If a comprehensive poll was taken of the citizens of Colonial Heights, it is my belief that the overwhelming majority of our friends and neighbors would recognize that things have been much better here in terms of business and life style than in any many other parts of our country and our state.  Through the downturn in the national economy and the years of tight budget required by the Great Recession, Colonial Heights has stayed relatively stable and we are now seeing significant upticks in commercial business activity and a degree of positive movement in residential housing.  Colonial Heights is unique in many ways; lots of people recognize that, and are grateful for all we have.  We are grateful for the good ole U.S. of A.; we love Virginia, the Tri-Cities and know we benefit from living right here, right where we are.  Our comprehensive poll, in my opinion, would also indicate that expectations are high for our future, as a community, and for the business community in Colonial Heights.

The past year has seen some very significant changes and improvements to our community that will have a direct and long term positive impact on our community and the region in which we live. The completion of our new courthouse, the addition of Dick’s Sporting Goods at our Southpark Mall, the announced addition of Kroger to our community, and persistent activity by local owners of businesses along the Boulevard and other retail and professional locations to improve, upgrade, and invest in their businesses all point to success in the year ahead.  Colonial Heights has hundreds of businesses; some new, but many well established and still striving to grow toward greater success.  Manufacturers are not as prevalent in our city as in other areas but the ones we have do serious and well established business all around the world.  The spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well in our Colonial Heights business owners.

Colonial Heights is positioned in such a way that we also benefit from the activities of our neighboring jurisdictions that also have many strong businesses and lots of citizens who do business here in our stores and restaurants, or utilize the professional services in our community. The reality of the value of Fort Lee, the Army Logistics University and Virginia State University does not escape our business owners or our citizens.

The expansion of Fort Lee and the training that goes on there that brings new trainees and students to the Fort; many of whom shop, eat, or stay in our lodging facilities will hopefully continue to be a boon not only to the Colonial Heights economy but the regional economy.  One recent average of the number of students daily on Fort Lee was 9,623.  Colonial Heights appreciates Fort Lee for the business it brings, but also because we are grateful for the mission of our military and are grateful for what they mean to our lives and our freedoms.

Another regional entity that we recognize as being critical to our future success is Virginia State University.  Virginia State currently has an enrollment of 5,500 students and the University has goals to double that amount in the next few years.  Freshman applications are up 14% over the past year and are expected to continue to rise as new facilities are completed.  Just outside our city limits, if you drive past the entrance of the University, you will see major development happening.  A new athletic and convocation center that will seat 6500 guests is just one of the new developments.  Colonial Heights benefits from the students and employees from VSU who do business in our city.  With the renovation of the Boulevard, the expansion of Dupuy Avenue that leads from VSU to Colonial Heights, and potential renovation and redevelopment associated with our new courthouse, expectations for new business is high in the southern part of our city.

When someone in our region thinks of Colonial Heights, Southpark Mall and the businesses that surround it come to mind.  In the past year, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Encore Shoes were significant additions.  J.C. Penney completed a major renovation that includes Sephora.  Currently there are new stores opening regularly in the mall.  The outside additions under construction now, include IHOP, Firehouse Subs, and Five Below.  The Regal Cinemas in the Mall draw business from many areas south and west of town and contribute to a different and very positive feel; so if you are reading this and have not been there in a while – give it a try.  Southpark Mall experienced a double digit sales increase the past 2 years.

Just across Southpark Circle, the new Golden Corral will open in June and will be the prototype for all new Golden Corral Restaurants across America.   Continuing around Southpark Circle four new stores located adjacent to Ashley Furniture are great indicators of the business climate in Colonial Heights.   A new Chick Fil A on Southpark Boulevard is another sign of growth. A major driver to much of this growth has to do with Fort Lee, and the greater variety of shopping experiences available. Traffic on Temple Avenue has increased 3000 cars in the past year alone.  

Just off Temple Avenue, along Dimmock Parkway a major redevelopment of a former car dealership and auto service area is being completed.  Colonial Orthopedics will be greatly expanding and enhancing their services in the new facility and will also be offering medical offices to physicians.  Patients will be able to see their doctor and have therapy in the same location.   Other new businesses are coming, and there other facilities ready for renovation as Colonial Orthopedics has done.  There are still out parcels available around the mall area and along the Boulevard Business Corridor. There continue to be national big box retailers and other national tenants studying Colonial Heights.  In the past year, there has been lots of movement in the commercial business community, but there are still many opportunities available.  A reasonable statement would be that the commercial market in Colonial Heights has been good and continues to look stronger. And for that we are grateful.

Our comprehensive citizen poll would also indicate the reality of some challenging times in residential real estate.  In Colonial Heights, there appears to be a strong rental market, but we still have a ways to go in residential resales.   Home values are lower and not rising in many cases. There are, however, some new housing starts in Colonial Heights. Some realtors report steady business with even an occasional contract for more than the list price.  Traditionally, the commercial market leads the residential market in recovery, so the strength of our commercial market may be a sign of positive residential news on the horizon.
 
Just recently, the City of Colonial Heights moved to employ a new Economic Development Director.  That decision speaks positively to the commitment of our city leaders to do what is possible to grow business in Colonial Heights.  Strategic planning with citizen involvement and developing Master Comprehensive Plans that grow the tax base are worthy goals.  Business drives the economy, so expanding business and growing the tax base provides the means to pay for improvements that benefit the way of life of our citizens.  Reaching out to potential new businesses, sharing the positive story of Colonial Heights and the Tri-Cities Region can only be good for all of us.
 
We are glad to report positive growth and potential growth in Colonial Heights and are grateful for all who are contributing to our way of life in a positive way.