ANNUAL REPORT & PROGRAM FINDINGS 2011-2012

CHESTERFIELD | HANOVER | HENRICO | RICHMOND

RICHMONDHENRICOHANOVER

CHESTERFIELD

There are more than 25,000 business establishments that call the Richmond region home. In total, they employ 485,000 people, injecting an estimated $5.8 billion into the economy annually in the form of wages. Additionally, busi-nesses procure goods and services locally, further strengthening the economic fabric of the region. Taxes paid by busi-nesses at the local, state and federal level contribute to the provision of vital public services. Further, philanthropic giving by industry helps to address community problems and support assets, like the arts, that contribute to our quality of life.

Those are just a few of the reasons why supporting the growth and success of businesses in our community matters. And today, emerging from one of the worst recessions the country has seen, it matters more than ever. Businesses today are faced with a myriad of choices including how to execute their business strategy, where to invest their capital and where to expand their workforce.

And our message is simple: Stay here. Grow here.

We’re a network of progressive lo-cal governments, service providers and volunteers from the business community. All of our interests are aligned to support the retention and expansion of businesses in the Richmond region. And because the issues facing businesses today are di-verse, so is our team. It includes govern-ment partners, finance agencies, training institutions, international trade experts, workforce development experts and more. Through the Business First Greater Richmond program, we’re working smarter to support the needs of existing businesses.

This year the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico worked collaboratively to reach out to more than 570 business leaders. The findings from those face-to-face interviews are presented in the following report, but this isn’t a survey process. It’s

just the beginning. The goal is to connect companies to resources to support their growth or help them overcome challeng-es in a way that helps grow the regional economy.

And we are encouraged that the recent recession has made this community more innovative, more resilient and more resourceful. It’s also made us more aware of the power of one. One region. One company. One job at a time.

Sincerely,

It all starts with a conversation

Sara J. Dunnigan

Senior Vice President, Existing Business Services & Talent Development Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.

What is Business First? How does it work?

Business First is an assistance program. It uses

face-to-face interviews to gather feedback that helps our partners

connect businesses with resources they need to stay in the region

and grow.

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How can I get involved as a volunteer?

Each locality has their own committee. To learn more about

becoming a volunteer, visit businessfirstrichmond.com

The Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc., and Business First Greater Richmond were recog-nized last fall by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The IEDC honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 20, during the IEDC Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Business First Greater Richmond received the highest honor, Excellence in Economic Development Award in the category for communities with populations greater than 500,000.

IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and part-nerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

“To have the work of our team recognized by IEDC is a high honor,” said Gregory H. Wingfield, president and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. “The role of our organization is to promote Greater Rich-mond’s pro-business message, support existing businesses, and retain and attract a talented workforce. In order to remain competitive, we strive to develop and implement innova-tive strategies and programs, as well as effec-tive tools to support our mission.”

None of this work would be possible without a team that includes business volunteers in the community. More than 80 volunteers provide countless hours to assist in the business out-reach efforts, allowing us to reach hundreds of businesses to gain valuable market intelli-gence. It’s one of the many ways this program stands apart from others across the country. The team celebrated at our annual Partners Event in January.

About the ProgramBusiness First Greater Richmond is a collaborative economic development ini-tiative designed to support the success of area businesses. The program starts with a face-to-face visit with a professional or one of our trained volunteers. It’s a busi-ness leader’s opportunity to share their story – past, present and future – and it’s our opportunity to listen. Participants are encouraged to share their attitudes and candid opinions on doing business here in the region.

The next step is an assessment of need. Based on each company’s unique re-quirements, these resources are brought to the client. That could be support with developing and executing a recruitment plan, identifying appropriate space for an expansion, assessing funding to acquire new equipment or assisting in a market

research study in a foreign country.

At the firm level, it’s about a custom-ized response and issue resolution. At the regional level, it’s the joining of 571 business voices all sharing their experi-

ences, revealing important business trends and issues of regional importance. The following charts and commentary are based on those conversations and tell an interesting story of the future.

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Greg Wingfield, president and CEO of the Partnership, touts the 2011 IEDC award at the VCU Scott House in January.

Sara Dunnigan (left), Partnership Senior Vice President of Existing Business Services and Talent Develop-ment, leads the quarterly Business First Partners Forum meeting at the Partnership offices.

