| It’s good to meet
you
by
Robert C. Powell III
Virginia
Business
November 2004
Introductions are in order. I’m Robert Powell,
the new editor of Virginia Business. Here’s
my business card. You can reach me at (804) 649-6231,
rpowell@va-business.com
or at 333 E. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219. Why
don’t you send me your card so that we can get
acquainted.
Here are a few things about me that are not listed on
the business card. I have worked as a business reporter
and editor in Virginia for 20 years, first at the old
Richmond News Leader, then at the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
My first 31 years, however, were spent in my native
state, Georgia.
I’m telling you that because Virginia is special
to me. Like many Southerners, I’m a history buff.
Growing up in Georgia, I regarded Virginia as the land
of Washington, Jefferson and Madison. Even after 20
years, I have not lost the feeling that I am lucky to
be in Virginia. I can visit the site of Patrick Henry’s
“Liberty or Death” speech on my lunch hour
or tour a series of Civil War battlefields on a day
off.
Since coming to Virginia in 1984, I have become a student
of business as well as history. I earned an MBA from
the University of Richmond while working at the newspaper.
I have used that background to become something of a
professional spectator of Richmond’s business
community. For the past 10 years I was editor of the
weekly Metro Business section at the Times-Dispatch.
Now at Virginia Business I have an opportunity
to learn more about companies throughout the state.
In this issue, for example, contributing writer Lynn
Waltz and Managing Editor Paula Squires look at the
amazing growth of Smithfield
Foods, a company that has become the world’s
largest producer and processor of pork. Facing potential
limitations in the United States, the company plans
to pursue growth overseas, primarily in Eastern Europe.
Also, contributing writer Brett Lieberman looks at the
prospects for Virginia telecommunications
companies, some of which had to seek federal bankruptcy
court protection after the dot-com bubble burst four
years ago. In addition, contributing writer Marjolijn
Bijlefeld looks at the growing crisis among hospitals
in Virginia’s rural communities. At least five
hospitals have had to close their obstetrical units,
forcing women to travel long distances to have their
babies delivered.
Two special projects this month concern developments
in manufacturing and accounting. The manufacturing
section examines the revival of Reedsville’s
menhaden industry, looks at a major renovation
at Philip Morris’ cigarette plant in Richmond
and peeks behind the scenes at the GM
Powertrain plant near Fredericksburg. The “Super
CPA” section features accountants picked by
their peers as the best in their specialty in the state.
In coming months, I hope that I am able to meet many
of you in person to find out about other stories around
the state and to discover what issues are most important
to you.
Robert
C. Powell III
Editor
rpowell@va-business.com
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