September 16, 2022

Economic Development Welcomes Spanish Delegation Considering Investment and Job Creation in Virginia Beach

The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development announced today the end of another successful visit of foreign executives and dignitaries who are considering the city as a location of choice for foreign direct investment. The group included nine individuals from eight different companies and organizations, along with representatives from the Spanish embassy in Washington, D.C.

The Spanish delegation traveled to Virginia Beach for a multi-day program that was prepared for them by the Economic Development team. During the week, the delegation toured the city and met with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the Hampton Roads Alliance, two partner organizations responsible for business attraction and retention at the state and regional level respectively. Included on the itinerary were meetings with international companies that are key members of the business community to hear firsthand about their own experience entering the U.S. market and establishing a presence in Virginia Beach.

The delegation visited The Port of Virginia, specifically Virginia International Gateway, which is a state-of-the-art facility on the East Coast and showcases commerce opportunities for prospective businesses. The international guests also attended presentations by the Virginia Maritime Association and representatives of Tidewater Community College who presented their School-to-Industry Partnership program.

"This visit is in part the result of a marketing mission that our Economic Development team conducted in Spain back in June, in addition to the important work the team has been doing to foster relationships with international organizations and multipliers," said Virginia Beach City Manager Patrick A. Duhaney. "We are thrilled that the representatives we met in Barcelona delivered on their promise to meet us in Virginia Beach to witness for themselves that the city is a great place to live and do business."

Throughout the week, the Spanish delegation was introduced to local businesses in their industry to discuss potential partnerships. Additionally, they learned about the Department of Economic Development's innovative initiative, the Virginia Beach International Advisory Committee, which is a group of lawyers, accountants, staffing agencies, purchasing representatives, and other service providers who are well versed in aiding international firms. Members of the committee met with the delegations and provided valuable insight to setting up a business in the United States.

"Community visits such as the one our team hosted this week represent one essential component of our business attraction strategy," commented Taylor Adams, deputy city manager and director of Economic Development for the City of Virginia Beach. "When prospective companies visit us in Virginia Beach, it is a strong indicator that they are seriously considering our community for their business, which could ultimately translate into millions of dollars in private investment and new jobs for the City of Virginia Beach. Simultaneously, these visits constitute an opportunity to connect prospects to local businesses and partner organizations who may also land new clients as a result of this introduction. It's a win for all parties involved."

The Spanish delegation left Virginia Beach yesterday afternoon after a long, but insightful week filled with business meetings and a bit of leisure time, allowing them to explore Virginia Beach after their workday was through. The Economic Development team looks forward to nurturing these relationships with the hope that the Spanish prospects will convert, in the future, into new businesses for the City of Virginia Beach.

For more information about the impact of business attraction and retention efforts by the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, and the Virginia Beach Development Authority, which advises and supports the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, please read the FY2021-22 VBDA Annual Report Summary.

The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to attract and retain national and international businesses to stimulate capital investment and create jobs. For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com.

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