National Recognition and Local Support

Hanover County

Health Diagnostic Laboratory (HDL) has been experi-encing explosive growth in the City of Richmond, transi-tioning from just a handful of employees in 2009 to about 500 workers today. The Virginia BioTechnology Research Park referred HDL to the Business First program, which

helped the company in recruiting two key positions as well as

connecting HDL with the Virginia Department of Busi-ness Assistance to discuss entitled benefits. Business First also connected HDL with area community colleges to ensure a continuous supply of workers with the lab skills needed to support the company’s rapid growth.

James River Bus Lines required 25 to 30 new staff mem-bers in order to fulfill a newly awarded contract. When previous hiring efforts were not successful, the company

turned to Business First, who worked with RESOURCE, the area’s workforce invest-ment board, to produce a

recruitment plan that helped James River Bus Lines fill all required positions. The company was even able to locate additional qualified applicants to accommodate future growth.

Morooka USA had been so successful in its sales of rubber track carriers that the manufacturing facility in Japan could not keep up with orders from the Western

Hemisphere. The company was introduced to Hanover Business First when it reached out for support after a licens-

ing agreement allowed Morooka USA and Virginia Steel Services to establish manufacturing lines in the U.S. The company qualified for a Virginia Jobs Investment Program grant and was provided with site selection assistance as well as organizational assistance with the ribbon-cutting event and press release.

A routine Business First interview revealed that Virginia Crane, manufacturer of heavy industrial cranes, was in-terested in expanding its facility to produce larger equip-

ment. Plans included a building expansion to 110,000 square feet,

a $2 million capital investment and 15 new jobs. The Ha-nover Business First team helped with the pre-application process and introduced representatives from the Virginia Department of Business Assistance to discuss funding through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. Hanover also helped negotiate the extension of fiber cable through a county easement from the original property to the ad-dition. And, once all the planning was done, the county helped the company develop a press release to announce its success.

City of Richmond

1,251 618retained jobsnew jobs

$76min new private

investment

program

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Chesterfield County

Henrico County

Network Technologies and Support Inc. (NTS) is a full service systems integrator providing customers with a single source for a broad range of high-technology products and services. Beginning with a two-person office

in Chesterfield County, the company has grown rapidly to 280 employees, requiring an expansion of their head-

quarters. Chesterfield supported the project by connect-ing NTS with two incentive programs - the Virginia Jobs Investment Program and the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit Program. The project resulted in a $1.5 million capital investment and the creation of 140 new jobs.

Chesterfield County Economic Development utilized a targeted outreach effort to contact tourism-related busi-nesses in the vicinity of the River City Sportsplex. The goal was to develop relationships, deliver information

and help these firms better prepare for future sport-ing events, which attract a large number of visitors from

outside the county. One weekend event in July drew more than 12,000 participants and spectators. This approach has connected businesses with resources to help them benefit from Chesterfield’s tourism strategy investment, increase sales and improve the visitor experience.

Sealpac was having difficulty in recruiting a key team member and remembered the Business First program, which had previously helped the company with U.S. visa

and real estate issues. Business First was able to put Sealpac in contact with the Virginia Employment Commission,

who helped register the company with the Virginia Labor Market Exchange. Sealpac has since identified and hired a highly qualified candidate and has a new recruiting re-source for future use.

Wow. You helped all of these businesses?

The Business First program strives to be a one stop solution to many

of your business’ needs. You can read more success stories on our website at businessfirstrichmond.com/testimonials

impact

To meet the demands of sudden growth, Allianz Global Assistance, an international travel insurance and assis-tance provider, needed to hire multiple customer service

representatives. Business First worked with RE-SOURCE’s Workforce Solutions Team to provide a comprehensive recruitment

plan. More than 70 prescreened candidates were presented at a workforce recruitment event held to support the im-mediate addition of 30 jobs and the planned addition of 100 over the next year.

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What is your projected sales growth?A full 81% of respondents are forecasting positive sales growth in the coming year with 40% reporting that they expect double-digit sales growth in that period. Of the remainder, only 3% expect sales to decline. This could be an important trigger for hiring, as well as a catalyst for additional investment in technol-ogy, machinery and equipment or space.

