Hanover’s Highlights — Looking Back on 2024

As we wrap up 2024, let’s take a look back at some of the most popular stories.  These articles captured the essence of our vibrant community and highlighted the events, achievements, and stories that made this year special.

We look forward to what’s to come in 2025, and we thank you, Hanover County, for all of the support and collaboration in 2024!  Here are the top stories of the past year:

SanMar Corporation Named as Community Impact Award Winner

SanMar Corporation’s investment in Hanover County, Virginia and Greater Richmond was recognized by Trade & Industry Development magazine as a project that will have a significant community impact.  Trade & Industry Development publishes the CiCi awards each year to highlight economic development projects with either strong corporate investment and/or projects that will positively impact the community.

Agri-tourism in Hanover County is Growing: USDA 2022 Census Data

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture on February 13, 2024, spanning more than 6 million data points, down to the County level, concerning America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them.  The 2022 Ag Census reported that the number of farms deriving income from agri-tourism and recreational services in Hanover County has increased 189% from 9 farms in 2017 to 26 farms in 2022 with income skyrocketing 970% from $64,000 in 2017 to $685,000 in 2022.

VIcom Cuts Ribbon on New Facility in Hanover County, VA

VIcom hosted an open house and held a ribbon cutting ceremony on its new facility in Hanover County on Thursday, September 19, 2024.  The Virginia Beach-based IT company has constructed a state-of-the-art 31,000-square-foot office and warehouse facility at 9335 Cool Spring Road in Mechanicsville.  The company occupies 24,000 square feet of the new building and will lease the remaining 7,000 square feet.

Kings Dominion to Launch New Coaster in 2025

Kings Dominion, central Virginia’s beloved amusement park located in Hanover County, has announced the arrival of Rapterra as part of the park’s 50th anniversary season in 2025.  Standing 145 feet tall and stretching 3,086 feet long, this incredible new attraction will be the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster, and promises an unforgettable experience filled with heights, speed and exhilarating maneuvers for all park-goers.

Hiring in Hanover, VA App Awarded 2024 VACo Achievement Award

The Hiring in Hanover, VA App continues its award-winning streak by receiving its third recognition, Virginia Association of County’s (VACO) Achievement Award, which is a competitive program open to local government members of the association. There were 45 recipients of VACO Achievement Awards in 2024 throughout the Commonwealth, which recognize excellence in local government programs.

Deutz Power Center Mid-Atlantic Opens in Ashland VA

DEUTZ Corporation has expanded its Power Center network with the addition of DEUTZ Power Center Mid-Atlantic at 11089 Leadbetter Road in Ashland, Virginia.  This new Power Center, located just north of Richmond, will provide quick and efficient access to enhance service for the states of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.

Hanover County Department of Economic Development Releases FY 2024 Annual Report

Annually, the Department of Economic Development compiles an extensive report featuring the Department’s work completed over the past fiscal year, achievements, and data pertaining to economic development and tourism in Hanover County.  This year’s report documents another strong year of performance by the Department and County, along with some highlights of key partnerships and collaborations which have enabled success.

Randolph-Macon College Engineering Program Granted ABET Accreditation

Randolph-Macon College, a nationally recognized residential college of 1620 students located in Ashland, Virginia, has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET for its Bachelor’s degree program in Engineering.  ABET is the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

GRTC to Launch New Microtransit Route In Hanover, VA

The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) established, and has since enhanced, one of its newest LINK service areas for the Ashland Zone providing on-demand rides to and from work, appointments, shopping and more!  A ribbon cutting ceremony occurred at Ashland Town Hall on March 18, 2024.