This past year marked a period of extraordinary transformation and record-setting job growth for the City of Danville and the surrounding Southern Virginia region. In 2024 alone, over 2,400 new jobs were created, and $1.46 billion in investments were announced. From groundbreaking developments to ribbon-cutting ceremonies of family-owned small businesses, the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism (DOEDT) is committed to lifting up our business community and creating pathways to success for each individual.
Let’s explore the key moments from this past year that have defined the Southern Virginia region and the future of Danville’s workforce.
Groundbreakings & Grand Openings
In November of 2024, city and state leaders joined Governor Glenn Youngkin to break ground at the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill, where Microporous announced a $1.35 billion investment to establish a lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant, creating 2,015 jobs. This project marks one of the largest economic investments in Virginia’s history.
Caesars Virginia celebrated its grand opening in December, alongside City and State leaders, community members, and media. This $750 million investment created over 1,000 jobs and features 320 guest rooms, world-class dining, including Chef Gordan Ramsay’s Kitchen, upscale bars and lounges, 50,000 square feet of meeting space, 90,000 square feet of gaming space, a pool, and full-service spa.
The region’s industrial momentum continued into 2025. In July, Virginia leaders celebrated the announcement of WB Alloys, a UK-based wire alloy manufacturer that will invest $6.6 million and create 30 jobs. The manufacturer will specialize in production for the Navy and Department of Defense.
Meanwhile, site preparation efforts continued to ensure future job growth. In August, Pittsylvania County was awarded $1.5 million in Virginia Business Ready Sites Program Grants to improve site characterization, readiness, and development, creating a smooth construction process for new industries.
Just as large-scale projects shape our regional economy, small businesses shape daily life in Danville. In the past year, countless family-owned restaurants, grocery stores, boutiques, retailers, and more have opened their doors, including Hart & Happy, La Nopalera Tienda & Carniceria, Mister Bentley’s Deli, and Whiskey River Western Wear. Each small business brings a unique product or story to Southern Virginia.
Growing Together
From small businesses to large industries and manufacturers, the DOEDT is dedicated to equipping our business owners with the tools they need to succeed in a constantly evolving economy. In the past year, our office hosted workshops, events, and training opportunities to support our local business owners, ranging from financial literacy workshops and marketing workshops to customer service training and workforce development opportunities.
Untapped Talent aimed to educate community members on how to utilize workforce groups, such as veterans, seniors, youth, and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities; while the Southern Virginia Procurement & Business Resource Summit worked to enlighten our small business owners how to obtain contracts in working with large industries. This past summer, Puertas Abiertas sought to connect our Small, Women, and Minority-owned businesses with new opportunities for growth.
Corrie Bobe, DOEDT Director, describes the impact of this past year, “The remarkable growth we’ve seen in both economic development and tourism, alongside our ongoing efforts to support local businesses and create opportunities for all residents, reflects the dynamic changes shaping our future. This year has set the stage for even greater success in the years to come.”
Each day, the DOEDT strives to make our region a better place to live, work, raise family, and grow a business. Looking back, we are grateful for the progress achieved in the past year; looking forward, we are excited to build on this foundation as we write the next chapter of a stronger, brighter City of Danville.
For more information on workforce development in the City of Danville, visit www.discoverdanville.com or follow our social media pages.