50%

Workforce Availability Excellent 32% Good 46% Fair 18% Poor 4%

Workforce Quality Excellent 34% Good 51% Fair 12% Poor 2%

Having an effective and productive workforce is key to supporting a successful growing business community and overall, area businesses report satisfaction with the availability of labor, with 73% rating it Good or Excellent. Eighty percent rate workforce quality in the Good or Excellent categories. Despite the fact that the unemployment rate has fallen from 7.7% to 6.1% over the past 24 months, neither of these rating have shifted significantly from last year.

Fewer than 20% of firms reported challenges recruiting and less that 10% reported employee retention as a problem. Also encouraging, one in three business leaders shared that they added staff in the previous year, an important trend and indicative of a more sustained, job-filled recovery for the region.

18%YES82% NO

1:3 managers added staff

As mentioned, interviewed firms employ more than 21,000 individuals, a small fraction of the regions’ 485,000 jobs. The good news is that interviewed firms expect to expand their workforce, although at more modest amounts than in previous years. This year, the group

expects to increase employment by 2%, much less than the 7% increase reported last year. A total of 155 businesses (36%) indicated that they plan to add staff in the coming year, creating 995 new jobs. Of those firms adding

staff, the largest numerical gains are expected in Professional Business Services (variety of occupations), Healthcare, and Transportation and Warehousing sectors. Employment reductions are projected for 4 of the 16 industries profiled.

Plan to hire more 29% No change 65% Plan to hire fewer 5%

Workforce Availability and Quality

Facility Usage vs. Capacity

Equipment Usage vs. Capacity

571More than 570 companies participated in this year’s program, representing in excess of 21,000 jobs in the region. It is a diverse list of firms, a cross-section of the regional economy that includes large and small compa-nies, 75% of which call the Richmond region their headquarters. Almost half of the respondents indicated they had another facility in the US providing a similar

product or service and 12% shared that they have international offices as well. In terms of industry representation, the largest sector represented was Professional Business Services, (22%), followed by Wholesale Trade (11%) and Finance and Insurance (11%).

The Business First program works to support the expansion of existing businesses. Twenty-eight percent of respondents have plans to expand their physical space, requiring in excess of 750,000 square feet of commercial space to accommodate their growth.

Business outreach identified important indicators signaling the need to grow in the future, including space and equipment utilization. Approximately 64% of the businesses interviewed are working at 90% or more of space capacity, suggesting the need for future expansion. The commercial real estate market has been recovering in Greater Richmond, with vacancy rates in the industrial and office markets falling. Also, asking rents have increased according to CoStar, a commer-cial real estate information provider.

A smaller number of companies (58%) report high levels of equipment utilization compared to the previous program year. This could mean less demand for new machinery and equipment for this group of firms in the coming year.

18.3% Management of Companies & Enterprises 11.4% Transportation & Warehousing 10.1% Waste Management & Remediation Services 5.6% Information 5.2% Other Services (except Public Administration)

27% 11% 5%

64%

7%22%

6%

28%

Key Findings

program findings

Among the firms interviewed, the industries below forecast the largest percentage gains in employment.

Wholesale Trade 10.7%

Finance & Insurance

9.5%

Manufacturing 8.8%

Retail Trade 7.9%

Accommodation and Food Services

8.1%

Real Estate, Rental

& Leasing 4.6%

Information 2.8%

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 2.5%

Transportation & Warehousing 2.1%

Educational Services 1.9%

21,800

155

$48m

existing jobs represented

companies planning to add staff in the coming year

capital investment potential

More than 570 companies participated in this year’s program, representing in excess of 21,000 jobs in the region. It is a diverse list of firms, a cross-section of the regional economy that includes large and small compa-nies, 75% of which call the Richmond region their headquarters. Almost half of the respondents indicated they had another facility in the US providing a similar

product or service and 12% shared that they have international offices as well. In terms of industry representation, the largest sector represented was Professional Business Services, (22%), followed by Wholesale Trade (11%) and Finance and Insurance (11%).

The region’s business climate is an important factor in the retention of firms and talent in the region. For firms with multiple options for an expansion, it becomes a large factor considered as part of a location decision.

