Area Development magazine holds its Spring Forum at the Oceanfront

Virginia Beach, Va. – June 14, 2024 – This week, the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development (VBDED) got to show national site selection consultants and economic development officials why Virginia Beach is ideal for business and named one of the best U.S. cities to live in. June 10-12, VBDED served as host sponsor of the Area Development Spring Consultants Forum at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, along with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Port of Virginia and Hampton Roads Alliance.

“We were thrilled to co-host this forum,” expressed Virginia Beach Director of Economic Development Chuck Rigney. “This event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our City’s unique strengths to national site selection consultants and economic development leaders. With the backdrop of our beautiful oceanfront, attendees saw firsthand why Virginia Beach is truly one of the best U.S. cities to live and work in.”

Last month, U.S. News and World Report ranked Virginia Beach as No. 8 on its list of the best U.S. cities to live in in 2024-2025. According to the magazine, Virginia Beach made their list based on the city having one of the lowest crime rates for a city of its size, per FBI data. The Virginia Beach area is also home to major military bases across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, which attracts a diverse network of service members from every corner of the world. In addition, almost 15,000 military members separate from service each year, helping the City secure the No. 19 rank in the job market category. All of this, forum attendees got a chance to witness for themselves.

Area Development magazine holds two such forums every year in different locations, attracting influential site selection consultants, national developers and economic development decision makers. This week’s forum was the first to be staged in Hampton Roads. The forum provided insights into trends influencing corporate location decisions and economic development strategies, and with the oceanfront backdrop, the 155 attendees and 21 consultants went away knowing Virginia Beach is a great place for business, living and playing.

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About Virginia Beach & the Department of Economic Development
Virginia Beach, Virginia’s largest city, resides where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to drive economic vitality and inclusive prosperity in the city by fostering the attraction and creation of new investment, innovation and jobs. www.yesvirginiabeach.com.