Chesapeake, VA – October 28, 2025 – The Virginia Chamber of Commerce convened its third annual Forum on Infrastructure and Its Impact on Economic Development today at the Chesapeake Conference Center, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the critical role of infrastructure in driving the Commonwealth’s economic future.

This year’s forum on infrastructure, a cornerstone of the Virginia Chamber’s Blueprint Virginia 2035 initiative, featured keynote addresses from Jennifer Ganten, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and John Hewa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. The event also included panel discussions on topics such as accelerating infrastructure through smarter permitting and building more adaptive, future-ready infrastructure amid tight budgets, climate change, cyber threats, and aging systems.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of Virginia’s economic competitiveness,” said Keith Martin, Interim President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “From reliable energy and efficient transportation to broadband and water systems, these investments make it possible for businesses of all sizes to thrive. Virginia has made tremendous progress, but as we look ahead to Blueprint Virginia 2035, continued collaboration and forward-thinking investment will be essential to keep our Commonwealth competitive for generations to come.”

“This conference highlights how business, government, and community leaders can come together to address Virginia’s infrastructure challenges and opportunities,” said Linda Stanley, Chair of the Virginia Chamber Board of Directors. “Blueprint Virginia 2035 guides our collective vision for the Commonwealth’s economic future, ensuring that strategic investments in infrastructure support workforce development, competitiveness, and long-term growth.”

The priorities of today’s event reflect the goals outlined in Blueprint Virginia 2035, the Virginia Chamber’s comprehensive business plan for the Commonwealth: to ensure robust, reliable, and future-ready infrastructure that supports economic competitiveness, encourages innovative investment strategies, and streamlines permitting and project approvals through 2035 and beyond.

For more information on the 2025 Forum on Infrastructure and Its Impact on Economic Development and other events, especially the Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade where the Blueprint will be presented to the Governor-elect, visit vachamber.com.

About the Virginia Chamber Foundation: 

The Virginia Chamber Foundation is the 501(c)(3) arm of the Virginia Chamber, which tracks economic competitiveness and advances long-term policy solutions. Through in-depth research and analysis, strategic initiatives, and sector-specific Industry Councils, the Foundation develops, advances, and tracks the proposed priorities within Blueprint Virginia – a comprehensive plan to position the Commonwealth as the best state for business. These Councils convene leaders from across key industries to provide expert insight on public policy issues shaping Virginia’s future. The Foundation will present the next iteration, Blueprint Virginia 2035, to the Governor-Elect at the 2025 Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade on December 5. Learn more at https://vachamber.com/foundation/about-the-foundation/

About the Virginia Chamber of Commerce:

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, with more than 30,000 members. The Virginia Chamber is a non-partisan organization that champions the interests of the business community in the legislative, regulatory, and political arenas to serve as the catalyst for positive change in all areas of economic development and competitiveness for Virginia. Learn more at www.vachamber.com 

###