Business Climate Rankings

Please compare the local business climate today versus 5 years ago:

Please forecast the condition of the local business climate 5 years from today:

Please rate the local business climate:

Better today 28% No change 21% Worse today 50%

Will be better 81% No change 15% Will be worse 4%

Excellent 12% Good 58% Fair 27% Poor 3%

program findings

Overall 70% rated the business climate as Excellent or Good, a five-percentage-point increase over last year, and 81% predict the business climate will continue to improve. Despite any concerns regarding the business climate, 96% of the individuals we spoke with had a positive attitude overall about the region.

Utilities <1%

Professional, Scienti�c, & Technical Services

21.9%

Construction 6.5%

Other Services

4.9%

Real Estate, Rental

& Leasing 4.6%

Health Care & Social

Assistance 4.6%

Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 1.8%

Management of Companies and Enterprises 1.1%

Public Administration <1%

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting <1%

750k

124square feet of additional commercial space required

expanding businesses identified

Business First givesbusiness leaders a voicein the local community

PublicWater/Sewer

K-12 Education

Nothing can dampen a business’ spirit more than the less-than-stellar provision of municipal service or the failure to execute key government functions, such as economic development. It’s encouraging that at the regional level, 8 out of 10 businesses expressed their satisfaction (rated Good or Excellent) with efforts to support the expansion of the regional economy. The following charts detail the ratings for other variables.

The chart above illustrates the opinions of the business leaders interviewed. Colleges and universities are consistently rated the highest of the educational offerings in the region but K-12 offerings also get high marks. Both are important components of the region’s workforce pipeline. Area colleges and universi-ties convey more than 13,000 degrees annually

and the region’s high schools graduate an additional 14,000 students. These first-time workers are an important resource to our growing business base.

Other factors influencing the quality of life, and therefore the firm’s ability to attract and retain workers, rated highly as well. The quality of the

region’s various cultural amenities received top ratings from 84% of the respondents. Businesses report that the region offers a quality lifestyle, as well as quality career opportunities. However, work could be done to increase awareness, especially among younger, highly educated workers.

What’s next?

Big Focus on Small Business

The average firm size of interviewed companies was 37 employees and certainly small business was richly represented this year. Of the interviewed firms, 90 percent had fewer than 100 employees. To il-lustrate the importance of this segment, during the 10 year period ending in 2009, firms with fewer than 100 employers added more than 80,000 jobs in the region. In contrast, larger firms contracted, shedding 14,000 jobs. Second stage companies (those employing 9-100) hold much promise for the region and will be a focus of future outreach and resource development efforts.

High Growth. High Growth Potential. High Impact.

Many people ask us how we determine our targets for outreach as we work to support the network of existing business in the region. Our goal is to support the creation of new jobs and influence and facilitate the investment of new capital in our community. In order to do that successfully, it is imperative that we operate with a concrete strategy. We have to knock on the right doors with the right ques-tions and the right resources. Focusing our resources on companies with growth strategies helps us make the biggest impact for our effort. Addressing the needs of stable legacy firms that are part of our economic fabric is needed as well.

Talent Development

The labor force has to grow along with the economy. Human capital is emerging as the most critical input of any business process and analysts are predicting global changes and trends that are being felt right here in the region. The most urgent are apparent regional skills mismatches between those currently unemployed and job opportu-nities with expanding industries, skill shortages in high demand oc-cupation such as IT, and skilled production workers and demographic shifts. A regional strategy that addresses business needs today as well as a long term pipeline development view is imperative to support further economic growth in the region.

*Source: youreconomy.org

How will the gathered information be used?

The information is first used to direct resources and

assistance to those companies in need. Annually, the gathered

information is presented in this publication to help us assess the

region’s business climate.

