MICHAEL FELBERBAUM
AP Business Writer
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia officials say they’ve got their gloves off to compete with other states and countries to lure more businesses and jobs to the state.
As Virginia seeks to diversify its economy to be less dependent on federal government-related jobs, officials are concentrating efforts to attract businesses as well as help current businesses succeed and grow.
According to state data obtained by The Associated Press, Virginia has scored more than 1,550 economic projects with investments totaling about $26.5 billion and more than 133,780 jobs since 2005.
During that same period the state lost more than 115 projects, representing a potential capital investment topping $19 billion and more than 37,350 jobs.
Among the key focus areas for state officials are bulking up Virginia’s infrastructure, boosting workforce development and targeting high-growth sectors.
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