innovation and craftsmanship that keep manufacturing an important part of Region 3! From skilled workers on a production floor to designers and engineers behind the scenes, manufacturing helps turn ideas into products that support our communities and power our economy.

Show your favorite Region 3 manufacturer some love by tagging them in the comments!

10/01/2026

The Tigers are on a roll! 🐯 Hampden-Sydney College recently launched two new academic schools: the Citrone School of Business and Economics and the Hickok School of Government, History, and Civic Leadership.

These new schools strengthen opportunities in business, economics, government, history and leadership—investing in students and the future of our region. Read all about it below. 🔗👇

09/29/2026

Don't miss out on these great workshop opportunities with SOVA Innovation Hub—including one about AI on 10/1!

This fall, the SOVA Innovation Hub is launching a new AI for Business Workshop Series built around practical ways to use AI in your everyday work.

Start with the basics, learn how to write better prompts, turn repetitive tasks into AI-supported workflows, and explore how AI can help with marketing and outreach.

October 1 or October 20: AI For Business: What AI Is, What It Can Do, & How to Use It
November 17: AI For Business: Practical Prompting for Everyday Work
December 3: AI for Business: From Chatbot to Workflow: Building Repeatable AI Systems
January 12: AI for Business: AI for Marketing, Outreach, & Creation
All workshops will be held at the SOVA Innovation Hub. Registration is now open.

See comments to learn more and for the registration link.

09/29/2026

Looking for the latest news, regional initiatives, funding opportunities, success stories, and resources? Check out the GO Virginia Region 3 website and see how we’re working to support businesses, strengthen our workforce, and drive economic growth across the region.

Explore, connect, and discover what’s happening across Region 3!

09/18/2026

Strong regional leadership starts with leaders who know our industries and communities. Congratulations to GO Virginia Region 3 Council member and Drake Extrusion CEO John Parkinson on his recognition in Virginia Business’ 2026 Power List in Manufacturing!

His leadership in Henry County and the advanced manufacturing sector brings valuable perspective to the Council as we work to strengthen collaboration, workforce development and economic opportunity across Southern Virginia. Congratulations, John, on this well-deserved recognition!

Learn more and read about the other honorees. 👇🔗

09/17/2026

We already know Virginia is a great place to do business—and these rankings continue to put that strength on the global stage!

From a talented workforce to a strong business climate, Virginia continues to stand out as a top destination for companies looking to grow, innovate, and succeed.