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THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!1717 Design Group • 1800 Bar & Grill • 3 North • A & J Resurfacing, Inc. • A & L Eastern Laboratories, Inc. • A & R Cabinet Company, Inc. • A & V Pre-cision Machine, Inc. • A Sharper Palate Catering Co. • A Taste of Italy • Abilene Motor Express • ACS Heritage, Inc. • Adams & Garth • Adult & Child Foot & Ankle Care, LLC • Advanced Coffee Tech Service • Advanced Concepts Training Corp. • Advanced Enviro Solutions • Advanced Office Systems • Advanced Orthopedic Centers • Advantage Sales & Marketing • Aerotek, Inc. • Affinion Loyalty Group • AG Systems • AIBioTech • All Virginia Food Ser-vice Brokers • Alleghany Warehouse Company, Inc. • Allied International Credit • All-Star Graphics • Alsco • Altron Corporation • American Diabetes Asso-ciations • Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. • AMF Baking Systems • AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc. • Analytics Corporation • Andrew Agency • Anton Paar USA, Inc. • Apex Title & Settlement Services/Benchmark Mortage, Inc. • Apple Spice Junction • Arbon Equipment Corporation • Arc Welders, Inc. • Arca-dia Restaurant • Arcet Equipment Company • Architectural Products Of Virginia • Ashland Veterinary Hospital, Inc. • Atlantic Construction Fabrics Inc./Landsaver Environmental • Atlantic Corrugated • Automatic Controls of Virginia • B 1 Technologies • B&B Printing • Bacon Insurance Group • Bagby Electric of Va. • Ball-Martin Insurance Agency, Inc • Bandazian and Holden • Bass Pro Shop • Battleware Technology • Baughan’s Financial Services • Bay Companies • BCWH • Best Western Governor’s Inn • Better Kitchens & Baths • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Richmond & Tri Cities • Big Oak Studios • Blackburn, Conte, Schilling & Click • Blair Dumond, Incorporated • Blanchard’s Coffee Company • Blue Steel Lighting Design • Blueprint Auto-mation, Inc. • Bob Windsor, Inc. • Bobalicious • Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center • Bondioli & Pavesi, Inc. • Bonefish Grill • Bosley Medical Richmond • Branch Group • Brandermill Woods • Branscome Richmond • Brick House Diner • Bryan & Jordan Consulting • Bryant and Pleasants, P.C. • Business Data Of Virginia, Inc. • Business Partnering International, Ltd. • C & F Mortgage Corporation • C. M. Woolford & Associates, LLC • C3 (Creative Change Center) • California Closets • Campus Pierce Arrow • Can See Fire Solutions, Inc • Candlewood Suites, Inc. • CapGroup Advisors • Capital Ale House • Capital Techsearch, Inc. • Capitol Awning & Ramp • Capitol Financial Solutions • Caprin Asset Management, LLC • Care Alternatives of Virginia, LLC • CTE Resource Center • Caring Hands and Kneads • Carlton-Gray Systems, Inc • Carol A. N. Breit • Carreras and Associates • Carrier Enterprises • Carter Machinery • Cartridge World • Cauthorne Paper Company • Cavalier Construction & Remodeling, Inc. • CCA • Central Michigan University • CEVA Logistics • CHA • Chase Architectural Metal, LLC • Chester Family YMCA • Chester Furniture Barn • Chesterfield Healthcare Group • Chesterfield Towne Center Mall • Chipotle • Chmura Economics & Analytics • Cici’s Pizza Richmond Courthouse • Cici’s Pizza Commonwealth Centre • Cimtec • City & Guilds Builders • City Wide Decorators, Inc. • Clark Nexsen Architecture & Engineering • Classic Granite and Marble • Classic Party Rentals of VA • Cliff Weil, Inc. • CMC • Code X Inc • Comfort Keepers • Commonwealth Boat Brokers • Commonwealth Controls • Commonwealth Detail Supply • Com-monwealth Energy Systems, LLC • Commonwealth Engineering • Commonwealth Movers Inc. • Commonwealth Painting & Decorating, Inc. • Common-wealth Ventures of Virginia, LLC • Compass MD • Conquest Graphics • Coqui Cyclery, LLC • Corbi Plastics • Corporate Imprints • Coughenour & Asso-ciates, Inc. • Country Inn & Suites - Lakeridge • Country Vintner • Courtyard by Marriott Richmond West • Coventry Southern Health • Craven Electrical Services, Inc. • Creative Office • Critical Ship • Utility Trailers Sales of Virginia • Crust & Cream • Custom Homes Realty, LLC • Custom Logos • Custom View, LLC • CVS • Data Matx • Davenport & Company, LLC. • Delta Automation, Inc. • Denny’s Restaurant • The Desserterie Bistro & Pastisserie • Dia-mond Springs Water & Coffee Express