Virginia: A Commonwealth of Opportunity

Nearly four hundred years ago, Virginia became the first English-speaking colony to take root in the New World. Today the commonwealth has preserved its proud heritage while embracing the challenges of the 21st century. With its geographic diversity, abundance of natural resources, and proximity to East Coast population centers, Virginia has emerged as a global leader in business, education, technology, and innovation. From automotive to aerospace, tourism to global logistics, Virginia s diverse economy generates an extensive array of goods, services, and jobs. This business-friendly state is headquarters for 20 Fortune 500 firms and more than 700 internationally owned businesses. Virginia is also home to numerous internationally recognized research and development facilities and high-tech firms, with excellent colleges and universities ensuring a plentiful supply of highly educated and skilled workers. Rich in history and tradition, Virginia has one of the nation's highest concentrations of historic resources, along with numerous cultural institutions. Blessed with beautiful mountains, rivers, and beaches, Virginia also offers abundant recreational offerings. Residents enjoy a lower cost of living than those in comparable states, along with excellent health care facilities. Virginia s emergence as a leader in business, technology, and innovation is the focus of Virginia: A Commonwealth of Opportunity. This richly illustrated publication creates a compelling portrait of Virginia s diverse regions, its higher education and health care sectors, and the vital industries that drive its economy, from agriculture and manufacturing to high technology, global logistics, and energy. Also featured are the numerous policies, initiatives, and programs that have helped to promote robust economic growth and innovation throughout the commonwealth.