Statewide effort focuses on Virginia’s business climate and long-term investment outlook ahead of the budget vote

RICHMOND, Va., May 19, 2026 — As General Assembly budget conferees work toward an upcoming vote, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce today launched “Keep Virginia Open,” a statewide campaign focused on the Commonwealth’s track record of honoring commitments to businesses.

At issue are proposals that would alter existing agreements between the Commonwealth and employers that have invested in Virginia. Manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, data centers, and other major employers have raised concerns that changing the terms of those agreements could affect industries across the state operating under similar arrangements.

“Virginia’s reputation as a top state for business was not built by accident. It was built on the principle that the Commonwealth keeps its word,” said Keith Martin, interim president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “Every job created, every dollar invested and every community strengthened by private-sector growth traces back to that principle. The business community is asking the General Assembly to uphold it.”

Virginia has been named CNBC’s Top State for Business six times, more than any other state in the program’s history. That recognition is often tied to the stability and predictability of its business environment.

The campaign builds on a coalition effort that includes more than 50 statewide and regional business organizations and employers that signed a March letter to legislative leaders raising concerns about the proposals. Keep Virginia Open extends that coalition’s message through a campaign website where Virginians can learn more and contact their legislators.

“Site selection decisions are made on the basis of predictability,” Martin said. “Other states are watching how Virginia handles this moment, and so are companies considering where to locate their next investment.”

Learn more by visiting KeepVirginiaOpen.com.

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