Distributors, Inc. • Digital Video Group Inc. • Digitalaw • Direct Solutions, LLC • DiServio & Sobrito Insurance • Ditch Witch of Virginia • Diversified Document Management • Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP • Dominion Air & Machinery Co. • Dominion Diversified Real Estate Group • Dominion Fiber Technologies • Dominion Interior Supply Corporation • Dominion Marketing Research • Dominion Properties Virginia, LLC • Double Image Studio • DS Trading Company, Inc. • DSC Logistics • DTS Reprographics • Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins • Dunlap & Partners • DuPont Teijin Films • Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) Specialists of Virginia • Earth Craft House Virginia • East Coast Entertainment • Eastlight Renewable Ventures • Edward Jones • Edwards, Kretz, Lohr & Associates • EEE Consulting • EI Consulting Group • El Hispanito Car Sales • Elephant Insurance • Emerald Con-struction Company • Empire Consulting, LP • EMSCO (Electronic Manufacturing Services Company) • Endeavor Capital LLC • Engineering Products & Controls, Inc. • Entrust Federal Credit Union • Environmental Alternatives, LLC • Envoy of Stratford Hills • Equity Concepts, LLC • Erie Insurance • eSer-vices, Inc. • ESI - Electronic Systems, Inc. • Evergreen Enterprises Inc. • Ewing Bemiss & Co. • Exclusive Temporaries • Executive Benefit Strategies • Fire and Life Safety America • Fire Solutions • First Choice Quality Services, LLC • First Richmond Associates • Fiscal Fitness Tax Service & Financial Services, Inc. • Fi-Tech, Inc. • Fletcher’s Paint & Body Shop, Inc. • Flippo Lumber Corp. • Floricane • Foley Material & Handling Co, Inc. • Food Lion • For-est City Commercial Group • Fortis College • Four Seasons Recycling & Trading, LLC • Frito-Lay • Fritter Group • G 4 CPA Firm, Inc. • G.F.H. Insurance Agency, Inc. • G3 Systems, Inc. • GAI Consultants, Inc. • GanPat Enterprise, Inc. • Getloaded.com, LLC • Gexpro • GHT Insurance Agency, Inc. • Gino’s Pizza, Inc. • Glave Kocen Gallery • Glenn Glass Co. • Global Stainless Supply/Forging, Flanges & Fittings, LLC • Global Web Solutions, Inc • Go Mortgage Group LLC • Goodwin Dental Laboratory, Inc. • Goulet Pen Company • Graden USA, Inc. • Grant Massie Land Company, Ltd. • Green Top Sporting Goods Corp • Gregory Poole Lift Systems • Groome Transportation • Groundwater Environmental Services, Inc. • Guardian Homecare, LLC • Guild Launch, LLC • Guirkin Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Co. LLC • H & B Surveying & Mapping, LLC • H & H Supply Co., Inc. • H. F. Hill & Associates • Haber-dasher Corporate Apparel • Half Way House Restaurant • Hampton Inn • Hanover Foils LLC • Hardee’s • Hardywood Park Craft Brewery • Harold’s Business Supply, Inc. • Harper Hardware • Harris Mechanical Services, Inc. • Harvest Financial Group, LLC • Health Educators, Inc.-Parham • Health Infor-matics, Inc. • HealthFocus Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine • Heinz Nationwide Insurance • Henkels & McCoy, Inc. • Herald Progress, Inc. • Hickman’s Termite & Pest Control • Hillcrest Enterprises, Inc. • Hocoa of Richmond • Holiday Inn Express • Holiday Inn Select - Koger Center • Holiday Signs • Home-link Home & Lawn Services • Hourigan Construction Corporation • Hunt Investments LLC • Hutchens & Hutchens PC • Hyatt Place • Impressions Mar-keting • In Source Solutions • Independence Senior Care • Industrial Reporting Inc. • Infilco Degremont, Inc. • Ingrid’s Bakery • Institute of Massage Ther-apies, Inc. • Intelliject • Interactive, Inc. • Invincia Insurance Solutions • Irby Architects, PC • James River Air Conditioning Co., Inc. • James River Cellars Winery • James River Equipment • James River Grounds Management Inc. • James River Insurance Agency Inc. • JDR Communications, Inc. • Jewett Machine • Jim’s Formal Wear • John D. Dutton, P.C. • Johnny Rockets • Joyner’s Mechanical Inc. • KDR Real Estate Services, Inc. • Kenny Wilbourne Realty & Construction Co., Inc. • Khaddage CPA, PC • Kids in the Kitchen • Kings Dominion • Kirby & Associates, CPA • KLMK Group • Kone, Inc. • KPMG, LLP • KSA Interiors • L. A. Prillaman • La Parisienne Bistro & Cafe • Landmark Property Service, Inc. • Latin Ballet of Virginia • Lawrence Sanitary Company, Inc. • Layne’s Fabric Supply & Upholstery Co., Inc. • LCI Communications, Inc. • LeClair Ryan • Lewis-Goetz and Company, Inc. • Liberty Mortgage Corp • Lifetouch • Light Tape • Lincare • Little Appliance • Little Oil Co., Inc. • Livewire LLC • LOGISTICS 2020, Inc. • LOGO Dynamics, Inc. • M&T Bank • M. R. Foley and Associates, Inc. • Maaco • Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc. • Mad Science of Central Virginia • Madison + Main • Major Willy Mayo’s • Mann Armistead & Epperson • Mapcom Systems • Margarita’s Cantina • Mariachis Hull, Inc. • Mariachis Pocono, Inc. • Martin’s • Marz Industries • Mass Mutual Financial Group • MB Contractors • McGuirewoods LLP • McKinney and Company, Inc. • Mechanicsville Animal Hospital • Med Inc. • Media General, Inc. • Medical Practice Management, Inc. • Memories Videography, Inc. • Merchants Fixture • Michael Sparks Design • Mid Atlantic Business Com-munications • Mid Atlantic Transport Refrigeration • Mid South Building Supply • Mid South Marketing Inc. • Mid-Atlantic Home Health • Midlothian Ath-letic Club • Midlothian Electric Company • MidSouth Assurance • Milos America Inc. & Milos Structural Systems • Minute Man Press of Chester • Minute-man Press of Glen Allen • Mobelux • Modern Mechanical, LLC • Month to Month Auto Insurance • Monument Inspection Services, LLC • Morooka USA • Morrissett Funeral Home • Mr. Appliance of Chesterfield County • Murphy’s Law II • Mygrant Glass • Myriad Financial Services of Virginia, LLC • N & W Salvage, Inc. • N.B.Goodwyn & Sons, Inc. • NAPCO LLC • Napier Realtors ERA • National Electrical Contractors Association • National Hardware & Supply (NHS) • Natural Resources Conservation Service • NDEC • Net Search Direct • Neville C. 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Evans & Associates, Inc. • Ronayne & Turner Associates, PC • Rue & Associates, Inc. • RX3 Compounding Phar-macy • Safety First Company • Safeware • Sagemark Consulting • Samuel Little Graphic Design • SCK Sports • Sermat Construction Services • Servi-ent, Inc. • Seward Insurance • Shamin Hotels • Sherwin Electrical Services, LLC • Shultz & James, Inc. • Signature Fence, Inc. • SIL Insurance • Sleep Disorders Center of Virginia • SmashDirect • Smith Turf & Irrigation Company • SoftChalk, LLC • Solar Plus/Richmond Pool Work, Inc. • Sonic Tools LP • South University • Southeast Frozen Foods Company • Southern Brick Contractors, Inc. • Southern Electronics, Inc. • Southern RV • Spark Engineering LLC • Spec Ops • Spotts and Carneal • Spotts, Fain, Consulting • Spurrier Media Group • Stark Truss • Sterling Benefits & Securities America • Sterling Management • Sterne Agee • Stonee Masonry, Inc. • Strategic Employee Benefit Services • Stratford University-Richmond Campus • Strickland Machine Company • Structured Cable of Virginia • Sunbelt Business Brokers • Sunrise Senior Living at Bon Air • SwimQuest Ventures • Synergy Systems, Inc. • Taco Bell • Teamster Local Union #592 • Teamsters Joint Council • Technical Resources, Inc • Technology Team, Inc. • Techway Systems, Inc. • TGI Fri-day’s • The Bullis Financial Group • The Capstone Contracting Company • The Cedarhouse School • The Cracker Barrel • The J. M. Fry Co. • The Springer Agency • The Supply Room Company • Thomas Hamilton & Associates • Tidewater Home Mortgage Group • Tiffany & Company • Timmons Group • To Market • Today’s Fashion • Topeka’s Steak & Aunt Sarah’s • Total Party Planner • Trafford Corporation • TRANE - Virginia • Triangle Fastener Corpora-tion • Trident Plasitcs, Inc. • Twisted Tomato • Tyson Foods, Inc. • University of Phoenix • UTECO, Inc. • U-Turn Sports Performance Academy • Valderas & Fishel, PC • Velocity Micro, Inc. • Victor Products Co. • Village Bank • Virginia Association of Realtors • Virginia Business Systems • Virginia Commercial Financial, Inc. • Virginia Import Services, Inc. • Virginia Life Brokerage • Virginia Logos, LLC • Virginia Medical Repair, Inc. • Virginia Polymers • Virginia Press Association • Virginia Real Estate Network, LLC • Vista Environmental, Inc. • VSC Corp • Walker & Frick Construction Company • Walker Consulting Group • WallsBuild1Rite • Watershed Architects • WaterStreet Studio • Weimans Bakery • Weller & Associates, LLC • West End Orthopedic Clinic, Inc. • WHAN Radio • White Birch Paper - Bear Island Division • Wiley & Wilson, Inc. • Williams Mullen • Wine Trend, Inc. • Winks Snowa Architects • Wise Ben-

efits, Inc. • Wolff, Fording and Company • Wolfgang’s Gym • Wood Equipment Service Company Inc. • Wood Refinishing and Restoration • Wood-lake Child Development Center • Work Environment Associates • WRLH Fox Richmond • XPEDX • York Sports Car, Inc. • Zip Products

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chesterfield countyKaren A. Aylward, CEcDDevelopment Manager of Existing Business, Chesterfield County Economic DevelopmentTel. 804-318-8550karen@chesterfieldbusiness.com

Chesterfield Committee Co-Chairs Howard Grove, HRMCindy Hodges, Village Bank

hanover countyThomas J. Miller Business Services Coordinator, Hanover County Dept. of Economic DevelopmentTel. 804-365-6459tjmiller@hanovervirginia.com

Hanover Committee Chair Mark Creery, Data Directions

henrico countyHenrico County Economic Development AuthorityTel. 804-501-7654 info@henrico.com

Henrico Committee Co-Chairs Michael Flagg, Cottrell CommunicationsCharles Wood, Attributes for Success, LLC

city of richmondSheila H. Shepperson Project Development Manager,Dept. of Economic & Community DevelopmentTel. 804-646-5491 sheila.shepperson@richmondgov.com

City of Richmond Committee Co-Chairs Gary Burton, City of Richmond Planning & Development ReviewPaula Lowry, City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities

Business First Greater Richmond Supports Businesses in the City of Richmond, and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico.

Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. | 901 East Byrd St., Suite 801Richmond, VA 23219-4070 | Tel. 804-643-3227

Program Partners

Capital Region Workforce Partnership (RESOURCE)

Chesterfield County Economic Development

City of Richmond Department of Economic and Community Development

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities

Community College Workforce Alliance

GenEDGE Alliance

Greater Richmond Chamber

Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.

Greater Richmond Small Business Development Center

Greater Richmond Transit Authority

Hanover County Economic Development

Hanover County Planning Department

Henrico County Economic Development

Port of Richmond

Richmond Economic Development Corp. (REDC)

Community Capital Group

University of Richmond

Virginia Biotechnology Research Park

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Department of Business Assistance

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

Virginia Economic Development Department (International Trade Division)

Virginia Employment Commission

Virginia Manufacturers Association (Workforce Division)

Virginia Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership

U.S. Small Business Administration

The Business First Greater Richmond team is comprised of a diverse group of organizations who share our commitment to the success of existing business. The groups listed here are just a small sample of the many resources available to businesses in the Great-er Richmond region. To learn more and to read our blog, please visit the program website at www.businessfirstrichmond.com.